Zechariah

King Joash of Judah became king at a very young age: seven. Fortunately, he had an advisor: Jehoiada the priest. But even though Jehoiada lived to the incredible age of 130, he died and left Joash alone.

Joash immediately started drifting. He started listening to his other advisors, who pushed him to abandon God and the temple. God kept sending him prophets, but he refused to listen.

Finally, God sent His word to Jehoiada’s son Zechariah. Surely, the son of his advisor and mentor will get through. His prophecy is terrifying: “You have abandoned the Lord, and now he has abandoned you!” (2 Chronicles 24:20)

No such luck: Joash ordered his advisors to stone Zechariah to death, and they did, right in the courtyard of the temple of God. Zechariah’s last words were, “May the Lord see what they are doing and avenge my death!”