2 Chronicles 19:8

8 In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed Levites, priests, and some of the leading citizens as judges in cases involving a violation of the Law of the Lord or legal disputes between inhabitants of the city.

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 instructed them: "Be careful in pronouncing judgment; you are not acting on human authority, but on the authority of the Lord, and he is with you when you pass sentence.
7 Honor the Lord and act carefully, because the Lord our God does not tolerate fraud or partiality or the taking of bribes."
8 In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed Levites, priests, and some of the leading citizens as judges in cases involving a violation of the Law of the Lord or legal disputes between inhabitants of the city.
9 He gave them the following instructions: "You must perform your duties in reverence for the Lord, faithfully obeying him in everything you do.
10 Whenever your fellow citizens from any of the cities bring before you a case of homicide or any other violation of a law or commandment, you must instruct them carefully how to conduct themselves during the trial, so that they do not become guilty of sinning against the Lord. Unless you do, you and your fellow citizens will feel the force of the Lord's anger. But if you do your duty, you will not be guilty.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. [Some ancient translations] between . . . city; [Hebrew unclear.]
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.