And the Spirit of God came upon. — Literally, clothed, invested. (See Note on 1 Chronicles 12:18.)
Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest. — “The priest,” i.e., the high priest, is an epithet of Jehoiada, not of Zechariah.
Which stood above the people. — Probably on the steps of the inner court of the Temple, facing the people who were assembled in the outer court.
Why transgress. — Wherefore are ye transgressing?
That ye cannot prosper. — Literally, and will not prosper.
Because ye have forsaken ... — Rather, for ye have forsaken the Lord, and He hath forsaken you. (Comp. the similar language ascribed to the prophets Shemaiah and Azariah ben Oded, 2 Chronicles 12:5; 2 Chronicles 15:2).