2 Chronicles 19:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And what cause {H7379} soever shall come {H935} to you of your brethren {H251} that dwell {H3427} in their cities {H5892}, between blood {H1818} and blood {H1818}, between law {H8451} and commandment {H4687}, statutes {H2706} and judgments {H4941}, ye shall even warn {H2094} them that they trespass {H816} not against the LORD {H3068}, and so wrath {H7110} come upon you, and upon your brethren {H251}: this {H3541} do {H6213}, and ye shall not trespass {H816}.

Complete Jewish Bible

when an issue comes before you from your brothers who live in their cities, whether it's a case involving bloodshed or a question as to which teaching, mitzvah, law or ruling applies, you must warn them; so that they won't incur guilt toward ADONAI and thereby bring anger on both you and your kinsmen. Do this, and you won't incur guilt.

Berean Standard Bible

For every dispute that comes before you from your brothers who dwell in their cities—whether it regards bloodshed or some other violation of law, commandments, statutes, or ordinances—you are to warn them, so that they will not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath will not come upon you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt.

American Standard Version

And whensoever any controversy shall come to you from your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, ye shall warn them, that they be not guilty towards Jehovah, and so wrath come upon you and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not be guilty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 19:10 meticulously outlines the profound responsibilities entrusted to the newly established judicial system under King Jehoshaphat, encompassing judges, priests, and Levites. It mandates their diligent handling of all legal and moral disputes, from capital cases to matters of divine law, with the explicit purpose of proactively warning the people against sin. This crucial instruction aimed to prevent the nation from transgressing against the Lord, thereby averting divine wrath from both the judicial leaders themselves and the entire community, underscoring the deep spiritual accountability inherent in their sacred roles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within King Jehoshaphat's comprehensive judicial and spiritual reforms in Judah, which immediately follow his near-fatal and ill-advised alliance with King Ahab of Israel, detailed in [2 Chronicles 18](/2_chronicles/18 "2 Chronicles 18 - Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab"). Upon his safe return to Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat receives a sharp rebuke from the prophet Jehu for his unholy alliance (see [2 Chronicles 19:1-3](/2_chronicles/19-1-3 "2 Chronicles 19:1-3 - Jehu's Rebuke of Jehoshaphat")). This divine correction serves as the catalyst for Jehoshaphat's sweeping initiatives aimed at re-establishing righteousness throughout the land. He embarks on a personal tour, traveling "through the people, from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers" ([2 Chronicles 19:4](/2_chronicles/19-4 "2 Chronicles 19:4 - Jehoshaphat's Reform Tour")). Subsequently, he appoints judges in all the fortified cities of Judah ([2 Chronicles 19:5](/2_chronicles/19-5 "2 Chronicles 19:5 - Appointment of Judges")), instructing them to judge "not for man, but for the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 19:6](/2_chronicles/19-6 "2 Chronicles 19:6 - Judges to Judge for the Lord")). Verse 10 specifically elaborates on the duties of the central court in Jerusalem, comprising Levites, priests, and family heads, highlighting their responsibility to arbitrate complex cases and, most importantly, to instruct the people to prevent sin and its dire consequences.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoshaphat's reign over Judah occurred during a period when the northern kingdom of Israel was largely characterized by apostasy and idolatry. His reforms represent a deliberate and concerted effort to restore and reinforce the foundational principles of the Mosaic covenant within Judah. Historically, the Mosaic Law itself provided a framework for a judicial system, featuring local elders and a higher court, often involving priests, for more difficult cases (e.g., [Deuteronomy 17:8-13](/deuteronomy/17-8-13 "Deuteronomy 17:8-13 - Difficult Judgments and Central Authority")). Jehoshaphat’s actions in 2 Chronicles are a practical and robust implementation of this divine mandate. The "cities" mentioned refer to the various towns and regions where local disputes would originate, while the central court in Jerusalem functioned as the ultimate arbiter, providing a final appeal for complex matters. Culturally, there was a profound understanding of corporate responsibility within ancient Israel, where the sin of individuals or leaders could lead to collective divine judgment (wrath) upon the entire nation, a principle vividly illustrated in numerous Old Testament narratives (e.g., [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Israel's Defeat")). The Levites and priests, as the designated custodians and authoritative interpreters of the Law, played an indispensable role in educating the populace and ensuring faithful adherence to God's commands.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Accountability in Justice**, emphasizing that all judicial decisions are not merely human affairs but acts performed "before the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 19:6](/2_chronicles/19-6 "2 Chronicles 19:6 - Judges to Judge for the Lord")). Judges and leaders are ultimately answerable to God for their integrity, impartiality, and faithfulness in upholding His divine standards. Secondly, the comprehensive phrase "between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments" highlights the **Comprehensive Scope of God's Law**. It signifies that the judges were responsible for handling the full spectrum of legal and moral disputes, encompassing both civil and religious matters, thereby reflecting the holistic and all-encompassing nature of the Mosaic covenant. Thirdly, the crucial mandate to "warn them that they trespass not against the LORD" reveals the theme of **Prevention of Sin and Divine Wrath**. A primary, proactive function of the judicial system was education and admonition, aiming to guide the people away from disobedience and thereby avert the collective divine judgment that could result from widespread transgression. Finally, the verse strongly emphasizes **Leadership Responsibility**, particularly for spiritual and civil leaders. It conveys their solemn duty to diligently uphold God's standards, guide their people toward righteousness, and understand the grave consequences that could befall the entire community if they failed in their sacred trust.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm_):** This term, used in the phrase "between blood and blood" (H1818), refers to cases involving bloodshed, encompassing a wide range from intentional murder to accidental death or serious injury. Its repetition signifies the need for careful discernment and the precise application of specific laws related to life and death, as detailed in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Numbers 35:16-34](/numbers/35-16-34 "Numbers 35:16-34 - Laws Concerning Murder and Cities of Refuge") regarding cities of refuge and capital punishment). The judges were required to distinguish between different types of bloodshed to administer justice appropriately.
* **Warn (Hebrew, _zâhar_):** This primitive root (H2094) means "to gleam" or, figuratively, "to enlighten (by caution)." In this context, it signifies the imperative for the judges to admonish, teach, and give warning to the people. Their role was not merely punitive but preventative and didactic, aimed at instructing the populace in God's law to guide them away from transgression.
