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.

And said {H559} to the judges {H8199}, Take heed {H7200} what ye do {H6213}: for ye judge {H8199} not for man {H120}, but for the LORD {H3068}, who is with you in the judgment {H1697}{H4941}.

and instructed the judges, "Think about what you are doing: you are not dispensing justice by merely human standards but on behalf of ADONAI; he is with you when you deliver a verdict.

Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment.

and said to the judges, Consider what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for Jehovah; and he is with you in the judgment.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 19:6 presents King Jehoshaphat's solemn charge to the judges he appointed throughout the land of Judah. This verse underscores the profound spiritual dimension of human justice, reminding those in authority that their decisions are not merely earthly matters but carry divine weight.

Context

Following a significant military engagement and a stern rebuke from the prophet Jehu (2 Chronicles 19:2), King Jehoshaphat embarked on a comprehensive judicial reform. He traveled through his kingdom, from Beersheba to Mount Ephraim, bringing the people back to the Lord. As part of this spiritual and administrative renewal, he established courts in all the fortified cities of Judah, appointing judges and Levites to administer justice. Verse 6 captures his direct instruction to these newly appointed officials, emphasizing the sacred nature of their role. This reform was crucial for establishing righteousness and stability within the kingdom of Judah.

Key Themes

  • Divine Accountability: Jehoshaphat makes it clear that the judges' ultimate allegiance and accountability are to God, not to the people they serve or the earthly king. Their judgments are seen as judgments of the LORD Himself.
  • God's Omnipresence in Judgment: The phrase "who [is] with you in the judgment" highlights God's active presence and oversight in every legal proceeding. This serves both as a comfort and a warning, assuring divine assistance for righteous decisions and divine scrutiny for corrupt ones.
  • Integrity and Impartiality: By framing their role as judging "for the LORD," Jehoshaphat implicitly commands the judges to act with the highest degree of integrity, fairness, and impartiality, free from bribery or favoritism (Deuteronomy 16:19).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Take heed what ye do" translates a Hebrew imperative that conveys a strong sense of caution, seriousness, and responsibility. It's a call to profound consideration and carefulness. The core distinction, "ye judge not for man, but for the LORD," is stark and absolute, elevating the act of judgment from a purely human transaction to a divine mandate. The certainty of God's presence, "who [is] with you," reinforces the idea that human judges are merely instruments through whom divine justice is to be administered.

Practical Application

This verse carries timeless relevance for anyone in a position of authority or decision-making, whether in government, the workplace, the church, or even within a family. It serves as a powerful reminder that:

  • Every decision has spiritual weight: Our choices, especially those affecting others, are observed by God.
  • Ultimate accountability is to God: Regardless of earthly oversight, our deepest responsibility is to live and act in a way that honors God.
  • God is present in our endeavors: For those who seek to act justly and righteously, there is the assurance of God's presence and guidance. This should inspire both reverence and courage in carrying out one's duties.

It encourages all believers to approach their responsibilities with a sense of divine purpose, seeking to reflect God's character of justice and truth in all their interactions, knowing that nothing is hidden from His sight.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 1:17

    Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; [but] ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment [is] God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring [it] unto me, and I will hear it.

  • Leviticus 19:15

    Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: [but] in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:10

    Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do [it].

  • Ecclesiastes 5:8

    If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for [he that is] higher than the highest regardeth; and [there be] higher than they.

  • Joshua 22:5

    But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

  • Psalms 82:1

    ¶ A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

  • Psalms 82:6

    ¶ I have said, Ye [are] gods; and all of you [are] children of the most High.
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