2 Chronicles 19:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore now let the fear {H6343} of the LORD {H3068} be upon you; take heed {H8104} and do {H6213} it: for there is no iniquity {H5766} with the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, nor respect {H4856} of persons {H6440}, nor taking {H4727} of gifts {H7810}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, let the fear of ADONAI be upon you; be careful what you do; for ADONAI our God does not allow dishonesty, partiality or bribe-taking."

Berean Standard Bible

And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore let the fear of Jehovah be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with Jehovah our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Jehoshaphat's charge to his newly appointed judges in Judah is a profound call to administer justice with divine integrity. This verse encapsulates the foundational principles for righteous governance: a reverent awe of God, strict impartiality mirroring God's own character, and an unwavering rejection of corruption. It serves as a timeless standard for all who are entrusted with authority, emphasizing that human judgment must reflect the perfect justice and unblemished character of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Following his ill-advised alliance with King Ahab of Israel, for which he was sternly rebuked by the prophet Jehu (as recorded in [2 Chronicles 19:2](/2_chronicles/19-2 "2 Chronicles 19:2 - Jehu's Rebuke to Jehoshaphat")), King Jehoshaphat embarked on significant reforms throughout Judah. He traveled through the land, bringing the people back to the Lord, and then established a comprehensive judicial system. This included appointing judges in every fortified city and establishing a supreme court in Jerusalem for more complex cases, with both Levites and priests serving alongside heads of families ([2 Chronicles 19:4-8](/2_chronicles/19-4 "2 Chronicles 19:4-8 - Jehoshaphat's Judicial Reforms")). Verse 7, therefore, is not an isolated command but the ethical core of Jehoshaphat's instructions to these newly commissioned judges, setting the divine standard for their weighty responsibilities. It immediately precedes further specific instructions on how to handle various legal disputes ([2 Chronicles 19:8-11](/2_chronicles/19-8 "2 Chronicles 19:8-11 - Further Instructions to Judges")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many ancient Near Eastern cultures, relied heavily on local and centralized judicial systems. Judges often sat at the city gates, a public and accessible place for legal proceedings. Corruption, favoritism, and bribery were pervasive dangers in such systems, as evidenced by numerous condemnations in the Law and Prophets (e.g., [Exodus 23:8](/exodus/23-8 "Exodus 23:8 - Prohibition of Bribes") and [Amos 5:12](/amos/5-12 "Amos 5:12 - Injustice Condemned")). Jehoshaphat's reforms were a direct response to the moral and spiritual decline that had plagued both Israel and Judah, aiming to restore a just society rooted in Mosaic Law. His emphasis on the "fear of the LORD" and God's impartiality was a radical call for integrity in a world where power often dictated justice.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several overarching themes central to the book of Chronicles and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty and character of God**, portraying Him as the ultimate standard of justice, utterly free from iniquity, partiality, or corruption. Secondly, it highlights the **importance of righteous leadership**, demonstrating that true governance must reflect divine attributes and be grounded in a reverent relationship with God. This theme is consistent with the Chronicler's broader emphasis on the Davidic covenant and the ideal king. Thirdly, the passage addresses the pervasive biblical theme of **justice and righteousness**, not merely as legal concepts but as moral imperatives for a society seeking to honor God. The call to "fear the LORD" is presented as the wellspring of wisdom and integrity, a recurring motif throughout wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear of the LORD (Hebrew, _yir'at Yahweh'_):** This phrase denotes a profound reverence, awe, and submission to God, rather than a cowering dread. It implies a deep respect for His power, holiness, and moral authority, leading to obedience and a desire to align one's life with His will. In the context of judges, it signifies that their ultimate accountability is to God, not to human patrons or personal gain. It is the spiritual foundation for ethical conduct and wise decision-making.
