1:11-12 — Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.

The right side is, in the Bible, consistently the favoured side. The idea is not so difficult to understand. Right-handedness is considerably more prevalent than left-handedness and is, therefore, considered in most cultures as "normal." When in danger, a person is better protected standing towards the right-hand side of his protector. It is easier to lean on someone on the right whether for aid or to whisper intimacies to. Standing on the right side of the altar, the angel signals that his intentions is no ominous or menacing. It was a good thing too. For, despite this gracious provision, Zechariah still responded with fear. As well he should; anyone who can respond otherwise to such a divine visitation does not know what he deep trouble he is into. Fear is a natural response in such circumstances, as the similar responses of others in the Bible indicates. The problem with Zechariah's response is not fear but, as we shall soon see, his unbelief.