2 Chronicles 19

Jehoshaphat's Reforms

1 Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem.2 But Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord.3 Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asherahs out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God."

4 Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem. And he went out again among the people, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the Lord, the God of their fathers.5 He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,6 and said to the judges, "Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment.7 Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes."

8 Moreover, in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel, to give judgment for the Lord and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem.9 And he charged them: "Thus you shall do in the fear of the Lord, in faithfulness, and with your whole heart:10 whenever a case comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities, concerning bloodshed, law or commandment, statutes or rules, then you shall warn them, that they may not incur guilt before the Lord and wrath may not come upon you and your brothers. Thus you shall do, and you will not incur guilt.11 And behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the governor of the house of Judah, in all the king's matters, and the Levites will serve you as officers. Deal courageously, and may the Lord be with the upright!"t

2 Chronicles 19

1 When King Jehoshaphat of Judah returned home safely to Jerusalem,s2 the prophett Jehu son of Hanani confronted him;t he said to King Jehoshaphat, “Is it right to help the wicked and be an ally of those who oppose the Lord?t Because you have done this the Lord is angry with you!t

3 Nevertheless you have done some good things;t you removedt the Asherah poles from the land and you were determined to follow the Lord.”t

Jehoshaphat Appoints Judges

4 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem.s He went out among the people from Beer Sheba to the hill country of Ephraim and encouraged them to followt the Lord God of their ancestors.t5 He appointed judges throughout the land and in each of the fortified cities of Judah.t6 He told the judges, “Be careful what you do,t for you are not judging for men, but for the Lord, who will be with you when you make judicial decisions.

7 Respect the Lord and make careful decisions, for the Lord our God disapproves of injustice, partiality, and bribery.”t
8 In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed some Levites, priests, and Israelite family leaders to judge on behalf of the Lordt and to settle disputes among the residents of Jerusalem.s9 He commanded them: “Carry out your duties with respect for the Lord, with honesty, and with pure motives.t10 Whenever your countrymen who live in the cities bring a case before yout (whether it involves a violent crimet or other matters related to the law, commandments, rules, and regulations), warn them that they must not sin against the Lord. If you fail to do so, God will be angry with you and your colleagues; but if you obey, you will be free of guilt.t

11 You will report to Amariah the chief priest in all matters pertaining to the Lord’s law, and to Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of the family of Judah, in all matters pertaining to the king.t The Levites will serve as officials before you. Confidently carry out your duties!t May the Lord be with those who do well!”