2 Chronicles 19
1-3 But Jehoshaphat king of Judah got home safe and sound. Jehu, son of Hanani the seer, confronted King Jehoshaphat: "You have no business helping evil, cozying up to God-haters. Because you did this, God is good and angry with you. But you're not all bad—you made a clean sweep of the polluting sex-and-religion shrines; and you were single-minded in seeking God."
4 Jehoshaphat kept his residence in Jerusalem but made a regular round of visits among the people, from Beersheba in the south to Mount Ephraim in the north, urging them to return to God, the God of their ancestors.
5-7 And he was diligent in appointing judges in the land—each of the fortress cities had its judge. He charged the judges: "This is serious work; do it carefully. You are not merely judging between men and women; these are God's judgments that you are passing on. Live in the fear of God—be most careful, for God hates dishonesty, partiality, and bribery."
8-10 In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat also appointed Levites, priests, and family heads to decide on matters that had to do with worship and mediating local differences. He charged them: "Do your work in the fear of God; be dependable and honest in your duties. When a case comes before you involving any of your fellow citizens, whether it seems large (like murder) or small (like matters of interpretation of the law), you are responsible for warning them that they are dealing with God. Make that explicit, otherwise both you and they are going to be dealing with God's wrath. Do your work well or you'll end up being as guilty as they are.
11 "Amariah the chief priest is in charge of all cases regarding the worship of God; Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of the tribe of Judah, is in charge of all civil cases; the Levites will keep order in the courts. Be bold and diligent. And God be with you as you do your best."
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!”