* **Trespass (Hebrew, _ʼâsham_):** This verb (H816) means "to be guilty," and by implication, "to be punished or perish." In this context, it describes an act of unfaithfulness or transgression against the Lord, often implying a breach of trust or a violation of covenant obligations. It refers to the people's disobedience to God's laws, but also, critically, to the judges' potential failure to perform their duties faithfully. If the judges did not warn the people, they themselves would be "trespassing" against the Lord by neglecting their divinely appointed responsibility, thereby incurring divine displeasure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities":** This clause establishes the broad scope of the judges' jurisdiction, indicating that they were to handle any legal or moral dispute brought before them by the people living in the various towns and regions of Judah. It emphasizes the practical, day-to-day nature of their judicial responsibility, extending to all matters that might arise within the community.
* **"between blood and blood":** This specific phrase refers to capital cases or disputes involving physical injury or death. It highlights the most sensitive and critical types of judgments, requiring the utmost care and precision in applying the law, often involving the determination of guilt or innocence in matters of life and limb.
* **"between law and commandment, statutes and judgments":** This comprehensive phrase signifies the full breadth and depth of the Mosaic Law. "Law" (Torah) refers to divine instruction, "commandment" (mitzvah) to specific divine precepts, "statutes" (choq) to established ordinances, and "judgments" (mishpat) to judicial decisions or precedents. Together, they encompass the entire body of God's revealed will, covering moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects of life in Israel, demonstrating the judges' responsibility over the whole covenant.
* **"ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD":** This is the core directive and the primary purpose of their judicial function. The judges were not merely to adjudicate disputes but also to instruct, admonish, and educate the people regarding God's law. Their role was proactive and preventative, aimed at guiding the populace away from actions that would constitute a "trespass" or unfaithfulness against God.
* **"and [so] wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren":** This clause highlights the severe consequence of failing to heed the warning or for the judges failing to give it. If the people trespassed, or if the judges neglected their duty, divine "wrath" or judgment would fall not only upon the individual transgressors but also upon the judges themselves and the entire community, underscoring the principle of corporate responsibility for sin within the covenant.
* **"this do, and ye shall not trespass":** This concluding imperative serves as a direct charge to the judges. By diligently and faithfully fulfilling their duty to warn and instruct, they themselves would avoid the "trespass" of neglecting their divine mandate, thereby ensuring their own blamelessness before God and contributing to the spiritual well-being and protection of the nation from divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 19:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its weighty and urgent message. **Merism** is prominently featured in the comprehensive phrases "between blood and blood" and "between law and commandment, statutes and judgments." This device uses two contrasting or complementary parts to represent a complete whole, thereby emphasizing the exhaustive nature of the judicial responsibilities—ranging from the most severe capital cases to the entirety of divine legislation. The repetition in "blood and blood" also functions as a form of **anaphora** or **repetition for emphasis**, underscoring the critical, sensitive, and life-or-death nature of such cases. Furthermore, the phrase "between blood and blood" can also be interpreted as a form of **synecdoche**, where the specific term "blood" stands for all cases involving life and death or physical harm. The verse also implicitly functions as a **conditional clause** or an implied **cause-and-effect statement**: "this do, and ye shall not trespass," which strongly implies that failure to do so *will* inevitably result in trespass and the incurring of divine wrath. The overall tone of the verse is distinctly **didactic** and **admonitory**, characteristic of wisdom literature and prophetic warnings, aiming to instruct, guide, and caution the leaders toward righteous governance and prevent spiritual failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the theological truth that all human authority, particularly in matters of justice, is ultimately derived from and inherently accountable to God. The judges in Judah were not merely civil servants but sacred custodians, tasked with upholding God's righteous standards. Their pivotal role in warning the people against trespass reflects God's own character as one who desires obedience and lovingly provides guidance, yet who also holds individuals and communities strictly accountable for their actions. The concept of corporate wrath underscores the profound interconnectedness of the covenant community, where the sin of some can significantly impact the spiritual and physical well-being of all, emphasizing the urgent need for leaders to diligently guide their people in the ways of righteousness. This passage serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that true justice is fundamentally rooted in divine law and that faithfulness to God's commands is absolutely essential for societal flourishing and the avoidance of divine judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 17:8-13](/deuteronomy/17-8-13 "Deuteronomy 17:8-13 - Difficult Cases and the Central Authority")
* [Ezekiel 3:18-21](/ezekiel/3-18-21 "Ezekiel 3:18-21 - The Watchman's Responsibility")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound principles embedded in 2 Chronicles 19:10 transcend ancient Judah, offering timeless wisdom for all who hold positions of authority and for every believer. This passage challenges us to deeply consider that all forms of leadership—whether in government, business, family, or the church—are ultimately a sacred stewardship before God. Those in authority are called to exercise their power with unwavering integrity, fairness, and a deep sense of accountability to the Divine Judge. Their decisions and actions profoundly impact the moral and spiritual well-being of those they lead, and negligence or corruption can have far-reaching and devastating consequences, inviting not only natural repercussions but also divine displeasure. Furthermore, the imperative to "warn them that they trespass not against the LORD" highlights the critical importance of clear, compassionate, and courageous teaching of God's Word. Spiritual leaders, parents, and mentors are responsible for faithfully explaining biblical truth, its implications for daily life, and the inherent dangers of sin, thereby equipping others to walk in righteousness. This proactive approach aims to prevent spiritual trespass and its associated "wrath," fostering a community that honors God and experiences His blessing. Finally, the verse calls individuals to personal responsibility: to humbly heed righteous warnings and to actively seek to live in accordance with God's perfect will, understanding that both individual and corporate obedience contribute to divine favor and societal well-being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of accountability to God in 2 Chronicles 19:10 challenge contemporary views of leadership and justice in both secular and sacred spheres?**
* **In what practical ways are believers today called to "warn" others against spiritual trespass, and what is the motivation for such warnings in a grace-centered faith?**
* **Considering the corporate dimension of "wrath" and "trespass," how should the church understand its collective responsibility for upholding God's standards within its community and in the broader society?**

