Zechariah, the son of Jehoshaphat, is a lesser-known figure in the biblical narrative, yet his story is significant in understanding the spiritual and moral climate of his time. He is mentioned in the context of the reign of Joash, king of Judah, and his life and death serve as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

Historical Context

Zechariah lived during the 9th century BC, a period marked by political instability and spiritual decline in the kingdom of Judah. His father, Jehoshaphat, was a righteous king who sought to follow the ways of the Lord, but subsequent generations struggled to maintain this devotion. Zechariah's story is primarily recorded in 2 Chronicles 24.

Role and Ministry

Zechariah was a priest and a prophet, a man who stood as a spiritual leader among the people of Judah. He was the son of Jehoiada, the high priest who had been instrumental in the preservation and ascension of King Joash to the throne. Jehoiada's influence was significant, and under his guidance, Joash initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.

However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash's reign took a turn for the worse. The king and the people of Judah abandoned the house of the Lord and turned to idolatry. In this context, Zechariah rose to deliver a message of warning and repentance. According to 2 Chronicles 24:20 , "Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood 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 also forsaken you.'"

Martyrdom

Zechariah's bold proclamation of truth was met with hostility. His call for repentance was not heeded, and instead, it incited the wrath of King Joash and the leaders of Judah. In a tragic turn of events, Zechariah was stoned to death in the courtyard of the house of the Lord, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 24:21 : "But they conspired against him, and by order of the king, they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the house of the LORD."

Zechariah's martyrdom is a stark illustration of the cost of faithfulness to God in a time of widespread apostasy. His death is a somber reminder of the rejection of God's messengers and the severe consequences that follow such actions.

Legacy

The legacy of Zechariah is one of courage and unwavering commitment to God's truth. His life and death are a testament to the prophetic role of calling God's people back to righteousness, even in the face of severe opposition. Jesus Himself referenced the blood of Zechariah in Matthew 23:35 , highlighting the long history of persecution faced by God's prophets: "And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar."

Zechariah's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the courage required to stand for truth in a world that often rejects it. His life challenges believers to remain steadfast in their devotion to God, regardless of the cost.2 Chronicles 21:2
And he had brothers the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

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... knoweth any man the Father, save the Son; and he to whom the Son will reveal him ...
places, and be settled in the land of Shinar upon their own base (Zechariah 5:11 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

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