2 Chronicles 19:9

KJV

And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he charged {H6680} them, saying {H559}, Thus shall ye do {H6213} in the fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068}, faithfully {H530}, and with a perfect {H8003} heart {H3824}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he charged them, "Here is what you are to do faithfully and wholeheartedly, in fear of ADONAI:

Berean Standard Bible

He commanded them, saying, “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of Jehovah, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Jehoshaphat's solemn charge in 2 Chronicles 19:9 to the judges he appointed throughout Judah encapsulates the foundational principles for righteous and just governance within a covenant community. This verse underscores the non-negotiable spiritual and moral integrity required for those in positions of authority, emphasizing that all service and judgment must be rooted in profound reverence for God, executed with unwavering faithfulness, and driven by a sincere, undivided heart. It sets a high standard for leadership, demanding an inward disposition that aligns perfectly with outward actions, ensuring that justice reflects divine character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal ethical and spiritual cornerstone within King Jehoshaphat's extensive judicial and spiritual reforms. It immediately follows the establishment of a comprehensive court system throughout Judah and a supreme court in Jerusalem, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 19:5-8](/2_chronicles/19-5-8 "2 Chronicles 19:5-8 - Jehoshaphat Establishes Courts"). These reforms were not arbitrary but were spurred by a divine rebuke delivered by the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, after Jehoshaphat's ill-advised alliance with King Ahab of Israel, an alliance that nearly cost him his life, as recounted in [2 Chronicles 19:1-3](/2_chronicles/19-1-3 "2 Chronicles 19:1-3 - Jehu's Rebuke to Jehoshaphat"). Having narrowly escaped death and received divine correction, Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem with renewed zeal to lead his people in righteousness. The charge articulated in this verse is thus the spiritual and moral foundation of his newly instituted judicial framework, preceding further instructions regarding specific judicial conduct in [2 Chronicles 19:10-11](/2_chronicles/19-10-11 "2 Chronicles 19:10-11 - Further Judicial Instructions").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, justice was not merely a secular affair but profoundly intertwined with the nation's covenant relationship with Yahweh. Kings, judges, and elders were expected to administer justice according to the Torah, God's divine law, which served as the ultimate constitution for the nation. Jehoshaphat's reforms aimed to decentralize justice, making it accessible throughout the land, while also ensuring consistency and divine oversight through the Jerusalem court. This system reflects a mature stage of Israelite governance, moving beyond simpler patriarchal or tribal justice to a more formalized, state-sponsored judiciary. Unlike the often arbitrary rule found in surrounding pagan nations, Israelite justice, ideally, was to be impartial, protecting the vulnerable, and reflecting God's own righteousness and justice, which are fundamental attributes of His character, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 16:18-20](/deuteronomy/16-18-20 "Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - Appointing Judges and Justice"). The charge emphasizes that the judges serve not just the king, but ultimately God, highlighting the theocratic nature of the Israelite kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to biblical wisdom and governance. The foremost theme is **The Fear of the LORD as Foundation**: The phrase "in the fear of the LORD" is paramount, signifying not a cowering dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and humble submission to God's authority, holiness, and justice. For the judges, this meant acknowledging that their ultimate accountability was to God, not merely to the king or the people, making it the bedrock of all their decisions. This principle is consistently presented in Scripture as the [beginning of wisdom and knowledge](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord as Wisdom's Foundation"). Secondly, **Faithfulness in Service** is highlighted. To act "faithfully" (Hebrew: *be'emunah*) implies integrity, trustworthiness, and adherence to truth in all judicial and administrative duties. It speaks to a commitment to carry out responsibilities diligently and honestly, without corruption or partiality, upholding the standards of God's law and covenant. Finally, **Wholehearted Devotion (A Perfect Heart)** is crucial. The instruction "with a perfect heart" (Hebrew: *lev shalem*) signifies sincerity, integrity, and undivided devotion. It means serving God and others with pure motives, without hypocrisy or hidden agendas, reflecting an inner uprightness that matches outward actions. This pursuit of a [wholehearted devotion to God's commands](/1_kings/8-61 "1 Kings 8:61 - Solomon's Charge for a Perfect Heart") is a recurring theme for righteous leadership in the Old Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear of the LORD (Hebrew, _yirʼâh Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This phrase, combining H3374 and H3068, denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's majesty, power, and moral authority. It is not a servile terror but a filial awe that motivates obedience and righteous living. For the judges, it meant recognizing God (Yᵉhôvâh, the self-Existent or Eternal) as the ultimate sovereign and the source of all true justice, ensuring their decisions were made with divine accountability in mind, rather than human favor or fear.
