2 Chronicles 19:8

8 Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites and the priests and heads of the {families} of Israel as judges and to decide legal disputes for Yahweh. And they sat [in] Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 19:8 Meaning and Commentary

2 Chronicles 19:8

Moreover, in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and
of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel
This was the great court of judicature, consisting of princes, priests, and Levites, of ecclesiastics and political persons; for causes of both sorts were brought thither:

for the judgment of the Lord;
in things sacred, which related to the worship of God, and the support of it:

and for controversies;
of a civil kind between man and man, whether pecuniary or capital, of a more private or public kind:

when they returned to Jerusalem;
that is, this court was set up at Jerusalem, when Jehoshaphat, the priests, Levites, and chief men that went with him, returned thither.

2 Chronicles 19:8 In-Context

6 And he said to the judges, "Consider what you are doing, for you are not judging for a man but for Yahweh. Now [he is] with you in speaking justice.

7 So now, let the fear of Yahweh be upon you all. {Be careful what you do}, for there is neither wickedness nor {showing partiality} and taking bribes with Yahweh our God."

8 Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites and the priests and heads of the {families} of Israel as judges and to decide legal disputes for Yahweh. And they sat [in] Jerusalem.

9 And he commanded them, saying, "Thus you must do in the fear of Yahweh in faithfulness and with a whole heart.

10 Any legal dispute that comes before you from your brothers who live in their cities concerning bloodguilt, law, commandment, statutes, and justice, you must warn them, so that they do not incur guilt before Yahweh, and that wrath may not come upon you and your brothers. Thus you must do that you do not incur guilt.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "fathers"
• [b]. Or "lived"