2 Chronicles 19

Jehu's Rebuke of Jehoshaphat

1 Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned to his home in Jerusalem in peace. 2 Then Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, "Do you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, the Lord's wrath is on you.

3 However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have decided to seek God."

Jehoshaphat's Reforms

4 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and once again he went out among the people from Beer-sheba to the hill country of Ephraim and brought them back to Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. 5 He appointed judges in all the fortified cities of the land of Judah, city by city. 6 Then he said to the judges, "Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the matter of judgment.

7 And now, may the terror of the Lord be on you. Watch what you do, for there is no injustice or partiality or taking bribes with the Lord our God."
8 Jehoshaphat also appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites and priests and some of the heads of the Israelite families for [deciding] the Lord's will and for [settling] disputes of the residents of Jerusalem. 9 He commanded them, saying, "In the fear of the Lord, with integrity, and with a whole heart, you are to do the following:

10 for every dispute that comes to you from your brothers who dwell in their cities-whether it regards differences of bloodguilt, law, commandment, statutes, or judgments-you are to warn them, so they will not incur guilt before the Lord and wrath will not come on you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt.

11 "Note that Amariah, the chief priest, is over you in all matters related to the Lord, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all matters related to the king, and the Levites are officers in your presence. Be strong; may the Lord be with those who do what is good."

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!”