2 Chronicles 19:9

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

2 Chronicles 19:9 records King Jehoshaphat's solemn charge to the judges he appointed throughout Judah, outlining the foundational principles for righteous and just governance. This verse emphasizes the spiritual and moral integrity required for those in positions of authority, highlighting the importance of God-centered service.

Context

This verse captures King Jehoshaphat's charge to the newly appointed judges and Levites in Judah, following his significant reforms aimed at restoring righteous governance and spiritual order in the land. After a military alliance with Ahab that nearly cost him his life, Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem and received a rebuke from the prophet Jehu (2 Chronicles 19:1-3). This experience spurred him to intensify his efforts to lead Judah in righteousness, focusing on establishing a judicial system rooted in divine principles. He appointed judges in every fortified city and established a supreme court in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 19:5-8), to whom this charge is given.

Key Themes

  • The Fear of the LORD as Foundation: The phrase "in the fear of the LORD" is paramount. This is not a cowering dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and submission to God's authority, holiness, and justice. For the judges, it meant acknowledging that their ultimate accountability was to God, not merely to the king or the people. This principle is often presented as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge in Scripture.
  • Faithfulness in Service: To act "faithfully" implies integrity, trustworthiness, and adherence to truth in all their 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.
  • Wholehearted Devotion (A Perfect Heart): 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. This concept calls for inner uprightness that matches outward actions, reflecting a desire to serve God completely, much like King David's desire to serve the Lord with a wholehearted devotion to God's commands.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "fear of the LORD" is yir'ah Yahweh, which emphasizes a reverential awe and moral reverence for God's character and commands. The term "perfect heart" translates from lev shalem, indicating a heart that is complete, whole, and sincere in its devotion and intentions, free from duplicity or divided loyalties. It doesn't imply sinless perfection, but rather integrity of purpose and genuine commitment.

Practical Application

While specifically addressed to ancient judges, the principles in 2 Chronicles 19:9 are timeless and universally applicable for all believers, especially those in leadership or positions of influence. It calls us to:

  • Serve with Divine Accountability: All our actions, decisions, and service should be performed with an awareness that we are ultimately accountable to God.
  • Embrace Integrity and Honesty: Whether in business, family, or ministry, we are called to act with faithfulness and trustworthiness, honoring our commitments and upholding truth.
  • Cultivate Sincere Motivation: Our service should stem from a "perfect heart" – genuine, wholehearted devotion to God, rather than for personal gain, recognition, or obligation. This leads to authentic and impactful service that truly honors God and blesses others.
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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

  • 2 Samuel 23:3 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 32:1 (1 votes)

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