2 Chronicles 19:5-11

Reforms Instituted

5 He appointed ¹judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city.

6 He said to the judges, "Consider what you are doing, for ²you do not judge for man but for the LORD who is with you when you render judgment.

7 "Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will ³have no part in unrighteousness ⁴or partiality * or the taking of a bribe."

8 In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some ⁵of the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers' households of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

9 Then he charged them saying, "Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully and wholeheartedly *.

10 "⁶Whenever any dispute comes to you from your brethren who live in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you shall warn them so that they may not be guilty before the LORD, and ⁷wrath may not come on you and your brethren. Thus you shall do and you will not be guilty.

11 "Behold, Amariah the chief priest will be over you in ⁸all that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all that pertains to the king. Also the Levites shall be officers before you. ⁹Act resolutely, and the LORD be with the upright."

2 Chronicles 19:5-11 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.

Cross References

• 1. Deuteronomy 16:18-20
• 2. Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17
• 3. Genesis 18:25; Deuteronomy 32:4
• 4. Deuteronomy 10:17, 18
• 5. 2 Chronicles 17:8, 9
• 6. Deuteronomy 17:8
• 7. 2 Chronicles 19:2
• 8. 2 Chronicles 19:8
• 9. 1 Chronicles 28:20

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "in the word of judgment"
• [b]. Lit "be careful and do"
• [c]. Lit "there is not with the LORD our God"
• [d]. So the versions; Heb reads "disputes. And they returned to Jerusalem," or "And they lived in Jerusalem"
• [e]. Lit "every matter of"
• [f]. Lit "every matter of"
• [g]. Lit "Be strong and do"