2 Chronicles 19:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, Amariah {H568} the chief {H7218} priest {H3548} is over you in all matters {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}; and Zebadiah {H2069} the son {H1121} of Ishmael {H3458}, the ruler {H5057} of the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063}, for all the king's {H4428} matters {H1697}: also the Levites {H3881} shall be officers {H7860} before {H6440} you. Deal {H6213} courageously {H2388}, and the LORD {H3068} shall be with the good {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Amaryahu the chief cohen is over you in all matters concerning ADONAI, and Z'vadyahu the son of Yishma'el, chief of the house of Y'hudah, in all the king's matters. The officers of the L'vi'im are at your service. Be strong, and act, and may ADONAI be with the good."

Berean Standard Bible

Note that Amariah, the chief priest, will be over you in all that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all that pertains to the king. And the Levites will serve as officers before you. Act resolutely; may the LORD be with the upright!”

American Standard Version

And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of Jehovah; 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 Jehovah be with the good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 19:11 concludes King Jehoshaphat's extensive judicial reforms by establishing a clear, bipartite system of justice in Judah. It formally designates Amariah, the chief priest, as the ultimate authority for all matters pertaining to the Lord's law and religious affairs, and Zebadiah, a prominent civil ruler, for all the king's civil and governmental affairs. The verse further mandates the Levites to serve as supporting officers within this system and culminates with a powerful exhortation to these leaders to act with courage and integrity, assuring them of God's unwavering presence and favor with those who uphold righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the capstone of King Jehoshaphat's comprehensive judicial reforms, detailed in [2 Chronicles 19](/2_chronicles/19 "2 Chronicles 19 - Jehoshaphat's Judicial Reforms"). Following a severe rebuke from the prophet Jehu for his ill-advised alliance with wicked King Ahab of Israel ([2 Chronicles 19:1-3](/2_chronicles/19-1-3 "2 Chronicles 19:1-3 - Jehu's Rebuke to Jehoshaphat")), Jehoshaphat returns to Jerusalem with a renewed commitment to God and His covenant. He immediately sets about restoring righteousness throughout Judah, appointing judges in every fortified city and establishing a supreme court in Jerusalem. He charges these newly appointed judges to remember that their judgments are ultimately for the Lord, not for man, and that they must act without partiality, bribery, or fear ([2 Chronicles 19:6-7](/2_chronicles/19-6-7 "2 Chronicles 19:6-7 - Jehoshaphat's Charge to the Judges")). Verse 11 then specifies the ultimate leadership structure for this central court, ensuring a clear division of responsibility for religious and civil cases, thereby solidifying the integrity and functionality of the entire judicial system.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the king traditionally held significant judicial authority, often serving as the supreme court of appeal. However, the Mosaic Law also established the crucial role of priests and Levites in interpreting and applying the Torah, particularly in matters of religious purity, moral conduct, and disputes requiring divine guidance ([Deuteronomy 17:8-13](/deuteronomy/17-8-13 "Deuteronomy 17:8-13 - Judicial Authority of Priests and Judges")). Jehoshaphat's reform reflects a sophisticated understanding of governance in a theocratic kingdom, where God's law was paramount. By appointing the chief priest over "matters of the LORD" and a civil ruler over "the king's matters," Jehoshaphat was not creating a modern "separation of church and state," but rather acknowledging distinct, yet complementary, spheres of authority within a unified system governed by divine principles. This structure aimed to ensure that both spiritual and civil aspects of justice were handled by those with appropriate expertise and divine mandate, especially crucial after a period of spiritual decline and political compromise within the kingdom of Judah.

