Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 1:23

"And it came to pass, when the days of his ministration were fulfilled, he departed unto his house." — Luke 1:23 (ASV)

23. As soon as the days of his ministration, and so forth.

As soon as he had fulfilled the duties of the week, it might have been supposed that the extraordinary occurrence in the temple, together with his own calamity, would have induced him to leave this place immediately and return home; but his duty was in the temple.

His piety prompted him to remain there in the service of God. His speechlessness did not render him unfit for burning incense, and it was not proper for him to leave his post.

It is the duty of ministers of religion to remain at their work until they are unfitted for it and unable to serve God in their profession. Then they must retire. But until that time, he who for trifling causes forsakes his post is guilty of unfaithfulness to his Master.