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.'"

Study Bible

Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest
This phrase highlights the divine inspiration and authority given to Zechariah. The Spirit of God coming upon someone is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, signifying empowerment for a specific task or message (e.g., Judges 6:34, 1 Samuel 10:10). Zechariah, being the son of Jehoiada, connects him to a lineage of faithful service to God, as Jehoiada was instrumental in preserving the Davidic line and restoring true worship in Judah (2 Chronicles 23). This divine empowerment underscores the seriousness and authenticity of Zechariah's message.

who stood up before the people and said to them
Zechariah's act of standing before the people indicates a public declaration, emphasizing the importance and urgency of his message. Prophets often delivered messages publicly to ensure that the entire community heard God's word, as seen with other prophets like Elijah and Jeremiah. This public setting also reflects the courage required to confront the people, especially when delivering a message of rebuke.

“This is what God says:
This phrase introduces the prophetic message with authority, indicating that the words to follow are not Zechariah's own but are directly from God. This formula is common in prophetic literature, establishing the divine origin of the message (e.g., "Thus says the LORD" in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel). It serves to remind the audience of the seriousness and divine authority behind the message.

‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper?
The question posed by Zechariah addresses the people's disobedience to God's laws. Transgressing the commandments refers to violating the covenantal laws given to Israel, which were meant to guide them in righteousness and ensure their prosperity (Deuteronomy 28). The connection between obedience and prosperity is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where blessings are contingent upon faithfulness to God's commands (Joshua 1:8).

Because you have forsaken the LORD,
Forsaking the LORD implies a deliberate turning away from God and His covenant. This abandonment often led to idolatry and moral decay, as seen throughout Israel's history. The language echoes the warnings given in Deuteronomy 31:16-18, where forsaking God results in dire consequences. This phrase highlights the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where faithfulness is expected.

He has forsaken you.’”
The consequence of forsaking God is His withdrawal of protection and blessing, a theme consistent with the covenantal curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. This statement serves as a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing that God's presence and favor are conditional upon the people's faithfulness. The forsaking by God is not arbitrary but a response to the people's actions, reflecting the justice and holiness of God.

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.