2 Chronicles 19

Chapter 19

Jehoshaphat Appoints Judges

1 When King Jehoshaphat of Judah arrived safely home in Jerusalem,2 Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him. “Why should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD?” he asked the king. “Because of what you have done, the LORD is very angry with you.

3 Even so, there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles throughout the land, and you have committed yourself to seeking God.”
4 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, but he went out among the people, traveling from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, encouraging the people to return to the LORD, the God of their ancestors.5 He appointed judges throughout the nation in all the fortified towns,6 and he said to them, “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the LORD. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case.

7 Fear the LORD and judge with integrity, for the LORD our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.”
8 In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests and clan leaders in Israel to serve as judges for cases involving the LORD’s regulations and for civil disputes.9 These were his instructions to them: “You must always act in the fear of the LORD, with faithfulness and an undivided heart.

10 Whenever a case comes to you from fellow citizens in an outlying town, whether a murder case or some other violation of God’s laws, commands, decrees, or regulations, you must warn them not to sin against the LORD, so that he will not be angry with you and them. Do this and you will not be guilty.

11 “Amariah the high priest will have final say in all cases involving the LORD. Zebadiah son of Ishmael, a leader from the tribe of Judah, will have final say in all civil cases. The Levites will assist you in making sure that justice is served. Take courage as you fulfill your duties, and may the LORD be with those who do what is right.”

2 CHRONICLES 19

1 Jehoshaphat returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem.

2 But the prophet Jehu son of Hanani met him and said:
By helping that wicked Ahab, you have made friends with someone who hates the [Lord]. Now the [Lord] God is angry with you!

3 But not everything about you is bad. You destroyed the sacred polest used in worshiping the goddess Asherah—that shows you have tried to obey the [Lord].

Jehoshaphat Appoints Judges //To Settle Cases

4 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, but he often traveled through his kingdom, from Beersheba in the south to the edge of the hill country of Ephraim in the north. He talked with the people and convinced them to turn back to the [Lord] God and worship him, just as their ancestors had done.
5 He assigned judges to each of the fortified cities in Judah

6 and told them:
Be careful when you make your decisions in court, because you are judging by the [Lord]'s standards and not by human standards, and he will know what you decide.

7 So do your work in honor of him and know that he won't allow you to be unfair to anyone or to take bribes.
8 Jehoshaphat also chose some Levites, some priests, and some of the family leaders, and he appointed them to serve as judges in Jerusalem.

9 He told them:
Faithfully serve the [Lord]!

10 The people of Judah will bring you legal cases that involve every type of crime, including murder. You must settle these cases and warn the people to stop sinning against the [Lord], so that he won't get angry and punish Judah. Remember, if you follow these instructions, you won't be held responsible for anything that happens.
11 Amariah the high priest will have the final say in any religious case. And Zebadiah, the leadert of the Judah tribe, will have the final say in all other cases. The rest of the Levites will serve as your assistants. Be brave, and I pray that the [Lord] will help you do right.