2 Chronicles19
New Living Translation
1When King Jehoshaphat of Judah arrived safely home in Jerusalem,
2Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him. “Why should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?” he asked the king. “Because of what you have done, the Lord is very angry with you.
3Even so, there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles throughout the land, and you have committed yourself to seeking God.”
4Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, but he went out among the people, traveling from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, encouraging the people to return to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.
5He appointed judges throughout the nation in all the fortified towns,
6and he said to them, “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case.
7Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.”
8In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests and clan leaders in Israel to serve as judges for cases involving the Lord’s regulations and for civil disputes.
9These were his instructions to them: “You must always act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart.
10Whenever a case comes to you from fellow citizens in an outlying town, whether a murder case or some other violation of God’s laws, commands, decrees, or regulations, you must warn them not to sin against the Lord, so that he will not be angry with you and them. Do this and you will not be guilty.
11“Amariah the high priest will have final say in all cases involving the Lord. Zebadiah son of Ishmael, a leader from the tribe of Judah, will have final say in all civil cases. The Levites will assist you in making sure that justice is served. Take courage as you fulfill your duties, and may the Lord be with those who do what is right.”
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.
Supported by JFB
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.
Supported by JFB
Command for judges not to fear man because the judgment is God's.
Supported by Matthew Poole