2 Chronicles 24:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְר֣וּחַ

H7307

And the Spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לָֽבְשָׁה֙

H3847

came

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

זְכַרְיָה֙

H2148

upon Zechariah

zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֣ע

H3077

of Jehoiada

jehojada, the name of three israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן

H3548

the priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וַֽיַּעֲמֹ֖ד

H5975

which stood

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#10

מֵעַ֣ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

לָעָ֑ם

H5971

above the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#12

אָמַ֣ר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#13

לָהֶ֜ם

#14

כֹּ֣ה׀

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

#15

אָמַ֣ר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#16

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#17

לָמָה֩

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#18

אַתֶּ֨ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#19

עֹֽבְרִ֜ים

H5674

Why transgress

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#20

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#21

מִצְוֹ֤ת

H4687

ye the commandments

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

#22

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#23

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#24

תַצְלִ֔יחוּ

H6743

that ye cannot prosper

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

#25

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#26

וַיַּֽעֲזֹ֥ב

H5800

because ye have forsaken

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

#27

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#28

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#29

וַיַּֽעֲזֹ֥ב

H5800

because ye have forsaken

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

#30

אֶתְכֶֽם׃

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?