* **Faithfully (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûwnâh'_):** Derived from the root *aman*, meaning "to be firm, trustworthy, reliable," this term (H530) emphasizes integrity, loyalty, and steadfastness. It calls for actions that are consistent with truth and duty, free from deceit, partiality, or corruption. In a judicial context, it means administering justice with unwavering adherence to the law and with complete honesty, reflecting God's own faithfulness.
* **Perfect Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb shâlêm'_):** This idiom, combining H3824 and H8003, signifies a heart that is complete, whole, sincere, and undivided in its devotion and intentions. It points to inner purity of motive, without duplicity, hypocrisy, or hidden agendas. It does not imply sinless perfection but rather integrity of purpose and genuine commitment to God's will, ensuring that outward acts of justice flow from an inward desire to honor God completely.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he charged them, saying":** This clause introduces Jehoshaphat's solemn and authoritative instruction to the newly appointed judges. The verb "charged" (H6680, *tsâvâh*) indicates a formal, weighty command, underscoring the gravity and binding nature of the principles that follow. It highlights the king's role as a mediator of divine justice and order within the kingdom.
* **"Thus shall ye do":** This phrase (using H6213, *ʻâsâh*) serves as a direct imperative, outlining the prescribed manner of conduct for the judges. It emphasizes that their actions are not left to personal discretion or expediency but must conform to a specific, divinely sanctioned standard. It is a call to immediate and consistent obedience in their judicial duties.
* **"in the fear of the LORD":** This clause establishes the overarching spiritual framework for all their judicial activity. Every decision, every interaction, and every judgment must be performed with a profound awareness of God's presence, His holiness, and their ultimate accountability to Him. This foundational reverence is the wellspring of true justice, ensuring decisions are God-centered.
* **"faithfully":** This adverb (H530, *ʼĕmûwnâh*) specifies the manner in which their duties are to be executed: with integrity, trustworthiness, and unwavering adherence to truth. It speaks to the practical application of their reverence for God, manifesting as honest, reliable, and impartial conduct in all their proceedings, ensuring justice is administered without bias or corruption.
* **"and with a perfect heart":** This final phrase (using H8003, *shâlêm*, and H3824, *lêbâb*) delves into the internal disposition required, complementing the outward actions. It demands sincerity, purity of motive, and undivided devotion to God's will. Their service must stem from an inner commitment to righteousness, free from hypocrisy or self-interest, ensuring that their judgments are not merely legally correct but also morally upright and spiritually pure.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 19:9 employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Exhortation**, as Jehoshaphat issues a direct, authoritative command to his judges, urging them to a specific standard of conduct. The verse utilizes a form of **Triadic Structure** or **Parallelism** by presenting three essential qualities for righteous judgment: "in the fear of the LORD," "faithfully," and "with a perfect heart." This tripartite emphasis creates a sense of completeness and reinforces the multifaceted nature of true integrity, demonstrating that inner disposition, spiritual foundation, and outward action are all vital. The phrase "fear of the LORD" functions as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, representing the entirety of a person's relationship with God, encompassing reverence, obedience, and moral uprightness. The instruction "with a perfect heart" is an **Idiom**, a common Hebrew expression that signifies sincerity and wholehearted devotion, highlighting the internal disposition as equally important as external actions. The concise and direct nature of the charge also lends it a **Didactic** quality, serving as a memorable teaching for those in authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the broader biblical themes of divine justice, accountability, and the nature of true leadership within God's covenant. It asserts that human governance, to be legitimate and effective, must be grounded in the character of God Himself, who is perfectly just and righteous. The "fear of the LORD" is not merely a religious sentiment but the practical foundation for ethical conduct, reminding all in authority that they are ultimately God's representatives, administering His justice on earth. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true wisdom and effective leadership flow from a deep reverence for God and a commitment to His standards. It challenges the notion of purely secular governance, positing that even in seemingly mundane administrative tasks, a spiritual posture is essential, ensuring that decisions are made with impartiality, integrity, and a genuine desire for righteousness, reflecting God's own heart for justice and truth.