* **Key Themes:** The passage underscores several key themes central to the book of [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - The History of Judah's Kings"). First, it highlights **divine justice and governance**, emphasizing God's profound concern for righteousness in the land and the king's responsibility to implement it. Jehoshaphat's reforms demonstrate a practical outworking of the covenant principles found throughout the Pentateuch, particularly in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Book of the Law"), where justice and righteousness are foundational to national well-being and divine blessing. Second, it illustrates the importance of **structured leadership and clear accountability**, with distinct roles for religious and civil authorities, supported by the Levites. This division aimed to prevent the concentration of excessive power in one individual and ensure specialized oversight, promoting efficiency and fairness. Third, the exhortation "Deal courageously" emphasizes **moral fortitude and integrity** in leadership, a recurring theme throughout biblical narratives where leaders are called to act with conviction and faithfulness to God's commands, as seen in the commissioning of [Joshua](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - Joshua's Commission"). Finally, the promise "the LORD shall be with the good" underscores **divine presence and blessing** as the ultimate source of success and empowerment for those who govern righteously, reinforcing the idea that true prosperity and stability come from aligning human governance with God's sovereign will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Matters (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_ H1697):** This word, often translated as "word," "thing," or "affair," refers in this context to the specific legal cases, disputes, and administrative issues that fall under the jurisdiction of either the religious or civil authorities. It highlights the comprehensive nature of the judicial system established by Jehoshaphat, indicating that every type of legal or governmental "matter" was to be addressed within this structured framework.
* **Courageously (Hebrew, _châzaq'_ H2388):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to fasten upon" or "to be strong," this imperative calls for resolute determination, moral fortitude, and decisive action. It signifies the need for leaders to be firm, unwavering, and bold in executing justice, even when faced with opposition, personal cost, or difficult circumstances. It implies not just mental strength but also the active, robust implementation of their duties.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_ H2896):** This term, used here as a noun, refers to those who are righteous, upright, and morally sound in their character and conduct. It signifies individuals whose actions and motivations align with God's will and principles of justice. The promise that "the LORD shall be with the good" assures divine favor, empowering presence, and ultimate success for those who embody and uphold righteousness in their leadership and personal lives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, Amariah the chief priest [is] over you in all matters of the LORD;":** This clause establishes the chief priest, Amariah, as the supreme judicial authority for all cases concerning religious law, moral purity, and the interpretation of the Torah. His position signifies that spiritual and ethical integrity are paramount in the nation's legal system, with divine law as the ultimate, non-negotiable standard.
* **"and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters:":** This clause designates Zebadiah, a prominent civil official, as the supreme judicial authority for all civil and governmental affairs. This ensures that the practical administration of justice, including disputes between citizens, property rights, criminal offenses not primarily cultic, and matters of state governance, is handled by someone with the necessary administrative and political expertise.
* **"also the Levites [shall be] officers before you.":** This indicates that the Levites, traditionally responsible for teaching the law and assisting the priests, would serve as subordinate judges or administrators. They would assist Amariah and Zebadiah, likely handling initial hearings, compiling evidence, providing instruction, and ensuring the smooth operation of the judicial system at various levels throughout the kingdom.
* **"Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good.":** This concluding exhortation is a direct charge to all those appointed to leadership roles. "Deal courageously" is a call to moral strength, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice, even in the face of adversity. The accompanying promise, "the LORD shall be with the good," assures them that divine favor, empowering presence, and ultimate success will accompany their righteous efforts, providing both immense encouragement and a profound reminder of the ultimate source of their authority and success.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices that enhance its message and structure. **Parallelism** is prominently evident in the clear, balanced structure that distinguishes "matters of the LORD" and "the king's matters." This antithetical parallelism highlights the dual nature of the judicial system and ensures comprehensive coverage for all legal eventualities within the kingdom. The phrase "Deal courageously" functions as a direct **exhortation**, a powerful imperative that underscores the moral demand placed upon these newly appointed leaders. This command is immediately followed by a divine **promise** or **assurance**, "and the LORD shall be with the good," which serves as both encouragement and a theological underpinning for the preceding command. This juxtaposition of human responsibility and divine blessing is a common biblical pattern, linking human obedience to divine favor. Furthermore, the two distinct categories of "matters of the LORD" and "the king's matters" can be seen as a form of **merism**, encompassing the entirety of legal and governmental responsibilities within the kingdom, suggesting that no area of life is outside the purview of God's righteous governance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 19:11 offers profound theological insights into God's desire for justice and order within human society. It demonstrates that God is concerned not only with spiritual worship and religious purity but also with the practical administration of righteousness in civil affairs. The careful delineation of responsibilities between the chief priest and the civil ruler reflects a divine wisdom that recognizes the distinct yet complementary roles necessary for a well-ordered society under God's sovereignty. It underscores that all authority, whether religious or civil, ultimately derives from God and is accountable to His standards. The call to "deal courageously" and the promise of God's presence with "the good" emphasize that effective and righteous governance requires moral integrity, unwavering commitment, and a reliance on divine empowerment, aligning human effort with God's overarching will for justice and flourishing.

