Charles Spurgeon Commentary Luke 1:10

"And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the hour of incense." — Luke 1:10 (ASV)

And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

While he, in the inner shrine, was burning incense, the multitudes in the outer courts were engaging in prayer. I think that is a very beautiful symbol: the priest unseen, like the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy of Holies above, and the mass of the people engaged in prayer while the unseen priest is offering the sacred perfume before the altar of Jehovah.