2 Chronicles 24:22 – “King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, ‘May the Lord see this and call you to account.'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse presents a tragic conclusion to the story of Zechariah’s martyrdom. King Joash, who owed his life and kingship to Jehoiada, the high priest and Zechariah’s father, turned against his benefactor’s family. Jehoiada had protected Joash when he was a child and had guided him in his early reign, ensuring that he ruled faithfully according to God’s laws. However, after Jehoiada’s death, Joash fell under the influence of corrupt leaders, and his loyalty to God and Jehoiada’s family dissolved.
Zechariah, following in his father’s footsteps as a faithful priest, stood up to Joash and the people, warning them about their disobedience to God. Rather than responding with repentance, Joash ordered Zechariah’s death. The verse shows the ultimate betrayal: Joash ignored the kindness Jehoiada had shown him and executed his son in a brutal act of injustice. As Zechariah lay dying, he called on God to see the injustice and hold Joash accountable.
Zechariah’s dying words, “May the Lord see this and call you to account,” reflect the idea of divine justice. Though Joash was the king and held earthly power, Zechariah knew that God’s justice would prevail in the end. His final plea was not for personal revenge but for God’s righteousness to be upheld.
Historical Context
Joash became king of Judah as a young boy, saved from execution by the faithful high priest Jehoiada during Queen Athaliah’s reign of terror. Jehoiada protected Joash and led him to restore the temple and bring the people back to God. For years, Joash ruled well under Jehoiada’s guidance. However, after Jehoiada’s death, Joash turned away from the godly counsel that had once guided him and became influenced by corrupt leaders who led him into idolatry.
Zechariah, as Jehoiada’s son and a priest, had the responsibility of calling Joash and the people back to faithfulness. When Zechariah confronted Joash about his unfaithfulness, instead of repenting, Joash chose to silence the prophet through murder. This act of betrayal by Joash against the very family that had saved him highlights the depth of his fall from grace.
Historically, this act marked a turning point in Joash’s reign. The kingdom would soon face God’s judgment for this and other sins, and Joash himself would be assassinated by his own officials as part of the divine retribution for his actions (2 Chronicles 24:25).
Theological Implications
This verse underscores several key theological truths:
- Betrayal and Ingratitude: Joash’s failure to remember Jehoiada’s kindness is a stark reminder of how sin can lead people to forget the good that has been done for them. Joash’s ingratitude toward Jehoiada’s family reflects the hardening of his heart after he turned away from God.
- The Cost of Faithfulness: Zechariah’s martyrdom shows the cost of standing up for God’s truth. He paid with his life for confronting the king and the people about their sin. His death points to the reality that living faithfully for God can lead to persecution, especially when confronting power and corruption.
- Divine Justice: Zechariah’s final words point to the reality that, even if justice is not seen immediately, God sees all and will hold people accountable for their actions. Earthly injustice does not go unnoticed by God, and He will eventually bring about justice in His time.
- The Consequences of Unfaithfulness: Joash’s failure to remain faithful to God and the betrayal of his benefactor’s son led to his own downfall. This highlights the truth that turning away from God and mistreating His people brings serious consequences.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses contrast to highlight the depth of Joash’s betrayal. The kindness of Jehoiada is set against the cruelty of Joash, showing how far the king had fallen. The phrase “did not remember the kindness” speaks of Joash’s ingratitude, which is emphasized by the fact that Jehoiada had done so much to save and support him.
Zechariah’s dying words, “May the Lord see this and call you to account,” act as a prophetic pronouncement, showing that divine justice would come. The verse is structured to contrast human injustice with divine justice, reminding the reader that while earthly rulers may escape accountability for a time, they cannot avoid God’s righteous judgment.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Joash’s failure to honor Jehoiada, who had been like a father to him, directly violated this commandment.
- Matthew 23:34-35 – Jesus refers to the killing of prophets, including Zechariah, saying that those who reject God’s messengers will face judgment: “Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town.”
- Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Zechariah’s plea for God to hold Joash accountable reflects the principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
- Hebrews 11:36-38 – This passage describes the suffering and martyrdom of many faithful people throughout biblical history, including those who were “stoned” for their faith, like Zechariah.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us of the importance of faithfulness, even when it is costly. Zechariah stood up for what was right, knowing that it might cost him his life. His example challenges us to be bold in speaking God’s truth, even when it means facing opposition or persecution.
The verse also serves as a warning against forgetting the goodness of those who have helped us. Joash’s betrayal of Jehoiada’s family shows the danger of ingratitude and how turning away from God can lead to deep moral failure. As Christians, we are called to honor those who have invested in us and helped guide us in our faith.
Finally, this verse offers comfort in knowing that God sees all injustices. Even when we experience unfair treatment or persecution, we can trust that God is just and that He will ultimately hold people accountable for their actions.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His concern for justice. Zechariah’s call for God to “see this” and hold Joash accountable is not a cry for personal revenge, but a plea for God’s righteous justice to be done. God’s love is expressed in His commitment to uphold justice and defend the innocent.
Even in this tragic situation, God’s love is evident in the fact that He continued to send prophets like Zechariah to call His people back to Him. Though Judah had turned away, God still reached out to them through His messengers, demonstrating His patient love and desire for their repentance.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Zechariah’s death as a prophet who confronted sin and was killed for it parallels the ultimate rejection of Jesus Christ. Jesus, like Zechariah, came to call people back to God, warning them of the consequences of sin. Yet He was rejected, condemned, and killed by those He came to save.
In Matthew 23:34-35, Jesus explicitly mentions the blood of Zechariah as part of the long history of rejecting God’s prophets, which culminated in His own death. Unlike Zechariah, however, Jesus did not just call for justice—He provided the way for forgiveness through His sacrifice. Jesus’ death and resurrection offer redemption, even for those who have rejected God’s messengers, if they turn to Him in repentance and faith.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Zechariah’s boldness in standing for truth challenge you in your own life? Are there areas where you need to speak God’s truth more courageously, even if it’s unpopular?
- What does this verse teach you about the danger of forgetting the kindness others have shown you? How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and honor those who have helped guide you in your faith?
- In what ways does this passage serve as a warning about turning away from godly influence and falling into sin? How can you guard your heart against this?
- How does Zechariah’s death point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was also rejected for speaking the truth? How does His sacrifice offer hope, even for those who have turned away from God?
- How can you trust in God’s justice when you face injustice or persecution? What does it mean to leave vengeance in God’s hands?
This verse reminds us of the cost of standing for God’s truth and the importance of remaining faithful, even when it is difficult. It also points us to the ultimate example of sacrifice and justice in Jesus Christ, who provides the way for forgiveness and redemption. As Christians, we are called to stand firm in our faith, trust in God’s justice, and remain grateful for those who have guided us along the way.