2 Chronicles 24:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Spirit {H7307} of God {H430} came {H3847} upon Zechariah {H2148} the son {H1121} of Jehoiada {H3077} the priest {H3548}, which stood {H5975} above the people {H5971}, and said {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} God {H430}, Why transgress {H5674} ye the commandments {H4687} of the LORD {H3068}, that ye cannot prosper {H6743}? because ye have forsaken {H5800} the LORD {H3068}, he hath also forsaken {H5800} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Spirit of God covered Z'kharyah the son of Y'hoyada the cohen; he stood above the people and addressed them: "Thus says God: 'Why are you transgressing the mitzvot of ADONAI and courting disaster? Because you have abandoned ADONAI, he has abandoned you."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood up 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 forsaken you.’”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 24:20 records a pivotal moment in the reign of King Joash of Judah, where the Spirit of God empowers Zechariah, son of the revered High Priest Jehoiada, to deliver a stark prophetic indictment against the nation. This divine message confronts Judah's deliberate transgression of God's commandments and their abandonment of the LORD, directly linking their spiritual apostasy to their inability to prosper and the withdrawal of divine favor. It underscores the critical principle that faithfulness to God is intrinsically tied to national well-being and His active presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 2 Chronicles 24, a chapter detailing the turbulent reign of King Joash. Initially, Joash began well, guided by his uncle, Jehoiada the priest, who had saved him from Athaliah's purge and restored the Davidic line. Under Jehoiada's influence, Joash initiated significant temple repairs and revived proper worship. However, the narrative takes a tragic turn after Jehoiada's death. The leaders of Judah, described as "princes" or "officials," persuaded Joash to abandon the LORD and serve Asherim and idols, leading to great wrath against Judah ([2 Chronicles 24:17-18](/2_chronicles/24-17 "2 Chronicles 24:17-18 - Joash's Apostasy")). It is into this context of national spiritual decline and royal complicity that Zechariah, Jehoiada's son and likely his successor as High Priest, steps forward as God's prophet. His public confrontation, "standing above the people," suggests a prominent, authoritative position, likely within the Temple courts, emphasizing the gravity of his message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Joash's reign (c. 835-796 BC) was one of fluctuating spiritual commitment in Judah, often mirroring the king's personal piety or lack thereof. The Davidic covenant promised enduring kingship and blessings contingent on obedience. The role of the High Priest, particularly Jehoiada, was crucial in maintaining religious fidelity and the purity of temple worship, serving as a moral compass for the king and nation. The "commandments of the LORD" refer primarily to the Mosaic covenant, which included prohibitions against idolatry and stipulations for worship and national life. Prosperity (`ṣālaḥ`) in the ancient Near East, and particularly in Israelite theology, was not merely economic but encompassed security, peace, divine favor, and success in all undertakings, directly tied to covenant faithfulness. The act of "forsaking the LORD" (`‘azav`) was a grave breach of covenant, akin to breaking a solemn treaty, and carried severe consequences, often culminating in divine judgment, invasion, and exile, as outlined in the curses of Deuteronomy ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")).
* **Key Themes:** Several crucial themes converge in 2 Chronicles 24:20. Firstly, **Divine Empowerment and Prophecy** is evident in "the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah," a common biblical motif signifying a direct divine anointing for prophetic utterance, underscoring that the message is God's, not human opinion. Secondly, the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Transgression** is central, as Zechariah's accusation directly addresses Judah's breaking of God's laws, particularly their idolatry. This highlights the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship: God's blessings are contingent upon Israel's obedience. Thirdly, the **Consequences of Disobedience** are explicitly stated: "that ye cannot prosper" and "because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you." This illustrates the principle that spiritual apostasy leads to a withdrawal of divine favor and protection, resulting in vulnerability and decline. Finally, the **Role of the Prophet** is powerfully displayed, as Zechariah courageously confronts the king and people with an unpopular but necessary truth, even at great personal risk, foreshadowing his eventual martyrdom ([2 Chronicles 24:21](/2_chronicles/24-21 "2 Chronicles 24:21 - Zechariah's Martyrdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _ruach'_):** In this context, _ruach_ (רוּחַ) refers to the active, empowering presence of God, the Holy Spirit. When the "Spirit of God came upon" an individual, it signified a divine anointing that enabled them to speak or act supernaturally, often in a prophetic capacity. This indicates that Zechariah's words were not his own but a direct, divinely inspired message from the LORD.
* **Transgress (Hebrew, _‘abar'_):** The Hebrew verb _‘abar_ (עָבַר) literally means "to pass over" or "to cross." In a moral or legal sense, it means to "transgress," "violate," or "go beyond" a boundary or command. Zechariah's use of this word emphasizes that Judah's disobedience was not accidental but a deliberate crossing of the line God had drawn, a conscious violation of His covenant stipulations.
