2 Chronicles 19

King Jehoshaphat’s Religious Reforms

1 King Jehoshaphat of Judah returned safely to his home in Jerusalem.2 Jehu, son of the seert Hanani, asked King Jehoshaphat, “Why do you help wicked people and love those who hate the Lord? The Lord’s anger is directed toward you because you have done this.

3 However, you’ve done some good things: You’ve burned the Asherah poles in this country, and you’ve wholeheartedly dedicated your life to serving God.”
4 While Jehoshaphat was living in Jerusalem, he regularly went to the people between Beersheba and the mountains of Ephraim. He brought the people back to the Lord God of their ancestors.5 He appointed judges in the country, in each fortified city of Judah.6 He told the judges, “Pay attention to what you’re doing. When you judge, you aren’t doing it for a human but for the Lord. He will be with you when you hear a case.

7 May you have the fear of the Lord in you. Be careful about what you do. The Lord our God is never unjust. He is impartial and never takes bribes.”
8 In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat also appointed some Levites, priests, and family heads from Israel to administer the Lord’s laws and decide cases. They lived in Jerusalem.9 He ordered them, “Do this wholeheartedly—with the fear of the Lord and with faithfulness.10 Warn your relatives living in other cities about every case they bring to you, even if the case involves bloodshed or commands, rules, or regulations derived from Moses’ Teachings. Then your relatives will not become guilty in front of the Lord. Otherwise, he will become angry with you and your relatives. Do this, and you won’t be guilty of anything.

11 Now, the chief priest Amariah will be in charge of you in every matter involving the Lord. Zebadiah, who is the son of Ishmael and the leader of the tribe of Judah, will be in charge of every matter involving the king. The Levites will serve as officers of the court. Be strong, and do your job. May the Lord be with those who do right.”

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!”