2 Chronicles 19:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
King Jehoshaphat’s charge to the newly appointed judges in 2 Chronicles 19:6 serves as a foundational declaration on the nature of justice, asserting that human judicial decisions are not merely earthly transactions but carry profound divine weight. He meticulously instructs them to approach their sacred duty with utmost seriousness and integrity, reminding them that their judgments are ultimately rendered not on behalf of humanity, but directly for the LORD, who is actively present and overseeing every verdict. This verse underscores the divine accountability inherent in all positions of authority and the sacredness of administering justice according to God's righteous standards.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant period of reform under King Jehoshaphat, following his return from a perilous alliance with Ahab of Israel and a subsequent rebuke from the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 19:1-3](/2-chronicles/19-1 "2 Chronicles 19:1-3 - Jehoshaphat's Return and Rebuke"). Jehoshaphat, having narrowly escaped death, rededicates himself to the LORD. His immediate response is to initiate widespread spiritual and administrative reforms throughout Judah. He travels personally among the people, encouraging their return to the LORD, and then establishes a comprehensive judicial system. He appoints judges in all the fortified cities and also establishes a high court in Jerusalem, composed of Levites, priests, and heads of Israelite families ([2 Chronicles 19:4-5](/2-chronicles/19-4 "2 Chronicles 19:4-5 - Jehoshaphat's Judicial Reforms")). Verse 6, therefore, represents the solemn charge given to these newly appointed judges, setting the theological and ethical framework for their critical role in the kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, justice was not merely a secular affair but deeply intertwined with the covenant relationship between God and His people. Kings were expected to uphold God's law, and judges were seen as instruments through whom divine justice was administered. The period preceding Jehoshaphat's reign, particularly under kings like Ahab in the northern kingdom and even Jehoshaphat's own compromised alliance, saw a decline in righteous governance and an increase in idolatry and social injustice. Jehoshaphat's reforms were a direct attempt to restore the nation's spiritual health and societal order by re-establishing a judicial system rooted in divine principles, echoing earlier Mosaic commands regarding impartial justice found in passages like [Deuteronomy 1:16-17](/deuteronomy/1-16 "Deuteronomy 1:16-17 - Instructions for Judges"). The appointment of judges "in all the fortified cities" indicates a systematic, nationwide effort to ensure that justice was accessible and administered consistently throughout the land of Judah, from Beersheba in the south to Mount Ephraim in the north.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is **Divine Accountability in Governance**. Jehoshaphat emphatically states that the judges' ultimate allegiance and responsibility are not to the king or the people, but directly to God. This elevates the act of judgment from a human transaction to a divine mandate, reinforcing the idea that all earthly authority is delegated by God and must be exercised in accordance with His character. Closely related is the theme of **God's Active Presence and Oversight**. The phrase "who [is] with you in the judgment" highlights God's omnipresence and direct involvement in the judicial process, serving both as a profound assurance of divine assistance for those who judge righteously and a stern warning against corruption or partiality. This also underscores the theme of **Integrity and Impartiality in Justice**, as judges are implicitly commanded to act with the highest degree of fairness, free from bribery or favoritism, knowing that their decisions are under divine scrutiny, a principle consistently emphasized in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 19:15](/leviticus/19-15 "Leviticus 19:15 - Impartiality in Justice") and [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Do Not Pervert Justice")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take heed (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** This imperative verb, often translated as "see" or "look," carries a profound sense of caution, consideration, and careful observation. In this context, it is a strong admonition to be profoundly mindful, to pay close attention, and to act with extreme deliberation and seriousness. It implies a deep understanding of the gravity and sacredness of the task at hand, urging the judges to weigh their actions and decisions with the utmost gravity and circumspection.
* **Judge (Hebrew, _shaphat'_):** This verb encompasses the full range of judicial activity: to govern, to rule, to decide controversies, to execute justice, and to vindicate. It's not merely about rendering a verdict but about the entire process of discerning truth, applying law, and ensuring righteousness. When Jehoshaphat states "ye judge," he is referring to the comprehensive exercise of judicial authority, which carries with it the power to affect lives, property, and the social fabric of the nation.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh'_):** The use of the covenant name of God, YHWH, is highly significant. It emphasizes that the ultimate authority and standard for justice derive from the God who revealed Himself to Israel, the faithful, covenant-keeping God. It is not an abstract deity but the personal God who established the law, demands righteousness, and is actively involved in the affairs of His people. To judge "for the LORD" means to administer justice as His representatives, reflecting His character and upholding His divine decrees.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do":** This opening clause establishes the direct, authoritative nature of Jehoshaphat's address to his newly appointed judicial officials. The phrase "Take heed what ye do" is a solemn and urgent warning, a call to profound circumspection. It underscores the immense responsibility and potential ramifications of their decisions, urging them to act with extreme caution, diligence, and moral seriousness, recognizing the gravity of their role.
* **"for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD":** This is the theological core of the verse, articulating the fundamental principle of divine accountability. It creates a stark contrast, elevating the act of judgment from a purely human transaction to a sacred duty performed directly on God's behalf. The judges are not merely arbitrating disputes between individuals or enforcing human laws; they are acting as God's representatives, administering His justice. This implies that their ultimate allegiance and standard of conduct must be divine, transcending any human pressures, biases, or corrupting influences.
* **"who [is] with you in the judgment":** This concluding phrase provides both a profound comfort and a powerful warning. It assures the judges of God's active presence and oversight in every legal proceeding. For those who seek to judge righteously, it signifies divine assistance, wisdom, and strength. Simultaneously, it serves as a sobering reminder that God is an ever-present witness, scrutinizing every decision, ensuring that no act of injustice or corruption goes unnoticed. His presence guarantees both the possibility of righteous judgment and the certainty of divine reckoning for unrighteousness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Exhortation** is central, as Jehoshaphat issues a direct and urgent command to his judges, emphasizing the gravity of their task. The use of **Contrast** is stark and highly effective in the phrase "ye judge not for man, but for the LORD," which powerfully distinguishes between human and divine authority, elevating the latter as the ultimate standard. This contrast creates a strong sense of **Emphasis** on the divine nature of justice. Furthermore, the declaration that God "is with you in the judgment" utilizes the device of **Divine Presence**, which serves both as a source of comfort and a warning of divine scrutiny. This concept imbues the judicial process with a sacred aura, transforming it from a mere legal proceeding into an encounter with the living God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 19:6 profoundly articulates the biblical understanding of justice as a divine attribute, not merely a human construct. It establishes that all earthly authority, particularly judicial, is delegated by God and must be exercised in a manner that reflects His righteousness and impartiality. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, asserting that God is the ultimate Judge and that human judges are His agents, accountable to Him for their decisions. The verse underscores the sacredness of governance and the absolute necessity of integrity and impartiality for those entrusted with power, reminding us that true justice flows from a divine source and is always under divine scrutiny.

