2 Chronicles 19

2 Chronicles 19:1 King Jehoshaphat of Judah returned to his house in Jerusalem in peace.

2 Chronicles 19:2 Then Jehu son of the seer Hanani went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Do you help the wicked and care for those who hate Yahveh? Because of this, Yahveh’s wrath is on you.

2 Chronicles 19:3 However, some good is found in you, for you have burnt up the Asherah poles from the land and have decided to seek God.”

2 Chronicles 19:4 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and once again he went out among the people from Beer-sheba to the hill country of Ephraim and brought them back to Yahveh, the God of their ancestors.

2 Chronicles 19:5 He appointed judges in all the fortified cities of the land of Judah, city by city.

2 Chronicles 19:6 Then he said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for a mere mortal, but for Yahveh, who is with you in the matter of judgment.

2 Chronicles 19:7 And now, may the terror of Yahveh be on you. Guard what you do, for there is no injustice or partiality or taking gifts[1] with Yahveh our God.”

2 Chronicles 19:8 Jehoshaphat also appointed some of the Levites and priests and some of the Israelite family heads in Jerusalem to decide Yahveh’s judgment and settle the disputes of the residents of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 19:9 He commanded them, saying, “In the fear of Yahveh, with integrity, and wholeheartedly, you are to do the following:

2 Chronicles 19:10 For every dispute that comes to you from your brothers who dwell in their cities — whether it regards differences of bloodguilt, instruction, commandment, prescribed tasks, or judgments — you are to warn them, so they will not incur guilt before Yahveh and wrath will not come on you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt.

2 Chronicles 19:11 “Notice that Amariah, the chief priest, is over you in all matters related to Yahveh, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all matters related to the king, and the Levites are officers[2] in your presence. Be strong; may Yahveh be with those who do what is good.”

[1] שֹׁחַד = gift (bribe). 2 Chronicles 19:7.

[2] שֹׁטֵר = officer. 2 Chronicles 19:11; 26:11; 34:13.