‏ 2 Chronicles 24

* Joash, of Judah, The temple repaired. (1-14) Joash falls into

idolatry, He is slain by his servants. (15-27)

1-14 Joash is more zealous about the repair of the temple than

Jehoiada himself. It is easier to build temples, than to be

temples to God. But the repairing of places for public worship

is a good work, which all should promote. And many a good work

would be done that now lies undone, if active men would put it

forward. 15-27 See what a great judgment on any prince or people, the

death of godly, zealous, useful men is. See how necessary it is

that we act in religion from inward principle. Then the loss of

a parent, a minister, or a friend, will not be losing our

religion. Often both princes and inferior people have been

flattered to their ruin. True grace alone will enable a man to

bring forth fruit unto the end. Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada,

being filled with the Spirit of prophecy, stood up, and told the

people of their sin. This is the work of ministers, by the word

of God, as a lamp and a light, to discover the sin of men, and

expound the providences of God. They stoned Zechariah to death

in the court of the house of the Lord. Observe the dying

martyr's words: The Lord look upon it, and require it! This came

not from a spirit of revenge, but a spirit of prophecy. God

smote Joash with great diseases, of body, or mind, or both,

before the Syrians departed from him. If vengeance pursue men,

the end of one trouble will be but the beginning of another. His

own servants slew him. These judgments are called the burdens

laid upon him, for the wrath of God is a heavy burden, too heavy

for any man to bear. May God help us to take warning, to be

upright in heart, and to persevere in his ways to the end.