2 Chronicles 24:20
Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood up before the people and said to them, "This is what God says: 'Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.'"
Then the Spirit of God came upon
This phrase signifies a divine empowerment and inspiration. In the Hebrew context, the "Spirit of God" (רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים, Ruach Elohim) is often associated with God's active presence and power. This is not merely a feeling or emotion but a profound, transformative experience where God Himself equips an individual for a specific task or message. Historically, this divine empowerment was necessary for prophets to deliver God's messages with authority and clarity. It underscores the belief that true prophecy is not of human origin but divinely inspired.

Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest
Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, is a significant figure due to his lineage and role. Jehoiada was a faithful priest who had a substantial influence on King Joash, guiding him in the ways of the Lord. Zechariah, following in his father's footsteps, represents the continuation of a godly legacy. His identity as a priest highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and the responsibility to uphold God's commandments. This historical context emphasizes the tragedy of his eventual martyrdom, as it reflects the people's departure from their spiritual roots.

He stood before the people
This phrase indicates a position of authority and courage. To "stand before the people" in a biblical sense often means to take a public stance, especially in delivering a message from God. It requires boldness and conviction, as the prophet is often confronting the people with uncomfortable truths. This act of standing is symbolic of Zechariah's role as a mediator between God and the Israelites, emphasizing the prophetic duty to speak truth to power, regardless of personal risk.

and said to them, 'This is what God says
The phrase "This is what God says" is a declaration of divine authority. In Hebrew, it is often introduced by "כה אמר יהוה" (Ko amar Yahweh), which translates to "Thus says the LORD." This formula is used throughout the prophetic literature to assert that the message is not the prophet's own but directly from God. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness and authenticity of the message, demanding the audience's attention and obedience.

Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD
Here, "transgress" (פָּשַׁע, pasha) implies a willful rebellion or breach of trust. The commandments of the LORD are not merely rules but a covenantal relationship between God and His people. To transgress them is to break faith with God, which has severe spiritual and communal consequences. This question is rhetorical, meant to provoke self-examination and repentance among the people, highlighting the gravity of their disobedience.

so that you cannot prosper?
The inability to prosper is presented as a direct consequence of disobedience. In the biblical worldview, prosperity is often linked to faithfulness to God's commandments. This is not merely material wealth but encompasses spiritual well-being and divine favor. The historical context of Israel's covenant with God included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, as outlined in Deuteronomy. This phrase serves as a reminder of the conditional nature of God's promises.

Because you have forsaken the LORD
Forsaking the LORD (עָזַב, azav) implies a deliberate abandonment or neglect. This is a serious accusation, as it denotes a turning away from the source of life and blessing. In the historical context, forsaking God often led to idolatry and moral decay. This phrase underscores the covenantal breach and the relational aspect of sin, which is not just a legal transgression but a personal betrayal of God.

He has forsaken you
This is a sobering declaration of divine judgment. The reciprocal nature of the relationship between God and His people is highlighted here. When the people abandon God, they remove themselves from His protection and blessing. This is not an arbitrary punishment but a natural consequence of their actions. Theologically, it serves as a warning of the seriousness of sin and the importance of maintaining faithfulness to God. It calls the audience to repentance and a return to the covenant relationship with the LORD.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zechariah
The son of Jehoiada the priest, Zechariah was a prophet who boldly spoke God's truth to the people of Judah. His role was to call the people back to faithfulness to God.

2. Jehoiada
A faithful priest who had previously guided King Joash in the ways of the Lord. His influence was significant in the early years of Joash's reign.

3. The Spirit of God
The divine presence and power that enabled Zechariah to prophesy and speak God's message to the people.

4. The People of Judah
The audience of Zechariah's message, who had turned away from God's commandments, leading to their spiritual and eventual physical downfall.

5. The Temple
The central place of worship in Jerusalem, which had been restored under Jehoiada's guidance but was now being neglected and misused.
Teaching Points
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit empowers believers to speak truth and call others to repentance. We should seek the Spirit's guidance in our own lives to stand firm in faith.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commandments is crucial for spiritual prosperity. Disobedience leads to separation from God and its consequences.

