2 Chronicles 19
1 And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.
Once Jehoshaphat had arrived safely home in Jerusalem,
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 Yhwh? therefore is wrath upon thee from before Yhwh.
Jehu, son of Hanani, the seer went out to face him. He said to King Jehoshaphat, “Why are you helping the wicked? Why do you love those who hate the Lord? The Lord is angry with you because of this.
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.
Even so you've done some good things such as destroying the Asherah poles throughout the country, and you have made a sincere commitment to follow God.”
4 And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beer–sheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto Yhwh God of their fathers.
Jehoshaphat continued living in Jerusalem, and once again he traveled among the people, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, to encourage them to serve the Lord, the God of their fathers.
5 And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,
He appointed judges throughout the country, in all of the fortified towns of Judah.
6 And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for Yhwh, who is with you in the judgment.
He told the judges, “Be careful about what you're doing as judges, because you're not looking for the approval of people, but the approval of the Lord. He is the One with you when you give your verdict.
7 Wherefore now let the fear of Yhwh be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with Yhwh our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.
So then, be sure to have reverence for God, obeying him and doing what he wants, for God does not permit any kind of injustice, favoritism, or bribery.”
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 Yhwh, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.
Jehoshaphat also appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites, priests, and family heads to act as judges regarding the law of Lord and to settle disputes. They were to have their courts in Jerusalem.
9 And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of Yhwh, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.
He gave them these orders, “You must honor God, and act with faithfulness and complete commitment.
10 And 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 Yhwh, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.
In every case that comes before you from your people living in other towns, whether it involves murder or violations of the law, commandment, statutes, or judgments, you are to warn them not to offend the Lord so that punishment does not come upon you and your people. If you do this you will not be held guilty.
11 And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of Yhwh; 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 Yhwh shall be with the good.
Amariah, the chief priest, will make the final decision for you in everything that relates to the Lord, and Zebadiah, son of Ishmael, the leader of the tribe of Judah, in all that relates to the king. The Levites will serve as officers to assist you. Be firm, and may the Lord be with those who do what is right.”