* **Forsaken (Hebrew, _‘azav'_):** The Hebrew verb _‘azav_ (עָזַב) means "to abandon," "to leave," or "to forsake." Its reciprocal use in this verse ("because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you") is profound. It implies a deliberate act of abandonment by Judah, leading to a corresponding, though not equivalent, withdrawal of God's active presence, protection, and blessing. God's "forsaking" is a consequence of human choice, a form of covenant judgment, rather than an arbitrary act of desertion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest":** This clause highlights the divine initiative and empowerment behind Zechariah's prophetic ministry. It signifies that his message was not merely human opinion but a direct, divinely inspired word. The mention of his lineage, "son of Jehoiada the priest," adds significant weight, as Jehoiada was a highly respected figure whose righteous influence had guided Joash's early reign.
* **"which stood above the people":** This phrase indicates Zechariah's prominent position, likely on a raised platform or within the Temple courts, from which he addressed the assembly. This public and authoritative stance underscored the gravity and official nature of his divine pronouncement, ensuring his words were heard by all.
* **"and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper?":** This is the core of Zechariah's prophetic indictment. The phrase "Thus saith God" establishes the divine authority of the message. The rhetorical question, "Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD," serves as both an accusation and a challenge, highlighting Judah's deliberate disobedience. The immediate consequence, "that ye cannot prosper," directly links their spiritual unfaithfulness to their lack of success, well-being, and divine blessing, a direct fulfillment of covenant curses.
* **"because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.":** This concluding statement powerfully articulates the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship. Judah's active and deliberate abandonment of God (through idolatry and disobedience) resulted in God's corresponding withdrawal of His active protection, favor, and presence. This "forsaking" by God is a form of disciplinary judgment, allowing the natural consequences of their rebellion to unfold, rather than an arbitrary or capricious act.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs several **Literary Devices**. Foremost is the **Prophetic Oracle**, signaled by the phrase "Thus saith God," which establishes the divine origin and authority of Zechariah's message. This is further emphasized by the description of "the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah," a classic marker of divine inspiration. The prophet employs a **Rhetorical Question** ("Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper?") which is not seeking information but rather serves as a forceful accusation and a lament, highlighting the irrationality and self-destructive nature of Judah's rebellion. The verse also demonstrates a clear **Cause-and-Effect** relationship, rooted in **Covenant Language**, where Judah's transgression is directly linked to their lack of prosperity, and their "forsaking" of God leads to His "forsaking" of them. This reciprocal structure underscores the conditional nature of God's active blessing within the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 24:20 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of covenant fidelity and its direct impact on the well-being of God's people. It reinforces the Deuteronomic theology that obedience brings blessing and disobedience brings judgment, not as arbitrary punishment but as the natural consequence of breaking a relationship with the source of life and prosperity. The Spirit's empowerment of Zechariah highlights God's persistent grace in sending warnings, even when His people are rebellious. The tragic outcome for Zechariah, however, underscores the cost of prophetic truth-telling in a fallen world and the severe blindness of those who reject God's word. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true prosperity is rooted in a right relationship with God, and that turning away from Him inevitably leads to spiritual and often material decline.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-20](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - Lack of Knowledge Leads to Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of 2 Chronicles 24:20 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a potent reminder of the enduring consequences of spiritual drift. Like Judah, we are prone to forget God's commands and chase after idols—be they material possessions, worldly success, or personal comfort—that promise prosperity but ultimately lead to spiritual barrenness. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are we actively pursuing God's will and delighting in His commands, or have we subtly, or overtly, "forsaken" Him in our priorities and affections? The warning that "ye cannot prosper" is not merely about financial gain but encompasses a holistic well-being—peace, joy, purpose, and spiritual vitality—which are inextricably linked to walking in fellowship with God. When we turn away, we experience a withdrawal of His active blessing, not because God is capricious, but because we have severed the connection to the source of true life. Zechariah's courage also calls us to consider our response to prophetic warnings, whether from Scripture or from faithful voices in our lives: do we heed them, even when uncomfortable, or do we, like Joash, silence the truth-teller?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly "transgressing the commandments of the LORD" or "forsaking" Him, even unintentionally?**
* **What does "prosperity" truly mean in a biblical sense, and how does my pursuit of it align or misalign with God's will?**
* **How do I respond when God's Spirit, through His Word or His people, confronts me with uncomfortable truths about my spiritual state?**
* **What steps can I take today to actively pursue a deeper, more faithful relationship with the LORD, ensuring His active presence and blessing in my life?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for God to "forsake" His people?**

