The assassination of Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest, is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, highlighting the spiritual and moral decline of the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Joash. This event is documented in 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 and serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and His commandments.

Historical Context

Zechariah was the son of Jehoiada, the high priest who played a crucial role in preserving the Davidic line by protecting Joash from the murderous intentions of Athaliah. Jehoiada's influence was instrumental in guiding Joash during the early years of his reign, leading to a period of religious reform and the restoration of the temple (2 Chronicles 23-24:14). However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash's fidelity to the LORD waned, and he succumbed to the influence of corrupt officials who led him astray (2 Chronicles 24:17-18).

The Prophetic Warning

In response to the nation's apostasy, the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah, who stood before the people and delivered a prophetic warning. He declared, "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 also forsaken you’” (2 Chronicles 24:20). Zechariah's bold proclamation was a call to repentance, urging the people to return to the covenantal faithfulness that had been abandoned.

The Assassination

Tragically, Zechariah's message was met with hostility rather than repentance. King Joash, forgetting the kindness and loyalty of Jehoiada, conspired against Zechariah. At the king's command, Zechariah was stoned to death in the courtyard of the LORD's temple (2 Chronicles 24:21). This act of betrayal and murder was a grievous sin, highlighting the depth of Joash's apostasy and the nation's moral decay.

Theological Significance

The assassination of Zechariah is a stark illustration of the consequences of forsaking God's law and the prophetic voice. It underscores the theme of covenantal unfaithfulness and divine retribution that runs throughout the biblical narrative. Zechariah's dying words, "May the LORD see this and call you to account" (2 Chronicles 24:22), echo the biblical principle that God is a righteous judge who will not overlook injustice.

New Testament Reference

The New Testament references the murder of Zechariah as part of a broader indictment of the religious leaders' historical pattern of rejecting God's messengers. Jesus mentions Zechariah's death in Matthew 23:35, saying, "And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar" . This reference serves to connect the rejection of the prophets in the Old Testament with the rejection of Christ Himself.

Legacy

The assassination of Zechariah remains a sobering reminder of the cost of disobedience and the rejection of divine truth. It calls believers to remain steadfast in their faith, to heed the warnings of Scripture, and to honor those who speak God's truth, even when it challenges the status quo.