* [Deuteronomy 17:8-13](/deuteronomy/17-8-13 "Deuteronomy 17:8-13 - Judicial Authority in Israel")
* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - Righteous Rulers and Their Impact")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse provides timeless principles for leadership, governance, and personal integrity that transcend the ancient Israelite context. For believers today, it highlights the importance of clear roles and responsibilities within organizations, especially the church, to ensure efficient, ethical, and righteous administration. It challenges us to consider how we, in our various spheres of influence—whether in family, community, workplace, or church—are called to "deal courageously." This means acting with conviction, fairness, and boldness for what is right and true, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or requires personal sacrifice. Our actions should consistently reflect a commitment to God's standards of justice, truth, and compassion. Furthermore, the profound assurance that "the LORD shall be with the good" serves as an immense source of encouragement. It reminds us that when we strive for integrity, justice, and righteousness, God is not a distant observer but an active participant, empowering our efforts and ultimately blessing our endeavors. This promise calls us to trust in His presence and provision even amidst challenges, knowing that our labor for good is never in vain when it is aligned with His divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern "matters of the Lord" from "the king's matters" in our contemporary society, and how should believers engage responsibly with both spheres of influence?**
* **In what specific areas of your life, leadership roles, or service are you currently called to "deal courageously" for the sake of what is good and righteous, even when it requires personal sacrifice or faces opposition?**
* **How does the promise "the LORD shall be with the good" encourage and empower you in the face of challenges, discouragement, or perceived failures when striving for integrity and justice in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of separating "matters of the LORD" from "the king's matters" in Jehoshaphat's reforms?**

Answer: This separation was highly significant for several reasons within the context of ancient Judah. First, it ensured that both religious and civil justice received specialized attention from qualified leaders. The chief priest, Amariah, possessed the deep knowledge of the Torah necessary for interpreting divine law and cultic matters, while Zebadiah, the civil ruler, had the administrative and governmental expertise for civil disputes and state affairs. Second, it aimed to prevent conflicts of interest and the potential abuse of power by concentrating too much authority in one individual. While not a modern constitutional separation, it recognized distinct spheres of responsibility. Third, it underscored the holistic nature of God's concern for His people—encompassing both their spiritual and their societal well-being. It ensured that all aspects of life, from temple worship to property disputes, were brought under the umbrella of righteous governance, ultimately accountable to God's overarching law and character.

**How does this verse relate to the modern concept of the separation of church and state?**

Answer: While [2 Chronicles 19:11](/2_chronicles/19-11 "2 Chronicles 19:11 - Jehoshaphat's Judicial Structure") delineates distinct roles for religious and civil authorities, it does not directly parallel the modern Western concept of the "separation of church and state." In ancient Judah, both spheres operated within a single theocratic framework, where God's law was considered supreme over both the priest and the king. The separation was one of function and expertise, not of ultimate authority or purpose. Both the "matters of the LORD" and "the king's matters" were ultimately intended to uphold God's righteous standards in the land. Modern separation typically implies institutional independence and often, though not always, a secular government. However, the verse does offer a timeless principle: the recognition that spiritual and civil governance have unique characteristics and require distinct forms of leadership, though ideally, both should strive for justice and righteousness, which are fundamental attributes of God's character ([Psalm 89:14](/psalms/89-14 "Psalm 89:14 - Righteousness and Justice Are the Foundation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Chronicles 19:11, with its emphasis on righteous leadership, distinct spheres of authority, and the promise of God's presence with the good, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent embodiment of both the chief priest and the true ruler. As our great High Priest, Jesus perfectly mediates "matters of the LORD," interceding for us and perfectly fulfilling the requirements of God's law and covenant ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")). Unlike Amariah, whose authority was limited and whose priesthood was temporary and imperfect, Jesus' priesthood is eternal, unchangeable, and without blemish, offering a perfect and final sacrifice for sin that cleanses us completely ([Hebrews 7:23-27](/hebrews/7-23-27 "Hebrews 7:23-27 - Jesus' Superior Priesthood")). Simultaneously, Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the ultimate "ruler of the house of Judah" who perfectly administers "the king's matters." All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and His kingdom is one of perfect justice, righteousness, and peace, which will ultimately encompass all earthly governance and bring all things under His benevolent rule ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). The exhortation to "deal courageously" is perfectly fulfilled in Christ's unwavering obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross, and the promise "the LORD shall be with the good" finds its ultimate expression in the Father's vindication of Jesus through the resurrection and His ongoing presence with His people. Believers, as a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), are called to participate in Christ's ongoing work, exercising courageous and righteous leadership in their spheres of influence, knowing that the Lord is indeed with them as they strive to live out the good news of His kingdom.

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

Psalms 18:25

With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;

Psalms 18:26

With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.

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, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 22:19

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:9

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

2 Chronicles 19:6

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.