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 Beersheba 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' matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good.
2 Chronicles 19
English Standard Version
Jehoshaphat’s Reforms
1Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem.2But 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 has gone out against you from the Lord. (1Sa 9:9; 1Ki 16:1; 2Ch 16:7; 2Ch 18:1; 2Ch 19:10; 2Ch 20:34; 2Ch 20:37; 2Ch 24:18; 2Ch 32:25; Ps 139:21)3Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.” (1Ki 14:13; 2Ch 12:12; 2Ch 17:6; 2Ch 30:19; Ezr 7:10)4Jehoshaphat 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. (Jos 24:33)5He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, (De 16:18; 2Ch 11:5)6and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment. (De 1:17)7Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes.” (Ge 18:25; De 10:17; De 32:4; Job 8:3; Job 34:10; Ro 9:14)8Moreover, in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel, to give judgment for the Lord and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem. (2Ch 17:8; 2Ch 19:6)9And he charged them: “Thus you shall do in the fear of the Lord, in faithfulness, and with your whole heart: (2Sa 23:3; 1Ki 8:61)10whenever a case comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities, concerning bloodshed, law or commandment, statutes or rules, then you shall warn them, that they may not incur guilt before the Lord and wrath may not come upon you and your brothers. Thus you shall do, and you will not incur guilt. (De 17:8; 2Ch 19:2)11And behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the governor of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters, and the Levites will serve you as officers. Deal courageously, and may the Lord be with the upright!”[1] (1Ch 26:30; 1Ch 26:32; 1Ch 28:10; Ezr 10:4)