2 Chronicles19
New American Standard
1Then Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem.
2And 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, and by doing so bring wrath on yourself from the Lord?
3But there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asheroth from the land and you have set your heart to seek God.”
4So Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem and 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.
5He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city.
6He said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for mankind but for the Lord who is with you when you render judgment.
7Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you; be careful about what you do, for the Lord our God will have no part in injustice or partiality, or in the taking of a bribe.”
8In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat also appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of the Lord, and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
9Then he commanded them, saying, “This is what you shall do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and wholeheartedly.
10Whenever any dispute comes to you from your countrymen who live in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you shall warn them so that they will not be guilty before the Lord, and wrath will not come on you and your countrymen. This you shall do and you will not be guilty.
11Behold, Amariah the chief priest will be over you in every matter that pertains to the Lord, and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all that pertains to the king. Also the Levites shall be officers before you. Act resolutely, and may the Lord be with the upright.”
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Chronicles 19.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Jehoshaphat visits his kingdom. (1-11).
vv1-11
Whenever we return in peace to our houses, we ought to acknowledge God's providence in preserving our going out and coming in. And if we have been kept through more than common dangers, we are, in a special manner, bound to be thankful. Distinguishing mercies lay us under strong obligations. The prophet tells Jehoshaphat he had done very ill in joining Ahab. He took the reproof well. See the effect the reproof had upon him. He strictly searched his own kingdom. By what the prophet said, Jehoshaphat perceived that his former attempts for reformation were well-pleasing to God; therefore he did what was then left undone. It is good when commendations quicken us to our duty. There are diversities of gifts and operations, but all from the same Spirit, and for the public good; and as every one has received the gift, so let him minister the same. Blessed be God for magistrates and ministers, scribes and statesmen, men of books, and men of business. Observe the charge the king gave. They must do all in the fear of the Lord, with a perfect, upright heart. And they must make it their constant care to prevent sin, as an offence to God, and what would bring wrath on the people.
Key Words
יְהוֹשָׁפָט: Jehoshaphat, the name of six Israelites; also of a valley near Jerusalem
מֶלֶךְ: a king
יְהוּדָה: Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
שׁוּב: to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again
שָׁלוֹם: safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace
בַּיִת: a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם: Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine
יֵהוּא: Jehu, the name of five Israelites
בֵּן: a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)
חֲנָנִי: Chanani, the name of six Israelites
Cross References
2 Chronicles 19Identifies Jehu the prophet, son of Hanani, who previously rebuked Baasha.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The Mosaic standard that God does not respect persons or take bribes, which judges must copy.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Establishes the supreme appellate court of Levites, priests, and elders in Jerusalem.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The immediate context of Jehoshaphat returning in peace after his miraculous rescue.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Further identifies Jehu the prophet who records the acts of Jehoshaphat.
Supported by Matthew Poole
References Jehoshaphat's earlier initiative of sending out teachers, now intensified.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Law prohibiting judges from perverting justice, showing partiality, or taking bribes.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Affirms that God does not accept the persons of princes nor regard rich over poor.
Supported by Matthew Poole
New Testament confirmation that God is no respecter of persons, echoing Jehoshaphat's charge.
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The historical alliance with Ahab which drew Jehu's severe prophetic rebuke.
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The subsequent invasion by Moab and Ammon as the manifestation of the threatened wrath.
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The Mosaic command to appoint judges and officers in all gates.
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Command for judges not to fear man because the judgment is God's.
Supported by Matthew Poole