2 Chronicles19
World English Bible · Public Domain
1Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.
2Jehu 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.
3Nevertheless 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.”
4Jehoshaphat 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.
5He set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,
6and 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.
7Now 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.”
8Moreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites, priests, and heads of the fathers’ households of Israel to give judgment for Yahweh and for controversies. They returned to Jerusalem.
9He commanded them, saying, “You shall do this in the fear of Yahweh, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.
10Whenever any controversy comes to you from your brothers who dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you must warn them, that they not be guilty toward Yahweh, and so wrath come on you and on your brothers. Do this, and you will not be guilty.
11Behold, 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 Yahweh be with the good.”
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.
Supported by Matthew Poole
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