2 Chronicles19
New International Version
1When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem,
2Jehu the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet him and said to the king, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, the wrath of the Lord is on you.
3There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God.”
4Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.
5He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah.
6He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict.
7Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
8In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the Lord and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem.
9He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord.
10In every case that comes before you from your people who live in the cities—whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees or regulations—you are to warn them not to sin against the Lord; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your people. Do this, and you will not sin.
11“Amariah the chief priest will be over you in any matter concerning the Lord, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of the tribe of Judah, will be over you in any matter concerning the king, and the Levites will serve as officials before you. Act with courage, and may the Lord be with those who do well.”
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.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
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