* [Deuteronomy 1:16-17](/deuteronomy/1-16 "Deuteronomy 1:16-17 - Moses' Charge to Judges")
* [Psalm 82:1](/psalms/82-1 "Psalm 82:1 - God Stands in the Divine Council")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient charge from King Jehoshaphat holds profound and timeless relevance for anyone in a position of authority or decision-making today, whether in government, business, education, the church, or even within the family. It compels us to recognize that every choice we make, especially those impacting others, carries a spiritual dimension and is observed by God. Our ultimate accountability is not merely to human systems, supervisors, or public opinion, but to the LORD Himself. This should inspire a deep sense of reverence, humility, and courage. Knowing that God is "with you in the judgment" means that for those who genuinely seek to act justly and righteously, there is the assurance of divine presence, wisdom, and strength. Conversely, it serves as a powerful deterrent against corruption, partiality, or self-serving decisions, as nothing is hidden from His sight. We are called to approach our responsibilities not just as tasks to be completed, but as opportunities to reflect God's character of justice, truth, and righteousness in a fallen world, thereby honoring Him in all our interactions and decisions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or leadership do I need to be more mindful that I am "judging not for man, but for the LORD"?**
* **How does the awareness of God's active presence in my decisions impact my approach to responsibility and integrity?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my decisions are free from human biases, self-interest, or external pressures, and instead reflect God's righteous standards?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary reason Jehoshaphat initiated these judicial reforms?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat initiated these reforms primarily as a response to a spiritual and administrative crisis in Judah, particularly after his compromising alliance with King Ahab of Israel and the subsequent rebuke from the prophet Jehu ([2 Chronicles 19:1-3](/2-chronicles/19-1 "2 Chronicles 19:1-3 - Jehoshaphat's Return and Rebuke")). His goal was to bring the people back to the LORD and to restore righteous governance throughout the land. By establishing a robust and divinely accountable judicial system, he aimed to ensure that justice was administered according to God's laws, thereby strengthening the nation's spiritual foundation and social order.

**What does it mean to "judge not for man, but for the LORD"?**

Answer: This phrase means that the judges' ultimate allegiance and the standard for their decisions must come from God, not from human expectations, pressures, or personal gain. It elevates their role beyond mere human arbitration, making them direct representatives of divine justice. Practically, it means they should be impartial, incorruptible, and base their verdicts on God's revealed law and righteous character, rather than on favoritism, fear of man, or bribery, as explicitly warned against in [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Do Not Pervert Justice"). Their judgments are considered God's judgments.

**How does God being "with you in the judgment" affect the judges?**

Answer: God's presence in the judgment has a dual effect: it offers profound assurance and serves as a solemn warning. For righteous judges, it means they are not alone; God is present to grant wisdom, discernment, and courage to make just decisions. It assures them of divine support in their difficult task. Conversely, it acts as a powerful deterrent against corruption or injustice, as it signifies that every action and decision is under the direct scrutiny of an all-seeing God, from whom nothing is hidden ([Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Naked to God")). This awareness should inspire both reverence and a deep sense of accountability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The charge given to the judges in 2 Chronicles 19:6, emphasizing that they judge "not for man, but for the LORD," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While Old Testament judges were imperfect human agents administering God's law, Christ is the perfect embodiment of divine justice and the ultimate Judge. He is the one through whom God's righteous judgment is fully revealed and executed, as stated in [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son"). Jesus did not judge for man's approval or according to human standards, but always in perfect alignment with the will of the Father, demonstrating absolute impartiality and truth ([John 8:16](/john/8-16 "John 8:16 - Jesus' Judgment is True")). Furthermore, the promise that the LORD "is with you in the judgment" foreshadows the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth and convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment ([John 16:8-11](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit Will Convict the World")). Ultimately, all authority to judge has been given to the Son of Man ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Fixed a Day of Judgment by Jesus")), and His future return will establish perfect justice, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, the Old Testament call to judge for the LORD points forward to the one who perfectly fulfills that mandate and will one day judge all humanity with perfect righteousness.

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 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.