Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 24:20. It’s a really important and somewhat challenging passage for understanding God's relationship with His people. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a dramatic moment of repentance and judgment – God is directly addressing the people of Israel, particularly Jehoiada, who was responsible for leading them correctly. It’s saying that if they continue to disobey God's laws (the “commandments”), they will suffer serious consequences. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people…” – This tells us that God himself is actively involved in this situation. He's not just sending a voice; He’s putting His presence and power directly on someone who was responsible for leading the people. It suggests a significant shift in focus. “…and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper?” – This is the core message. God is saying: “You are disobeying my rules, and as a result, you won't be successful or thrive.” “Prosper” means to flourish, to succeed, to live a good life. “because ye have forsaken the LORD…” - This is the key part. It’s saying that they have stopped trusting in God . They’ve turned away from following His guidance and principles. "...he hath also forsaken you." – This is a very powerful statement. It means God has abandoned them, leaving them vulnerable and without His protection or favor. So, what's the big takeaway? It’s a warning! This verse paints a picture of serious consequences for Israel’s disobedience. God isn't just disappointed; He’s actively working against them. It’s suggesting that if they continue to stray from His path, they will face hardship, suffering, and ultimately, loss. Important Context (Briefly): This passage comes before a significant event – the Israelites are about to be exiled by the neighboring Philistines. This verse highlights the seriousness of their disobedience and the potential for devastating consequences. In short, this verse is a strong call to repentance and reminds us that our relationship with God is vital for our well-being. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Provide a little historical context about the time this verse was written? Explore what this verse might be saying about human responsibility and obedience to God?