### FAQ

**What does "between blood and blood" signify?**

Answer: The phrase "between blood and blood" refers to legal cases involving bloodshed. This could range from intentional murder, which warranted capital punishment, to accidental death, or various degrees of physical injury. The judges were required to discern carefully between these different scenarios to apply the appropriate legal and moral distinctions set forth in the Mosaic Law, ensuring justice was meted out according to the severity and intent of the act. Examples of such laws can be found in [Numbers 35:16-34](/numbers/35-16-34 "Numbers 35:16-34 - Laws Concerning Murder and Cities of Refuge") concerning cities of refuge and the avenger of blood.

**Why is "wrath" a concern for the judges themselves?**

Answer: The "wrath" mentioned in 2 Chronicles 19:10 is divine judgment. It is a concern for the judges because they were appointed by King Jehoshaphat to administer justice "not for man, but for the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 19:6](/2_chronicles/19-6 "2 Chronicles 19:6 - Judges to Judge for the Lord")). If the judges failed in their duty to warn the people against trespassing against the Lord, or if they themselves acted corruptly or negligently, their failure would be considered a "trespass" against God. This neglect of their sacred trust could invite divine wrath not only upon the disobedient people but also upon the judges themselves and, by extension, the entire nation, as God holds leaders accountable for the spiritual well-being of their flock. This concept of corporate responsibility for sin and the consequences of leadership failure is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, as seen in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Israel's Defeat") where the sin of one brought judgment upon the whole community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 19:10 details an earthly judicial system designed to uphold God's law and prevent wrath, it ultimately points forward to the perfect and ultimate Judge, Jesus Christ. The judges of Judah were fallible men, tasked with warning against sin and averting the Lord's wrath, but they could never fully accomplish this. Jesus, however, is the one appointed by the Father as the supreme Judge of all, to whom all judgment has been committed ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Jesus as Judge")). He perfectly understands the distinctions "between blood and blood" (the gravity of sin that leads to spiritual death) and embodies the entirety of "law and commandment, statutes and judgments." His life perfectly fulfilled the Law, and His sacrificial death on the cross became the propitiation for our sins, bearing the very "wrath" that humanity deserved ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")). Through Him, the warning against trespass finds its ultimate resolution: those who believe in Him are declared righteous, and the wrath of God is definitively averted from them ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Moreover, Jesus, through His living Word and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, continues to "warn" humanity against the trespass of sin, convicting the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Holy Spirit Convicts of Sin")). He is the true and faithful Judge who not only warns but also provides the sole means for salvation, ensuring that those who follow Him "shall not trespass" in the ultimate sense, but rather walk in newness of life, empowered by His grace and truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 17:8

¶ If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, [being] matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;

Deuteronomy 17:13

And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].

Ezekiel 33:6

But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take [any] person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.

Ezekiel 3:18

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Ezekiel 3:21

Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous [man], that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

Acts 20:31

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.