2 Chronicles Chapter 19 — Jehoshaphat’s Judicial Reforms
King Jehoshaphat returns to Jerusalem and is rebuked by a seer before instituting major judicial reforms and religious appointments throughout Judah.
1Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.
2Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked, and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, wrath is on you from before the LORD.
3Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have put away the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.”
4Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem; and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers.
5He set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,
6and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you don’t judge for man, but for the LORD; and he is with you in the judgment.
7Now therefore let the fear of the LORD be on you. Take heed and do it; for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.”
8Moreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites, priests, and heads of the fathers’ households of Israel to give judgment for the LORD and for controversies. They returned to Jerusalem.
9He commanded them, saying, “You shall do this in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.
10Whenever any controversy comes to you from your brothers who dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you must warn them, that they not be guilty toward the LORD, and so wrath come on you and on your brothers. Do this, and you will not be guilty.
11Behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters. Also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and may the LORD be with the good.”
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
2 Chronicles 19:6
“and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you don’t judge for man, but for the LORD; and he is with you in the judgment.”
This verse establishes the divine standard for human justice and the responsibility of judges.
2 Chronicles 19:7
“Now therefore let the fear of the LORD be on you. Take heed and do it; for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.”
It highlights the impartiality and integrity required in a godly legal system.
2 Chronicles 19:11
“Behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters. Also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and may the LORD be with the good.”
This concluding exhortation encourages the leaders to perform their duties with bravery and trust in God's presence.
Chapter Summary
Following his return from battle, King Jehoshaphat of Judah is met by Jehu the seer, who rebukes him for his alliance with the wicked. Despite this, Jehu acknowledges the king's efforts to remove idols from the land. Jehoshaphat then takes active steps to lead the people back to God, traveling from Beersheba to Ephraim. He establishes a formal judicial system by appointing judges in every fortified city. Jehoshaphat instructs these judges to act with the fear of the Lord, emphasizing that they are not judging for men but for God Himself. In Jerusalem, he appoints Levites, priests, and family heads to handle religious and civil disputes, placing Amariah the chief priest and Zebadiah the ruler of the house of Judah in leadership roles. He commands them to serve faithfully and courageously, ensuring justice is administered without partiality or bribery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jehu rebuked Jehoshaphat because the king had helped the wicked and loved those who hated the Lord. This refers to Jehoshaphat's alliance with King Ahab of Israel, which brought divine warning upon him despite his otherwise good deeds.
Jehoshaphat appointed judges in all the fortified cities of Judah and established a high court in Jerusalem consisting of Levites, priests, and family heads. He charged them to judge fairly, without bribery or partiality, and to act in the fear of the Lord.
Jehoshaphat appointed Amariah the chief priest to oversee matters regarding the Lord and Zebadiah the ruler of the house of Judah to oversee the king's matters. They were supported by Levites who served as officers to ensure order.
Study Note
Jehoshaphat’s reform represents one of the most structured attempts in the Old Testament to separate religious and civil administration while keeping both grounded in the fear of the Lord.
Related Chapters
1 Kings 22
Describes the battle with Ahab that led to the rebuke mentioned in the beginning of this chapter.
2 Chronicles 20
Follows Jehoshaphat’s reforms with the account of his victory through prayer and faith.
Deuteronomy 16
Contains the original Mosaic laws regarding the appointment of judges that Jehoshaphat revived.
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