2 Chronicles 19

CHAPTER 19

Jehoshaphat Returns to Jerusalem

1 Then Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in peace to his house in Jerusalem.

2 aAnd Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him to his face and said to King Jehoshaphat, “bShould you help the wicked and love those who hate Yahweh and 1cso bring wrath on yourself from Yahweh?

3 “But asome good has been found in you, for byou have purged the 1Asheroth from the land and you chave set your heart to seek God.”

4 So Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem. Indeed, he returned and went out among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and acaused them to return back to Yahweh, the God of their fathers.

Jehoshaphat Appoints Judges

5 And he appointed ajudges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, in each city.

6 And he said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for ayou do not judge for man but for Yahweh who is with you 1when you render judgment.

7 “So now then let the dread of Yahweh be upon you; 1be careful what you do, because 2with Yahweh our God athere is no unrighteousness bor partiality or the taking of a bribe.”

8 In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some aof the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of Yahweh and to judge 1disputes. So they returned to Jerusalem.

9 Then he commanded them saying, “Thus you shall do in the fear of Yahweh, faithfully and wholeheartedly.

10 “aWhenever any dispute comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, you shall warn them so that they may not be guilty before Yahweh and bwrath may not come on you and your brothers. Thus you shall do, and you will not be guilty.

11 “And behold, Amariah the chief priest will be over you in 1aall that pertains to Yahweh, and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in 2all that pertains to the king. Also the Levites shall be officers before you. bBe strong and act, and Yahweh be with the one who is good.”