2 Chronicles 19:1-7

1 Upon the safe arrival of Judah's King Jehoshaphat to his palace in Jerusalem,
2 Jehu son of Hanani the seer came out to meet him and said, "Why did you help the wicked? Why have you loved those who hate the LORD? This is why the LORD is angry with you.
3 Nevertheless, there is some good to be found in you, in that you have removed the sacred poles from the land and set your mind to seek God."

Jehoshaphat’s reforms

4 Though Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, he regularly went out among the people between Beer-sheba and Ephraim's highlands, and encouraged them to return to the LORD, the God of their ancestors.
5 He appointed judges throughout the land in each of the fortified cities of Judah,
6 instructing them, "Be careful when you pass judgment. You aren't dispensing justice by merely human standards but for the LORD, who is with you.
7 Therefore, respect the LORD and act accordingly, because there can be no injustice, playing favorites, or taking bribes when it comes to the LORD our God."

2 Chronicles 19:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 19

Jehoshaphat returning from the battle at Ramothgilead, was met by a prophet, who reproved him for helping the ungodly, 2Ch 19:1-3, which quickened him to a greater regard for the reformation of his kingdom, 2Ch 19:4, and he set judges in all the cities of Judah, and exhorted them to do justice, 2Ch 19:5-7, and in the city of Jerusalem he appointed priests and Levites for the same purpose, and gave them a strict charge, and animated and encouraged them to perform their office faithfully, 2Ch 19:8-11.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Heb asherot, perhaps objects devoted to the goddess Asherah
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