2 Chronicles 19:7

2 Chronicles 19:7 (KJV) is a powerful charge from King Jehoshaphat to the newly appointed judges in Judah, emphasizing the divine standard for justice and integrity.

Context

Following a rebuke from the prophet Jehu for his ill-advised alliance with wicked King Ahab (see 2 Chronicles 19:2), King Jehoshaphat initiated significant religious and judicial reforms throughout his kingdom. He established courts and appointed judges in various cities, and also a supreme court in Jerusalem (as detailed in 2 Chronicles 19:4-6). This verse is central to his instruction to these judges, urging them to administer justice with the same integrity and impartiality that characterizes God Himself. It underscores the importance of righteous leadership in ancient Israelite society.

Key Themes

• The Fear of the LORD: Jehoshaphat begins by stressing that the foundation of all righteous judgment is a reverent awe and respect for God. This "fear of the LORD" (yir’at Yahweh in Hebrew) is not a cowering dread, but a profound reverence that leads to obedience and wisdom, as highlighted in Proverbs 9:10. It is the primary motivator for honest and just conduct.
• Divine Impartiality: The verse states, "there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons." This emphasizes God's perfect justice and His absolute lack of favoritism. He judges all equally, regardless of status, wealth, or influence. This divine attribute serves as the ultimate model for human judges, instructing them to show no partiality. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, for example, in Romans 2:11.
• Integrity and Anti-Corruption: The phrase "nor taking of gifts" directly condemns bribery. In ancient judicial systems, the acceptance of gifts could easily corrupt judgment. God, who cannot be swayed or bought, sets the standard for honest judgment. This teaching against corruption is a recurring theme in the Old Testament law, reinforcing the need for judges to be incorruptible, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:19.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "respect of persons" is nasa' panim (נָשָׂא פָנִים), literally meaning "to lift up the face." In a judicial context, it refers to showing favoritism or partiality based on outward appearance, social standing, or personal connections, rather than judging solely on the merits of the case. The term "taking of gifts" translates laqach shochad (לָקַח שֹׁחַד), which clearly denotes the acceptance of a bribe to pervert justice. These phrases highlight the specific forms of corruption that Jehoshaphat sought to eradicate by aligning the judicial system with God's perfect character.

Practical Application

While specifically addressed to ancient judges, the principles in 2 Chronicles 19:7 remain profoundly relevant today for all believers and leaders. We are called to embody God's character in our interactions and decisions. This means:

• Living with Reverence: Approaching life with a deep "fear of the LORD" means seeking to please Him in all we do, understanding that our actions have eternal significance.
• Practicing Impartiality: In our families, workplaces, and communities, we are to treat everyone fairly, without prejudice or favoritism, reflecting God's own nature. This applies to how we evaluate situations, make decisions, and interact with diverse individuals.
• Maintaining Integrity: Resisting all forms of corruption, whether literal bribes or subtle influences that compromise our honesty and moral compass. This calls for transparency and uprightness in all our dealings, upholding justice and truth even when it is difficult.

Ultimately, this verse is a timeless reminder that true justice and righteous living flow from a profound understanding and imitation of God's perfect and unwavering character.