2 Chronicles Chapter 19
1 Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.
2 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.
3 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."
4 Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem; and he went out again amongst the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers.
5 He set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,
6 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 judgement.
7 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."
8 Moreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed Levites and priests, and of the heads of the fathers' households of Israel, for the judgement of the LORD, and for controversies. They returned to Jerusalem.
9 He commanded them, saying, "You shall do this in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.
10 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 towards the LORD, and so wrath come on you and on your brothers. Do this, and you will not be guilty.
11 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."
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2 Chronicles Chapter 19 Guide
Returning to Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat was rebuked by Jehu, the son of Hanani, in words which it would be well for all of us perpetually to bear in mind: "Shouldest thou help the wicked, and love them that hate the Lord?"
Evidently Jehoshaphat realized his wrong, and showed his repentance in a new mission, to bring his people back to Jehovah and to establish the internal administration of the kingdom in righteousness.
His words addressed to the judges are full of value, and of perpetual application. Those who are called on at any time and in any way to administer justice are acting for God, and not for man. They are not seeking to serve men, but to maintain the strict cause of justice, which is to be measured only' by divine standards. With God there is no iniquity, no respect of persons, no taking of bribes. So must it be with those who act as judges. Thus, and thus only, are the true interests of men served. To seek to please men is to be unjust to men. To seek to please God is to be just to men.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
2 Chronicles Chapter 19 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- Jehoshaphat visits his kingdom.
Verses 1-11
Whenever we return in peace to our houses, we ought to acknowledge God's providence in preserving our going out and coming in. And if we have been kept through more than common dangers, we are, in a special manner, bound to be thankful. Distinguishing mercies lay us under strong obligations. The prophet tells Jehoshaphat he had done very ill in joining Ahab. He took the reproof well. See the effect the reproof had upon him. He strictly searched his own kingdom. By what the prophet said, Jehoshaphat perceived that his former attempts for reformation were well-pleasing to God; therefore he did what was then left undone. It is good when commendations quicken us to our duty. There are diversities of gifts and operations, but all from the same Spirit, and for the public good; and as every one has received the gift, so let him minister the same. Blessed be God for magistrates and ministers, scribes and statesmen, men of books, and men of business. Observe the charge the king gave. They must do all in the fear of the Lord, with a perfect, upright heart. And they must make it their constant care to prevent sin, as an offence to God, and what would bring wrath on the people.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.