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I. PROPHETIC DENUNCIATION OF APOSTASY RESENTED.

II. ZECHARIAH'S DEATH WAS PARALLEL WITH THAT OF ST. STEPHEN.

1. His offence was the denunciation of the sin of the leaders of Judah (Acts 7:51-53).

2. Stoned as a blasphemer.

III. CONTRAST IN THE SPIRIT OF JUDAISM AND CHRISTIANITY —

1. Zechariah's last words: "The Lord look on it and requite it."

2. Stephen's: "Lord lay not this sin to their charge."

IV. REFLECTIONS.

1. The value of a wise and true friend. Jehoiada's influence on Joash.

2. The necessity of a moral reformation as well as a political to secure permanent results in religious changes. The reformation under Joash was merely outward conformity.

V. THE CERTAINTY THAT A FAITHFUL MINISTRY IMPLIES THE UNPOPULARITY OF THOSE WHO EXERCISE IT.

1. All the prophets suffered under Judaism (Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51).

2. Christ, Stephen, the apostles, the early Christians. Reformers all through history.

3. Human nature always the same. It hates those who attack its sins.

VI. THE SPIRIT THAT RESENTS FAITHFUL REPROOF ALWAYS ENTAILS RETRIBUTION ON ITSELF (ver. 23). To do wrong and refuse instruction is the greatest misfortune a man can suffer.

VII. THE NECESSITY TO DO RIGHT FOR DUTY'S SAKE, WITHOUT EXPECTING GRATITUDE OR ACKNOWLEDGMENT.

(J. C. Geikie, D.D.)

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KJV: Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.

WEB: Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again to Yahweh; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.