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King Zechariah, the son of Jeroboam II, reigned as the king of Israel for a short period during the 8th century BCE. His reign is recorded in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles in the Old Testament. This article explores whether King Zechariah was a good or evil king by analyzing biblical texts and historical contexts.
Historical Context
The Northern Kingdom of Israel
The Northern Kingdom of Israel, distinct from the Southern Kingdom of Judah, had a history marked by political instability and idolatry. Many of its kings are recorded in the Bible as having done evil in the sight of the Lord, leading the people away from true worship.
- 2 Kings 17:21-23:
- “For He tore Israel from the house of David, and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king. Then Jeroboam drove Israel from following the Lord, and made them commit a great sin. For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them, until the Lord removed Israel out of His sight, as He had said by all His servants the prophets. So Israel was carried away from their own land to Assyria, as it is to this day.”
This passage underscores the ongoing sinfulness and idolatry that plagued the Northern Kingdom from its inception under Jeroboam I.
The Lineage of Jeroboam II
King Zechariah was the son of Jeroboam II, a king known for his long reign and economic prosperity. However, Jeroboam II also perpetuated the idolatry initiated by Jeroboam I.
- 2 Kings 14:23-24:
Zechariah inherited a kingdom that, despite its prosperity, was entrenched in practices contrary to the covenant with God.
Zechariah’s Reign
Duration and Overview
Zechariah’s reign was brief, lasting only six months. His tenure is described in 2 Kings 15.
- 2 Kings 15:8:
The short duration of his reign suggests a period of instability and possible dissatisfaction among the people or the ruling class.
Evaluation of His Kingship
The Bible provides a succinct but damning evaluation of Zechariah’s reign.
- 2 Kings 15:9:
- “And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, as his fathers had done; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin.”
This verse clearly states that Zechariah continued in the sinful ways of his predecessors, maintaining the idolatrous practices that had led Israel astray.
The Sins of Jeroboam
To fully understand Zechariah’s actions, it is crucial to revisit the sins of Jeroboam I, which set a precedent for subsequent kings of Israel.
- 1 Kings 12:28-30:
- “Therefore the king asked advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, ‘It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!’ And he set up one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan.”
Jeroboam I’s establishment of golden calves and alternative worship centers directly violated the commandments regarding idolatry and the central place of worship (Jerusalem).
Zechariah’s Actions and Consequences
Continuation of Idolatry
Zechariah’s adherence to the idolatrous practices of Jeroboam I is a primary reason for his negative evaluation in the biblical text. By perpetuating these sins, he contributed to the spiritual decline of Israel.
- Hosea 13:2:
- “Now they sin more and more, and have made for themselves molded images, idols of their silver, according to their skill; all of it is the work of craftsmen. They say of them, ‘Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!'”
This prophetic critique underscores the persistent idolatry in Israel, which leaders like Zechariah failed to eradicate.
Political Assassination
Zechariah’s reign ended abruptly when he was assassinated by Shallum, indicating political turmoil and instability.
- 2 Kings 15:10:
- “Then Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and struck and killed him in front of the people; and he reigned in his place.”
The public nature of Zechariah’s assassination reflects widespread dissatisfaction or a power struggle within the kingdom.
Theological Implications
Covenant Faithfulness
The biblical narrative emphasizes the importance of covenant faithfulness. Kings were expected to lead their people in accordance with God’s laws and to worship Him alone.
- Deuteronomy 17:18-20:
- “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel.”
Zechariah’s failure to follow this directive highlights his deviation from covenant faithfulness.
Prophetic Warnings
The prophets repeatedly warned Israel and its kings about the consequences of idolatry and injustice. Zechariah’s actions show a disregard for these warnings.
- Amos 5:21-24:
- “I hate, I despise your feast days, and I do not savor your sacred assemblies. Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them, nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs, for I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
The prophetic call for justice and righteousness was ignored by Zechariah and many of his predecessors.
Conclusion
King Zechariah, the son of Jeroboam II, is portrayed in the Bible as an evil king. His brief six-month reign was marked by the continuation of the idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam I, leading the people of Israel further away from true worship of God. Zechariah’s failure to adhere to the covenant, coupled with his assassination, reflects the political and spiritual instability of the Northern Kingdom during his time.
The biblical evaluation of Zechariah’s reign, as recorded in 2 Kings 15:9, underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness and the dangers of idolatry. By examining the historical context, the sins of Jeroboam I, and the theological implications, it becomes evident that Zechariah’s actions contributed to the spiritual decline of Israel, leading to his categorization as an evil king.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team