Jehoshaphat's Reforms
1 Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem.
2
But
1Jehu the son of
2Hanani
3the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, "Should you
4help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this,
5wrath has gone out against you from the LORD.
3
Nevertheless,
6some good is found in you, for
7you destroyed the Asherahs out of the land, and have
8set your heart to seek God."
4
Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem. And he went out again among the people, from Beersheba to
9the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers.
5
He appointed
10judges in the land in all
11the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,
6
and said to the judges, "Consider what you do,
12for you judge not for man but for the LORD. He is with you in giving judgment.
7
Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for
13there is no injustice with the LORD our God,
14or partiality or taking bribes."
8
Moreover, in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat
15appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel,
16to give judgment for the LORD and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem.
9
And he charged them:
17"Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, in faithfulness,
18and with your whole heart:
10
19whenever a case comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities, concerning bloodshed, law or commandment, statutes or rules, then you shall warn them, that they may not incur guilt before the LORD and
20wrath may not come upon you and your brothers. Thus you shall do, and you will not incur guilt.
11
And behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you
21in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the governor of the house of Judah, in all the king's matters, and the Levites will serve you as officers.
22Deal courageously, and may the LORD be with the upright!"