Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

2 Chronicles 24

We have here the history of the reign of Joash, the progress of which, and especially its termination, were not of a piece with its beginning, nor shone with so much lustre. How wonderfully he was preserved for the throne, and placed in it, we read before; now here we are told how he began in the spirit, but ended in the flesh. I. In the beginning of his time, while Jehoiada lived, he did well; particularly, he took care to put the temple in good repair, 2 Chronicles 24:1-24:14. II. In the latter end of his time, after Jehoiada’s death, he apostatized from God, and his apostasy was his ruin. 1. He set up the worship of Baal again (2 Chronicles 24:15-24:18), though warned to the contrary, 2 Chronicles 24:19. 2. He put Zechariah the prophet to death because he reproved him for what he had done, 2 Chronicles 24:20-24:22. 3. The judgments of God came upon him for it. The Syrians invaded him, 2 Chronicles 24:23, 24:24. He was struck with sore diseases; his own servants conspired against him and slew him; and, as a mark of infamy upon him, he was not buried in the burying-place of the kings, 2 Chronicles 24:25-24:27. MHBCC 392.1