2 Chronicles 19

1 Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.

Once Jehoshaphat had arrived safely home in Jerusalem,

2 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 is on you from before the LORD.

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 you, in that you have put away the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your 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 Jehoshaphat 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.

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 He set judges in the land throughout all the fortified 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, "Consider what you do: for you do not judge for man, but for the LORD; and he 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 Now therefore let the fear of the LORD be on you. Take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes."

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 Jehoshaphat appointed Levites and cohanim, and of the heads of the fathers' households of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies. 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 He commanded them, saying, "Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.

He gave them these orders, “You must honor God, and act with faithfulness and complete commitment.

10 Whenever any controversy shall come to you from your brothers who dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you shall warn them, that they not be guilty towards the LORD, and so wrath come on you and on your brothers. Do this, and you shall not be guilty.

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 Look, Amariah the chief cohen is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and may the LORD 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.”