* **Respect of persons (Hebrew, _nasa' panim'_):** Literally meaning "to lift up the face," this idiom refers to showing favoritism or partiality. In a judicial setting, it describes the act of judging based on external factors such as wealth, social status, family ties, or personal influence, rather than on the merits of the case or the objective truth. It implies a distortion of justice by allowing personal bias to override fairness and equity.
* **Taking of gifts (Hebrew, _laqach shochad'_):** This term specifically refers to the acceptance of a bribe. A "gift" in this context is not a token of appreciation but an inducement offered to pervert justice, to sway a judgment in favor of the giver, or to overlook wrongdoing. The prohibition against taking gifts is a strong condemnation of judicial corruption, emphasizing that judges must be incorruptible and immune to financial or material inducements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you;":** This opening clause serves as a powerful imperative, establishing the spiritual and moral prerequisite for all judicial activity. The "fear of the LORD" is presented not as an optional virtue but as an essential, pervasive attitude that must govern the judges' hearts and minds. It is the wellspring from which all righteous judgment flows, ensuring that their decisions are rooted in divine principle rather than human caprice or corruption.
* **"take heed and do [it]:":** This is a direct command for diligent and obedient action. "Take heed" implies careful attention, discernment, and watchfulness, recognizing the gravity of their task. "Do [it]" refers to the immediate and consistent application of the principles just stated and those that follow. It emphasizes that their reverence for God must translate into practical, righteous conduct in their judicial duties.
* **"for [there is] no iniquity with the LORD our God,":** This clause provides the theological bedrock for the preceding commands. The judges are to act with integrity because God Himself is perfectly righteous and just. "Iniquity" (Hebrew: _'awlah_) signifies perversity, injustice, or moral crookedness. By stating that God is utterly devoid of such, Jehoshaphat establishes God's character as the ultimate, unblemished standard for human justice.
* **"nor respect of persons,":** This continues the description of God's perfect character, emphasizing His absolute impartiality. God does not show favoritism based on social standing, wealth, or any external factor. He judges all equitably, based on truth and righteousness alone. This divine attribute serves as the direct model for the judges, compelling them to treat every litigant with equal fairness, regardless of their status.
* **"nor taking of gifts.":** Completing the description of God's incorruptible nature, this clause highlights that God cannot be swayed or influenced by bribes or material inducements. His judgments are pure and uncompromised. This further reinforces the standard for human judges, demanding that they remain entirely free from any form of corruption that would pervert justice or compromise their integrity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Theological Grounding**, where the imperative for human conduct ("let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it") is directly justified and motivated by the immutable character of God ("for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts"). This establishes a divine standard and accountability for human justice. Furthermore, the use of **Negative Parallelism** in the latter half ("nor iniquity...nor respect of persons...nor taking of gifts") emphatically lists what God is *not*, thereby highlighting His perfect attributes through contrast and repetition. This structure creates a powerful, memorable declaration of divine purity and integrity. The verse also functions as an **Ethical Appeal**, directly challenging the judges' moral compass and calling them to a higher standard of conduct based on reverence for God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects the administration of human justice to the very character of God. It posits that true justice is not merely a legal or social construct but a reflection of divine righteousness. The "fear of the LORD" is presented as the wellspring of wisdom and integrity, ensuring that human judgments are rooted in God's unchanging standards rather than human fallibility or corruption. God's impartiality and incorruptibility become the non-negotiable blueprint for those entrusted with authority, underscoring that accountability to God is paramount in all matters of governance and ethical decision-making. This principle extends beyond the courtroom, informing every sphere of life where decisions impact others, calling believers to embody God's justice in their daily interactions.

