Why does it say "Ru'ach Hashem Lavshah?"?
Malbim: This increases their liability [for killing him]. He had Nevu'ah and was Hashem's Shali'ach.
What is the meaning of "me'Al la'Am"?
'Rashi': He was higher than the people, so they would hear him.
'Rashi' citing Eichah Rabasi (Pesichah 23): He relied on himself that he was higher than all the people ? Navi, Kohen Gadol, it was Yom Kipur 1 , and he was Chasan ha'Melech (his son-in-law), and did not fear to say Nevu'ah 2 . About this it says "Im Yehareg b'Mikdash Hashem Kohen v'Navi" (Eichah 2:20).
When the Kohen Gadol enters Kodesh ha'Kodoshim on Yom Kipur and has Ru'ach ha'Kodesh, "Lo Yihyeh Adam b'Ohel Mo'ed" (he is like an angel - Vayikra Rabah 21:12) (PF). Our text of the Midrash says 'judge'. Matanos Kehunah (on the Midrash) - there is no source for this. Also, Zecharyah was Ben Chasan ha'Melech and Ben Kohen Gadol, but we do not find that he himself was. (Why would he not succeed his father as Kohen Gadol? Yehoyada had sons (verse 25). Perhaps an older brother succeeded him. Also, a Kohen Gadol should be greatest in beauty and strength. Perhaps Zecharyah was very old when his father died at the age of 130 (verse 15), and he lacked beauty and strength. ? PF)
One who holds back his Nevu'ah is Chayav Misah bi'Ydei Shamayim (Sanhedrin 89b)! Yefe Anaf (on the Midrash) - many Nevi'im rebuked Yisrael for Aveiros! His mistake was to say "va'Ya'azov Eschem", as if they have no hope any longer.
What is the meaning of "Lamah Atem Overim"?
Malbim: What is the purpose? Do you think that you will succeed? Just the contrary, you will not succeed, for Hashem will abandon you due to this!