Courage in Proclaiming Truth
Like Zechariah, we are called to speak God's truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. Courage in faith is essential.

The Consequences of Forsaking God
Turning away from God leads to spiritual and often physical decline. We must remain steadfast in our relationship with Him.

The Legacy of Faithful Leaders
Jehoiada's influence shows the impact of godly leadership. We should strive to be leaders who guide others in righteousness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in Zechariah's life encourage you in your own spiritual journey?

2. In what ways can you ensure that you are obeying God's commandments in your daily life?

3. What are some modern-day challenges you face when trying to speak God's truth, and how can you overcome them?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take, or can you take, to restore that relationship?

5. How can you be a positive spiritual influence in your community, similar to Jehoiada's role in Judah?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 23:35
Jesus references the murder of Zechariah, highlighting the pattern of rejecting God's messengers.

Hebrews 11:37
This passage speaks of the prophets who suffered for their faith, including those who were stoned, like Zechariah.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
This passage emphasizes the importance of obedience to God over ritual sacrifices, paralleling Zechariah's call to follow God's commandments.

Galatians 6:7-8
The principle of sowing and reaping is evident in Zechariah's warning that forsaking God leads to being forsaken.
The Downward Career of a KingT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 24:17-22
Sad Successive StagesW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 24:17-25
Judah's ApostasyJ. C. Geikie, D.D.2 Chronicles 24:19-21
The Goodness of King JoashHenry Drury, M.A.2 Chronicles 24:19-21
People
Amaziah, Aram, Athaliah, David, Jehoiada, Jehozabad, Joash, Levites, Shimeath, Shimrith, Syrians, Zabad, Zechariah, Zibiah
Places
Beersheba, Damascus, Jerusalem
Topics
Badly, Can't, Clothed, Commandments, Commands, Disobey, Forsake, Forsaken, Getting, Goes, Jehoiada, Jehoi'ada, Lord's, Orders, Over-against, Possession, Priest, Prosper, Says, Spirit, Standeth, Stood, Thus, Transgress, Transgressing, Wherefore, Zechariah, Zechari'ah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 24:20

     3015   Holy Spirit, divinity
     3272   Holy Spirit, in OT
     3281   Holy Spirit, inspiration
     5597   victory, act of God
     5770   abandonment
     6195   impenitence, results
     8707   apostasy, personal
     8737   evil, responses to

2 Chronicles 24:17-20

     5838   disrespect

2 Chronicles 24:20-21

     5557   stoning
     5817   conspiracies
     8450   martyrdom

Library
The King's Farewell
'Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, 30. And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Joash
'And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest.... 17. Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.'--2 CHRON. xxiv. 2, 17. Here we have the tragedy of a soul. Joash begins life well and for the greater part of it remains faithful to his conscience and to his duty, and then, when outward circumstances change, he casts all behind him, forgets the past and commits moral
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Glad Givers and Faithful Workers
'And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the Lord. 5. And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not. 6. And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Channel of Power.
A Word that Sticks and Stings. I suppose everyone here can think of three or four persons whom he loves or regards highly, who are not christians. Can you? Perhaps in your own home circle, or in the circle of your close friends. They may be nice people, cultured, lovable, delightful companions, fond of music and good books, and all that; but this is true of them, that they do not trust and confess Jesus as a personal Savior. Can you think of such persons in your own circle? I am going to wait a
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power

The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Conclusion
"Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Rev. 19:6). In our Foreword to the Second Edition we acknowledge the need for preserving the balance of Truth. Two things are beyond dispute: God is Sovereign, man is responsible. In this book we have sought to expound the former; in our other works we have frequently pressed the latter. That there is real danger of over-emphasising the one and ignoring the other, we readily admit; yea, history furnishes numerous examples of cases of each. To emphasise
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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