2 Chronicles 19

Jehoshaphat Gets Checked & Sets Up Justice

1 Jehoshaphat king of Judah came back safe and sound to his crib in Jerusalem.

2 But Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and told King Jehoshaphat, “You really going to help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord, Because of this, wrath from the Lord is coming down on you!”

3 “However, some good stuff was found in you, because you got rid of the Asherah poles from the land and set your heart to seek God.”

4 So Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem. He then went out again among the people, from Beersheba all the way to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.

Jehoshaphat Organizes Judges

5 He set up judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city.

6 He told the judges, “Watch what you are doing, because you are not judging for humans, but for the Lord, and He is with you when you pass judgment.”

7 “So now, let the fear of the Lord be on you. Be careful what you do, because there is no injustice with the Lord our God, no favoritism, and no taking bribes.”

8 In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat also set up some Levites, priests, and heads of Israelite families to administer the justice of the Lord and settle disputes. And they returned to Jerusalem.

9 He commanded them, saying,” This is how you are going to act in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a whole heart:”

10 “Whenever a case comes to you from your relatives who live in their cities, between bloodshed and bloodshed, between law and command, between rules and regulations, you must warn them so they do not sin against the Lord and anger does not come on you and your relatives. This is how you are going to act so you do not commit guilt.”

11 “And look, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, is over you in all matters of the king. And the Levites will be your officers. Be strong and act! And may the Lord be with those who do good!”