Background and Context:
The period following the death of Jehoiada the priest marks a significant moment of apostasy in the history of Judah. Jehoiada had been a stabilizing force in the kingdom, serving as a mentor and guide to King Joash. Under Jehoiada's influence, Joash had initiated religious reforms and restored the temple, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 24. However, the death of Jehoiada led to a spiritual decline, as Joash and the leaders of Judah turned away from the worship of Yahweh.

Key Biblical Passage:
The primary account of this apostasy is found in 2 Chronicles 24:17-22. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear depiction of the events:

"After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. They abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherah poles and idols. So wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for their guilt. Nevertheless, the LORD sent prophets to bring them back to Him and to testify against them, but they would not listen. Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, '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.' But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the house of the LORD. Thus King Joash did not remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown him, but killed his son. As he was dying, Zechariah said, 'May the LORD see this and call you to account.'"

Analysis:
The apostasy after Jehoiada's death highlights the vulnerability of spiritual leadership and the ease with which a nation can fall into idolatry when godly influence is removed. Jehoiada's death left a vacuum that was quickly filled by the officials of Judah, who led Joash astray. This period is marked by a return to idol worship, specifically the Asherah poles and other idols, which were in direct violation of the covenantal laws given to Israel.

The narrative underscores the role of prophetic voices in calling the people back to faithfulness. Despite the people's rebellion, God, in His mercy, sent prophets to warn them and urge repentance. Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, emerges as a key figure, boldly confronting the king and the people with their transgressions. His martyrdom is a poignant reminder of the cost of standing for truth in the face of widespread apostasy.

Theological Implications:
This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forsaking God's commandments and the consequences of spiritual neglect. It illustrates the principle that leadership matters; the spiritual health of a nation is often reflective of its leaders' faithfulness to God. Joash's failure to remember the kindness and guidance of Jehoiada, and his subsequent actions against Zechariah, reveal a heart that had turned away from God.

The account also emphasizes God's justice and the certainty of divine retribution for unrepentant sin. Zechariah's dying words, "May the LORD see this and call you to account," echo the biblical theme that God is a righteous judge who will not overlook injustice.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The worship of Asherah and other idols was a persistent issue in Israel's history, often associated with the surrounding Canaanite culture. The allure of these practices was strong, offering tangible and immediate forms of worship that contrasted with the more abstract and covenantal worship of Yahweh. The apostasy after Jehoiada's death reflects the ongoing struggle between the worship of the one true God and the seductive pull of idolatry.

Lessons for Today:
The account of apostasy after Jehoiada's death serves as a timeless warning to remain vigilant in faith and to guard against the influences that lead away from God. It calls believers to value and uphold godly leadership and to remember the importance of spiritual mentors who guide and direct in the ways of the Lord.