Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, is a significant yet tragic figure in the history of Judah, known for his role as a prophet and his martyrdom. His account is primarily recounted in 2 Chronicles 24, where he stands as a testament to the faithfulness of God's prophets and the consequences of turning away from divine commandments.

Background and Family

Zechariah was the son of Jehoiada the priest, a prominent and godly leader in Judah. Jehoiada played a crucial role in the preservation of the Davidic line by orchestrating the crowning of Joash as king and the overthrow of the usurper Athaliah (2 Chronicles 23). Under Jehoiada's guidance, King Joash initially led the nation in a period of religious reform and fidelity to the covenant with Yahweh.

Prophetic Ministry

Following the death of Jehoiada, King Joash's reign took a turn for the worse. The king and the people of Judah abandoned the house of the LORD and began to worship idols and Asherah poles. In response to this apostasy, God sent prophets to bring the people back to Him, but they would not listen (2 Chronicles 24:18-19).

Zechariah, filled with the Spirit of God, stood as a bold voice against this spiritual decline. He confronted the people and King Joash, declaring, "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). His message was a direct call to repentance and a warning of the consequences of their unfaithfulness.

Martyrdom

Tragically, Zechariah's courageous stand for truth led to his martyrdom. Despite his father Jehoiada's past loyalty and service to the king, Joash 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). His final words were a poignant appeal to divine justice: "May the LORD see this and call you to account" (2 Chronicles 24:22).

Legacy and New Testament Reference

Zechariah's death marked a turning point in Joash's reign, leading to divine retribution. The Arameans invaded Judah, and Joash was ultimately assassinated by his own officials (2 Chronicles 24:23-25). Zechariah's martyrdom is remembered as a symbol of the rejection of God's messengers and the severe consequences that follow.

In the New Testament, Jesus references Zechariah's death when condemning the religious leaders of His time for their hypocrisy and violence against God's prophets. In Matthew 23:35 , Jesus mentions "the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar," highlighting the continuity of persecution faced by those who speak God's truth.

Zechariah son of Jehoiada remains a powerful example of prophetic courage and the cost of faithfulness in the face of opposition. His life and death serve as a sobering reminder of the call to uphold God's truth, regardless of the personal cost.