2 Chronicles 19
Jehoshaphat’s Reforms
Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem. 2 But aJehu the son of bHanani cthe seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you dhelp the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, ewrath has gone out against you from the Lord. 3 Nevertheless, asome good is found in you, for byou destroyed the Asheroth out of the land, and have cset your heart to seek God.”
4 Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem. And he went out again among the people, from Beersheba to athe hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the Lord, the God of their fathers. 5 He appointed ajudges in the land in all bthe fortified cities of Judah, city by city, 6 and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, afor you judge not for man but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment. 7 Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for athere is no injustice with the Lord our God, bor partiality or taking bribes.”
8 Moreover, in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat aappointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel, bto give judgment for the Lord and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem. 9 And he charged them: a“Thus you shall do in the fear of the Lord, in faithfulness, band with your whole heart: 10 awhenever a case comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities, concerning bloodshed, law or commandment, statutes or rules, then you shall warn them, that they may not incur guilt before the Lord and bwrath may not come upon you and your brothers. Thus you shall do, and you will not incur guilt. 11 And behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you ain all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the governor of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters, and the Levites will serve you as officers. bDeal courageously, and may the Lord be with the upright!”
The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway,
a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.