17. After Jehoiada died, the officials of Judah came to King Joash. They bowed down to him. He listened to them.
18. They turned their backs on the temple of the Lord, the God of their people. They worshiped poles that were made to honor the goddess Asherah. They also worshiped statues of other gods. Because Judah and Jerusalem were guilty of sin, God became angry with them.
19. The Lord sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him. The prophets gave witness against the people. But they wouldn't listen.
20. Then the Spirit of God came on the priest Zechariah. He was the son of Jehoiada. Zechariah stood in front of the people. He told them, "God says, 'Why do you refuse to obey my commands? You will not have success. You have deserted me. So I have deserted you.' "