And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.

2 CHRONICLES 24:20KJV
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2 Chronicles 24:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 24:20 mean?

2 Chronicles 24:20 describes how the Spirit of God empowered Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, to speak out against the people of Judah for breaking God’s commandments and abandoning the LORD, warning them that because they had forsaken God, He would also forsake them. The verse highlights a direct message from God delivered through Zechariah, calling out the people’s unfaithfulness and explaining the consequences of their actions.

In this scene, Zechariah stands before the people during a time when they have turned away from God’s ways, despite earlier reforms under King Joash. Zechariah, moved by the Spirit of God, confronts the community with a question and a warning: their disobedience has led to their downfall, and their abandonment of God has resulted in God withdrawing His protection. This is a pivotal moment, as it sets the stage for the tragic events that follow in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 24:20

  • “Spirit” (רוּחַ, ruach): This word means “breath,” “wind,” or “spirit,” and here it refers to God’s empowering presence coming upon Zechariah, giving him the authority and courage to speak.
  • “Forsaken” (עָזַב, azav): Used twice in this verse, it means “to abandon” or “leave behind.” The repetition stresses the seriousness of the people’s choice to turn away from God and the resulting consequence of God withdrawing from them.
  • “Prosper” (צָלַח, tsalach): This word often means “to succeed” or “to thrive.” Zechariah’s message makes clear that turning from God leads to a lack of success or blessing.

Why 2 Chronicles 24:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Zechariah’s warning is not just his own opinion but a direct message from God, empowered by the Spirit, which gives weight and urgency to his words.
  • The use of “forsaken” for both the people’s action and God’s response shows a mirrored relationship: as the people abandon God, God allows them to experience the consequences of that choice.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of King Joash’s reign, showing a turning point where the people’s earlier faithfulness is replaced by disobedience, leading to national trouble and personal tragedy for Zechariah.

Where else these words appear

“Zechariah” Hebrew H2148 · used in 43 verses

  • 2 Kings 14:29 And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
  • Ezra 8:16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.

“Jehoiada” Hebrew H3077 · used in 48 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.
  • 1 Kings 4:4 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
  • 2 Chronicles 23:8 So the Levites and all Judah did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest had commanded, and took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that were to go out on the sabbath: for Jehoiada the priest dismissed not the courses.

“prosper” Hebrew H6743 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
  • 1 Kings 22:15 So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
  • Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

“came” Hebrew H3847 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
  • Isaiah 49:18 Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.