2 Chronicles - Chapter 19

2 Chronicles 19.1 And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 19.2 And 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. 2 Chronicles 19.3 Nevertheless 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. 2 Chronicles 19.4 And 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. 2 Chronicles 19.5 And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, 2 Chronicles 19.6 And 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. 2 Chronicles 19.7 Wherefore 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. 2 Chronicles 19.8 Moreover 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. 2 Chronicles 19.9 And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. 2 Chronicles 19.10 And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in your 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. 2 Chronicles 19.11 And, 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’s matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good.

2 Chronicles : Chapter 19

Jehoshaphat's Judicial Reforms: Establishing Justice According to God's Heart

Chapter 19 of the book of 2 Chronicles presents the judicial reforms undertaken by King Jehoshaphat. This insightful text invites us to reflect on how to establish justice in accordance with God's heart. Through a rebuke from the prophet Jehu, the establishment of a fair judicial system, and an exhortation to judges, this chapter addresses essential themes such as the responsibility of leaders, the importance of impartiality, and the fear of the Lord in the administration of justice.

Principles of Justice in the Scriptures

We invite you to explore five biblical passages that shed light on the fundamental principles of this significant chapter:

Deuteronomy 16:18-20

"You shall place judges and officers in all your gates, whom the Lord your God gives you among your tribes, that they may judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not pervert the In judgment, you shall not respect persons or accept bribes, for corruption blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. Only righteousness shall you pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the Lord your God gives you."

This passage resonates with Jehoshaphat's judicial reforms, as described in 2 Chronicles 19:5-7.

Leviticus 19:15

"You shall not commit injustice in judgment; you shall not respect the person of the poor or honor the powerful ; but with justice you shall judge your neighbor."

This echoes Jehoshaphat's instructions to the judges in 2 Chronicles 19:7.

Micah 6:8

"He has declared to you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

This verse reaffirms the principles of justice and the fear of God that Jehoshaphat established in 2 Chronicles 19:9-11.

Romans 13:1

"Every soul must be subject to the higher powers, for there is no power except from God, and the powers that are ordained by God."

This passage reflects Jehoshaphat's organization of the judicial system, recognizing authority as coming from God.

James 2:1

"My brothers, do not believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with regard to individuals."

This refers to Jehoshaphat's instruction to the judges, commanding them to show no partiality, as emphasized in 2 Chronicles 19:7.

As we meditate on these passages, we are called to live a righteousness that reflects God's love and fairness, guided by His wisdom in all our actions. May the Lord help us establish justice according to His heart.