World English Bible
- Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.
- Jehu 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 the LORD? Because of this, wrath is on you from before the LORD.
- Nevertheless 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.”
- Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem; and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers.
- He set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,
- and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you don’t judge for man, but for the LORD; and he is with you in the judgment.
- Now therefore let the fear of the LORD be on you. Take heed and do it; for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.”
- Moreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites, priests, and heads of the fathers’ households of Israel to give judgment for the LORD and for controversies. They returned to Jerusalem.
- He commanded them, saying, “You shall do this in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.
- Whenever 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 the LORD, and so wrath come on you and on your brothers. Do this, and you will not be guilty.
- 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, in all the king’s matters. Also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and may the LORD be with the good.”
2 Chronicles 19 — Justice before the Throne
Return and rebuke: After the misalliance of chapter 18, Jehoshaphat is met by Jehu son of Hanani (the same prophetic line that corrected Asa). Mercy and warning hold together: “Should you help the wicked? … Nevertheless there is some good in you” (New International Version). Mature leadership receives correction and reforms systems—not only feelings.
Reform at the gates: Jehoshaphat posts judges city by city and charges them, “You are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict” (New International Version). He names priests (Amariah) and officials (Zebadiah), yoking worship and civic life. Hebrew notes: yir’at YHWH (fear of the LORD) governs justice; no “lifting of the face” (nasa panim—partiality), no shochad (bribe). Archaeology reminds us judgment happened at the gate benches (e.g., Lachish, Dan)—public, accountable. Theologically, courts become a small sacrament of God’s own impartial rule (Deuteronomy 10:17). Augustine and Calvin both saw magistracy as a divine trust.
Cross references: Exodus 18; Deuteronomy 16:18–20; 2 Samuel 23:3; James 2:1–9; 1 Corinthians 6:1–5.
Hymn: “God of Grace and God of Glory” (“grant us wisdom, grant us courage”).
Prayer: Judge of all the earth, teach us holy fear. Cleanse our partiality, steady our courage, and make our homes, churches, and courts reflect your just and merciful rule through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Narrated version of this devotional on 2 Chronicles Chapter 19