2 Chronicles 19

1 Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.2 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 Yahweh? Because of this, wrath is on you from before Yahweh.

3 Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have put away the Asheroth 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 Yahweh, the God of their fathers.5 He set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,6 and said to the judges, “Consider what you do: for you don’t judge for man, but for Yahweh; and he is with you in the judgment.

7 Now therefore let the fear of Yahweh be on you. Take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with Yahweh our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.”
8 Moreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed Levites and priests, and of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of Yahweh, and for controversies. They returned to Jerusalem.9 He commanded them, saying, “Thus you shall do in the fear of Yahweh, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.10 Whenever any controversy shall come to you from your brothers who dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you shall warn them, that they not be guilty towards Yahweh, and so wrathcome on you and on your brothers. Do this, and you shall not be guilty.

11 Behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of Yahweh; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and may Yahwehbe with the 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!”