Overview
Zacharias (also called Zechariah) was a righteous prophet and priest whose martyrdom is recorded in 2 Chronicles 24:20-22. He was killed in the temple courtyard for confronting Judah's unfaithfulness to God. Jesus cited his death as the final martyrdom in the Old Testament narrative, using it to condemn the religious leaders of His time who continued the pattern of rejecting God's prophets.
Key Scriptures
"Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the righteous people, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zacharias son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar." (Matthew 23:35, NIV)
"Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zacharias, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary." (Luke 11:50-51, NIV)
Application
Reflect on how rejection of God's Word and His messengers carries serious spiritual consequences, and commit to honoring those who faithfully proclaim Scripture.