Answer: When the Bible says God "forsakes" His people, as in 2 Chronicles 24:20, it does not imply that He ceases to exist or that His covenant promises are utterly nullified. Rather, it signifies a withdrawal of His active, manifest presence, protection, and blessing, particularly in the context of a covenant relationship. Because Judah had deliberately "forsaken" the LORD by turning to idolatry and disobeying His commands, God, in His justice, allowed the natural consequences of their rebellion to unfold. This "forsaking" is a form of disciplinary judgment, allowing them to experience the vulnerability and lack of prosperity that comes from being separated from the source of life and true well-being. It is a consequence of human choice, not an arbitrary act, and often serves as a call to repentance, inviting His people to return to Him so that His favor may be restored (e.g., [Deuteronomy 31:17](/deuteronomy/31-17 "Deuteronomy 31:17 - God's Anger and Abandonment")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 24:20 highlights the consequences of covenant disobedience under the Old Covenant, it also powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence and prophetic word in Jesus Christ. Zechariah, empowered by the Spirit, courageously delivered God's truth, ultimately suffering martyrdom for his faithfulness ([2 Chronicles 24:21](/2_chronicles/24-21 "2 Chronicles 24:21 - Zechariah's Death")). This prefigures Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, who was filled with the Spirit without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Spirit Without Measure")), spoke "Thus saith God" with unparalleled authority ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")), and confronted the spiritual apostasy of His generation. Like Zechariah, Jesus was rejected and ultimately suffered death at the hands of those who refused to heed God's word, even lamenting Jerusalem's rejection of the prophets ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' Lament over Jerusalem")). However, unlike the Old Covenant where God's "forsaking" was a consequence of human sin, Jesus experienced ultimate "forsaking" by God on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus Cries Out 'My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?'")), not for His own sin, but to bear the judgment for humanity's transgression. Through His sacrifice, Jesus inaugurated a New Covenant, where the Spirit is poured out on all believers ([Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - The Spirit Poured Out")), enabling them to live in obedience and enjoy an unbroken, indwelling presence of God, securing true spiritual prosperity and eternal life, no longer contingent on perfect human performance but on faith in His finished work ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8 - The New Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 14:41

And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper.

Jeremiah 5:25

¶ Your iniquities have turned away these [things], and your sins have withholden good [things] from you.

2 Chronicles 20:14

¶ Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation;

2 Chronicles 15:1

¶ And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:

2 Chronicles 15:2

And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

Matthew 23:35

That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

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.