2 Chronicles19

King Jehoshaphat returns to Jerusalem and is rebuked by Jehu the seer for allying with the ungodly, though his good deeds are acknowledged. In response, Jehoshaphat institutes widespread judicial reforms throughout Judah. He appoints judges in every city, charging them to judge righteously for the Lord, without partiality. Furthermore, he establishes a supreme court in Jerusalem for both religious and civil disputes, ensuring justice is administered faithfully.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

Jehoshaphat Rebuked and Commended

1
And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. ​
2
And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD. ​
3
Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God. ​

Jehoshaphat Renews Reform Efforts

4
And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers. ​

Judicial Reform in the Cities

5
And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, ​
6
And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment. ​
7
Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts. ​

Establishing the Central Court

8
Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem. ​
9
And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.
10
And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass. ​
11
And, 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, for all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good. ​

Study Notes for 2 Chronicles 19

Verse 1

This verse provides closure to the disastrous alliance with Ahab (Ch. 18), emphasizing that Jehoshaphat returned safely to Jerusalem despite his error.

Verse 2

Jehu the prophet (son of Hanani) confronts Jehoshaphat for forming a military and political alliance with the wicked King Ahab, calling it 'helping the ungodly.' The consequence of this disobedience is divine wrath.

Verse 3

The prophet provides necessary balance, commending Jehoshaphat for his earlier religious faithfulness, specifically the removal of pagan worship sites ('groves'), showing God judges actions individually.

Verse 4

Jehoshaphat, chastened by the prophecy, dedicates himself to renewing his reform work, bringing the people back to the covenant relationship with God.

Verse 5

This verse introduces the major structural reform: the establishment of formalized courts throughout the fortified cities of Judah to ensure fair judgment and maintain national piety.

Verse 6

This crucial instruction elevates the role of the judge, reminding them that their authority is derived from God; they are accountable to Him for the justice administered.

Verse 7

Jehoshaphat stresses the attributes of God's perfect justice—impartiality ('no respect of persons') and incorruptibility ('nor taking of gifts')—as the required standard for the human courts.

Verse 8

Jehoshaphat establishes the highest court in Jerusalem, staffed by priests, Levites, and tribal heads. This court handles both sacred law ('judgment of the LORD') and civil disputes ('controversies').

Verse 10

The scope of judicial matters is detailed, covering everything from capital cases ('blood and blood') to the enforcement of religious statutes, emphasizing that the goal is to prevent corporate sin and divine wrath.

Verse 11

This establishes administrative leadership, separating religious jurisdiction (Amariah the chief priest) from civil/state authority (Zebadiah the ruler of Judah), demonstrating an early division of powers.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options