2 Chronicles 24:20 – “Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, ‘This is what God says: “Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.”‘”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse recounts a critical moment in the reign of King Joash, where the Spirit of God comes upon Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, to deliver a stern message to the people of Judah. Zechariah, filled with God’s Spirit, stood before the people and rebuked them for their disobedience to God’s commands. He warned that because they had abandoned God, He would now forsake them. The message is direct and clear: disobedience to God’s law would not bring success, and forsaking the Lord would lead to dire consequences.
Zechariah’s message was one of warning, calling the people to recognize their sin and repent. His reference to the fact that they would not “prosper” speaks not just of material success but of God’s blessing and favor being removed from their lives. His declaration that God had “forsaken” them is a response to their persistent rebellion and idolatry, which was leading them further away from God’s protection and provision.
Historical Context
Zechariah was the son of Jehoiada, the high priest who had played a key role in restoring King Joash to the throne as a child and guiding him in the early years of his reign. Jehoiada had been a godly influence on Joash, ensuring that he remained faithful to the Lord and oversaw the restoration of the temple. However, after Jehoiada’s death, Joash was influenced by other leaders who led him and the nation of Judah into idolatry.
Zechariah’s message came during a time of spiritual decline, when the people had turned away from the worship of the true God and embraced pagan practices. Zechariah’s boldness in standing up to the king and the people was a direct act of obedience to the Spirit of God. Despite his family’s close relationship with Joash, Zechariah did not shy away from speaking the truth, even though it would ultimately cost him his life.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Zechariah’s message was a warning that disobedience to God leads to negative consequences. The statement “you will not prosper” indicates that rejecting God’s ways brings spiritual and often practical ruin. God’s commands are not arbitrary rules but are given for our well-being and relationship with Him. When we disregard them, we step out of His protection and blessing.
Another key theme in this verse is the idea that forsaking God results in God’s withdrawal. Zechariah’s message, “Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you,” is a sobering reminder that when we choose to turn away from God, He honors that choice. This doesn’t mean that God ceases to love or care for us, but it does mean that we lose the intimate fellowship and guidance that comes from walking closely with Him.
Finally, this verse highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering God’s messengers to speak the truth, even in difficult circumstances. Zechariah’s boldness came from the Spirit of God, who gave him the courage to stand before the king and the people with an unpopular message. This reflects the truth that God’s Spirit equips believers to stand for truth, even when it is costly.
Literary Analysis
The structure of the verse emphasizes both the divine origin of Zechariah’s message and the seriousness of its content. The phrase “the Spirit of God came on Zechariah” shows that this was not just a human opinion or complaint—it was a message from God Himself. Zechariah’s role as a prophet is made clear, and his words are framed as direct communication from God: “This is what God says.”
The two key questions and statements in Zechariah’s message—”Why do you disobey?” and “Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you”—are parallel in structure, highlighting the connection between the people’s actions and the consequences they would face. The repetition of the word “forsaken” drives home the seriousness of their rejection of God and the resulting consequences.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 28:15 – “However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you.” This passage outlines the consequences of disobedience, which echoes Zechariah’s warning.
- Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” The people of Judah thought their idolatry and disobedience were acceptable, but it ultimately led to destruction.
- Hebrews 3:7-8 – “So, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.'” This New Testament verse calls believers to listen to God’s voice and not repeat the mistakes of disobedience.
- Acts 7:51 – Stephen, like Zechariah, calls out the people for their resistance to God’s truth, saying, “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the need to remain faithful to God’s commands. Zechariah’s message to the people of Judah is a warning to us as well: when we turn away from God’s ways, we cut ourselves off from the blessing and guidance that come from living in obedience to Him. This doesn’t mean God abandons us entirely, but it does mean that we lose the intimacy and protection that come with walking closely with Him.
This verse also encourages us to be bold in speaking God’s truth, even when it’s difficult. Zechariah stood up to an entire nation, including its king, because he was empowered by the Spirit of God. In a world that often rejects God’s standards, we are called to stand firm in our faith and speak the truth in love, trusting that God will give us the courage we need.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love through His willingness to send prophets like Zechariah to warn His people. God didn’t immediately bring judgment upon Judah—He sent messengers to call them back to Him, giving them a chance to repent and return. This reflects God’s patience and His desire for restoration, not destruction.
Even the warning “you will not prosper” is an expression of God’s love. God doesn’t want His people to continue down a path that leads to ruin. By warning them of the consequences of their sin, He is giving them the opportunity to change and avoid further harm. God’s love is not only seen in His blessings but also in His discipline, which is intended to bring His people back to a right relationship with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Zechariah’s bold proclamation of truth, despite the danger it posed, points to the ultimate prophet and messenger, Jesus Christ. Like Zechariah, Jesus stood before the people of His day and called them to repentance. He warned of the consequences of rejecting God’s ways and offered the hope of restoration. Tragically, like Zechariah, Jesus was also rejected by many and ultimately put to death by those He came to save.
In Jesus, we see the perfect fulfillment of the role that Zechariah played. Jesus didn’t just warn of the consequences of sin—He provided the solution through His death and resurrection. While Zechariah’s message was a call to return to the covenant, Jesus offered a new covenant, one based on His sacrifice, which provides forgiveness and eternal life for all who believe (Hebrews 8:6).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Zechariah’s warning about the consequences of disobedience challenge you in your own walk with God? Are there areas of your life where you need to return to obedience?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of listening to God’s correction? How can you cultivate a heart that is responsive to His voice?
- In what ways can you be bold in speaking God’s truth to others, as Zechariah was, even when it may be unpopular or difficult?
- How does this verse show both God’s love and justice? How can you see His discipline as an expression of His desire to bring you back to Him?
- How does Zechariah’s role as a prophet point to Jesus, who also called people to repentance and offered the ultimate solution for sin?
This verse reminds us that God desires obedience and faithfulness, and that rejecting His commands has serious consequences. Yet it also points to God’s love, as He continually calls us back to Him through His Word and His messengers. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to listen to God’s voice, repent where necessary, and trust in the forgiveness and grace that He offers through Christ. Like Zechariah, we are also called to stand firm in the truth, no matter the cost, and to speak boldly about God’s righteousness and love.