4 So Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem and 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 .
5 He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah , city by city . 6 He said to the judges , "Consider what you are doing , for you do not judge for man but for the Lord who is with you when you render judgment . 7 "Now then let the fear of the Lord be upon you; be very careful what you do , for the Lord our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality e or the taking of a bribe ." 8 In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests , and some of the heads of the fathers' households of Israel , for the judgment of the Lord and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem . 9 Then he charged them saying , "Thus you shall do in the fear of the Lord , faithfully and wholeheartedly e . 10 " Whenever any dispute comes to you from your brethren who live in their cities , between blood and blood , between law and commandment , statutes and ordinances , you shall warn them so that they may not be guilty before the Lord , and wrath may not come on you and your brethren . Thus you shall do and you will not be guilty . 11 "Behold , Amariah the chief priest will be over you in all that pertains to the Lord , and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael , the ruler of the house of Judah , in all that pertains to the king . Also the Levites shall be officers before you. Act resolutely , and the Lord be with the upright ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 19:4-11
Chapter Contents
Jehoshaphat visits his kingdom.
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.