* [Deuteronomy 10:12](/deuteronomy/10-12 "Deuteronomy 10:12 - What the Lord Requires")
* [Psalm 78:72](/psalm/78-72 "Psalm 78:72 - David's Righteous Leadership")
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While specifically addressed to ancient judges, the principles articulated in 2 Chronicles 19:9 are timeless and universally applicable for all believers, especially those in leadership, positions of influence, or even in the daily conduct of their lives. This verse calls us to examine the very foundation of our actions and motivations. Are our decisions, whether in the workplace, family, community, or ministry, truly made "in the fear of the LORD"? Do we operate with a profound awareness that we are ultimately accountable to God, not just to human expectations or personal gain? The call to act "faithfully" challenges us to embody integrity, trustworthiness, and honesty in every commitment and interaction, resisting the temptation for compromise or partiality. Furthermore, the demand for a "perfect heart" compels us to cultivate an inner sincerity, ensuring that our outward service stems from pure motives, free from hypocrisy or hidden agendas. This holistic approach to living—where our reverence for God, our integrity, and our inner purity are seamlessly integrated—leads to authentic, impactful service that truly honors God and blesses others, transforming not just our actions but our very character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, especially those involving authority or influence, do I need to more consciously operate "in the fear of the LORD"?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of faithfulness and integrity in my daily responsibilities, even when no one is watching?**
* **What does it mean for me to serve "with a perfect heart" in my current circumstances, and what might be hindering that sincerity?**
* **How does the principle of divine accountability shape my decision-making process, both personally and professionally?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: In 2 Chronicles 19:9, "fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: *yirʼâh Yᵉhôvâh*) does not mean being terrified of God in a cowering sense. Instead, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's majesty, holiness, and moral authority. For the judges, it meant recognizing God as the ultimate sovereign and the source of all true justice. This fear is the foundation of wisdom, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord as Wisdom's Foundation"), and motivates obedience, integrity, and impartial judgment, knowing that one is ultimately accountable to Him. It's a healthy, reverent awe that leads to righteous living and decision-making.

**Is "a perfect heart" achievable or expected of humans?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase *lêbâb shâlêm*, translated "perfect heart," does not imply sinless perfection, which is unattainable for humans, as [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") reminds us. Rather, it signifies sincerity, integrity, and undivided devotion. It means having pure motives, being wholehearted in one's commitment to God's will, and acting without hypocrisy or duplicity. It's about having a heart that is fully committed to God, without divided loyalties, seeking His glory and justice above all else. This is a spiritual ideal that believers are called to strive for, relying on God's grace to purify their intentions and align their hearts with His.

**How do Jehoshaphat's reforms and this charge apply to modern leadership, even outside of religious contexts?**

Answer: The principles are highly relevant. Jehoshaphat's charge emphasizes that effective and just leadership, regardless of context, requires a strong moral and ethical foundation. Leaders should operate with a sense of ultimate accountability (whether to a divine being, a higher moral code, or the common good), act with unwavering integrity and faithfulness (honesty, transparency, reliability), and possess a "perfect heart" (sincere motives, dedication to the mission, absence of self-serving agendas). These qualities are crucial for building trust, ensuring fairness, and fostering a healthy environment in any organization, government, or community. They highlight that character is paramount for those in positions of influence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The charge in 2 Chronicles 19:9, demanding that judges act "in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Judge, the one who perfectly embodies the fear of the Lord, flawlessly executing the Father's will not out of compulsion but out of perfect love and reverence, as He Himself declared in [John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus' Perfect Judgment"). Unlike human judges, who are prone to error and sin, Jesus lived a life of absolute faithfulness, fulfilling every jot and tittle of the law, never deviating from God's righteous standards, being tempted in every way, yet without sin, as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest"). Moreover, His heart was perfectly whole and undivided in its devotion to the Father, free from any trace of sin, hypocrisy, or self-interest, perfectly demonstrating the humility and obedience described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only provides the perfect standard but also empowers believers, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to increasingly live out these very principles. We are called to imitate His perfect example, to live in reverent awe of God, to act faithfully in all our dealings, and to strive for a heart made perfect in Christ, reflecting His righteousness as we await His return as the [righteous Judge of all the earth](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God's Appointed Judge").

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

2 Samuel 23:3

The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men [must be] just, ruling in the fear of God.

2 Chronicles 19:7

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.

Deuteronomy 1:16

And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear [the causes] between your brethren, and judge righteously between [every] man and his brother, and the stranger [that is] with him.

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.

Isaiah 11:3

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

Isaiah 11:5

And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

Isaiah 32:1

¶ Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.