Old Testament · History

2 Chronicles 19

Judges Appointed

Jehoshaphat sets up courts throughout Judah. Consider carefully what you do, he tells the judges — you judge not for man, but for God.

King James Version BSB KJV

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

2And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.

3Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.

4And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beer-sheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers.

5And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,

6And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.

7Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

8Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.

9And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.

10And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

11And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king’s matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good.

Understand This

2 Chronicles 19, explained

What 2 Chronicles 19 is saying

Jehoshaphat returns safely from battle, and the seer Jehu confronts him: 'Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?' Nevertheless, Jehu acknowledges the good in Jehoshaphat. The king then establishes a judicial reform throughout Judah, appointing judges in every fortified city with the charge: 'Judge carefully, for you are not judging for man but for the Lord.' He also establishes a supreme court in Jerusalem with Levites, priests, and clan leaders.

The background behind it

Jehoshaphat's judicial reform is one of the most detailed administrative descriptions in Chronicles and has no parallel in Kings. The system resembles later rabbinic court structures and may reflect the Chronicler's idealization of Judah's legal institutions. The charge to judges echoes Deuteronomy 1:17 and 16:18-20.

Themes running underneath

Justice is a theological enterprise—judges serve as God's representatives, and partiality or bribery constitutes an offense against God Himself. The dual accountability to 'the Lord' and 'the wholehearted' (shalom) creates a robust theology of governance where human law must reflect divine justice.

Why it still matters

Jehoshaphat's charge to judges—'Let the fear of the Lord be upon you; act faithfully, for there is no injustice with the Lord'—remains a foundational statement for anyone in positions of authority. Justice is not a bureaucratic function but a sacred trust.

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Scripture text: King James Version — public domain.