* [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God's Impartiality")
* [Proverbs 29:4](/proverbs/29-4 "Proverbs 29:4 - A King Establishes Justice")
* [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While specifically addressed to ancient judges, the principles enshrined in 2 Chronicles 19:7 resonate with profound relevance for all believers and leaders today. We are called to live lives that reflect the character of God, particularly His justice, impartiality, and integrity, in every sphere of influence. This means cultivating a deep "fear of the LORD" – a reverent awe that shapes our decisions, motivates our actions, and guides our moral compass. In a world often marked by favoritism, prejudice, and various forms of corruption, this verse challenges us to be agents of God's righteousness. Whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or public service, we are to treat all individuals with fairness and dignity, resisting the temptation to show partiality or to compromise our ethical standards for personal gain or convenience. Our commitment to truth and justice should be unwavering, demonstrating that our ultimate allegiance is to the God who is perfectly just and incorruptible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does cultivating the "fear of the LORD" practically impact your decision-making in daily life?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to show "respect of persons" or partiality, and how can you actively resist this?**
* **Beyond literal bribes, what "gifts" or influences might subtly compromise your integrity or judgment, and how can you guard against them?**
* **How can you, in your sphere of influence, contribute to a more just and impartial environment that reflects God's character?**

### FAQ

**What does "fear of the LORD" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: _yir'at Yahweh_) does not mean being terrified of God in a cowering sense. Instead, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's authority, holiness, and moral character. For the judges, it meant acknowledging that their ultimate accountability was to God, not to King Jehoshaphat or any human power. This deep respect for God's perfect justice and integrity was intended to be the primary motivator for their own righteous conduct, ensuring they would administer justice without partiality or corruption, knowing they would ultimately answer to Him. This concept is foundational in wisdom literature, where it is often equated with the beginning of knowledge and wisdom ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge") and [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")).

**How does God's character as described here serve as a model for human judges?**

Answer: God's character, as described in 2 Chronicles 19:7, serves as the ultimate, unblemished standard for human judges in three critical ways. Firstly, "no iniquity with the LORD our God" means God is perfectly righteous and just, entirely free from moral crookedness or wrongdoing. Human judges are therefore called to reflect this absolute integrity in their judgments. Secondly, "nor respect of persons" highlights God's absolute impartiality; He judges all equally, without favoritism based on social status, wealth, or personal connections. This directly instructs judges to treat every litigant fairly and objectively. Thirdly, "nor taking of gifts" emphasizes God's incorruptibility; He cannot be swayed or bribed. This sets the standard for judges to be immune to any form of material or financial inducement that would pervert justice. In essence, God's perfect and unwavering character is presented as the divine blueprint for all who administer justice among people, ensuring that their decisions are based on truth and righteousness alone. This principle is echoed throughout the Law, for example, in [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Do Not Pervert Justice").

**Is this verse only applicable to legal judges or leaders?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 19:7 is specifically addressed to judges appointed by King Jehoshaphat, its underlying principles are universally applicable to all believers and leaders in any context. The call to let the "fear of the LORD" be upon us, to act with integrity, to show no partiality, and to resist corruption are fundamental ethical and spiritual mandates for all who seek to live in accordance with God's will. Every individual, in their sphere of influence—whether in family, workplace, community, or church—makes decisions that affect others. This verse reminds us that in all our interactions and judgments, we are to reflect the perfect justice, impartiality, and incorruptibility of God. Therefore, it serves as a timeless guide for personal conduct, ethical living, and righteous leadership for anyone who desires to honor God and promote justice in the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principles articulated in 2 Chronicles 19:7 find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As the incarnate Son of God, Jesus perfectly embodies the divine character: He is utterly without iniquity, showing no "respect of persons," and entirely incorruptible. Unlike human judges who are prone to error and susceptible to temptation, Jesus is the [righteous Judge](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son"), whose judgments are always true and just ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Judges Righteously")). He consistently demonstrated impartiality, ministering to the marginalized and challenging the powerful without fear or favor ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). His life was a testament to complete integrity, culminating in His perfect obedience on the cross, where He bore the iniquity of humanity, yet remained without sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_chronicles/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, in His role as the head of the Church and future King, Jesus establishes a kingdom founded on righteousness and justice, where the principles of God's character are fully realized ([Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Kingdom of the Messiah")). Through His Spirit, believers are empowered to live out these very principles, reflecting His impartiality and integrity in a broken world, anticipating the day when He will judge the living and the dead with perfect equity ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Jesus")).

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 32:4

[He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.

Genesis 18:25

That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Romans 2:11

For there is no respect of persons with God.

Deuteronomy 10:17

For the LORD your God [is] God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Deuteronomy 10:18

He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.

Romans 9:14

¶ What shall we say then? [Is there] unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

Colossians 3:25

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.