Jehoshaphat Is Rebuked
Study note
When Jehoshaphat returned safely to Jerusalem, the prophet Jehu son of Hanani confronted him. He asked, 'Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?' But he also noted that there was still good in Jehoshaphat because he had removed the Asherah poles from the land and had set his heart on seeking God.
1 King Jehoshaphat of Judah made it safely back to his palace in Jerusalem. And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.
2 Jehu the prophet, son of Hanani, came out to meet him and said, "Should you be helping wicked people and loving those who hate the Lord? Because you did this, the Lord is angry with you." 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.
3 "But there is some good in you. You removed the Asherah poles throughout the land, and you have set your heart on following God." 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.
Jehoshaphat Appoints Judges
Study note
Jehoshaphat went out among the people from Beersheba in the south to the hill country of Ephraim and brought them back to the Lord. He appointed judges in each fortified city and instructed them carefully: 'You are not judging for people but for the Lord. Be careful in what you do, because the Lord our God does not tolerate injustice, favoritism, or bribery.'
4 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, but he traveled among the people from Beersheba in the south all the way to the hill country of Ephraim in the north. He brought them back to the Lord, the God of their ancestors. And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beer-sheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers.
5 He placed judges in all the walled cities throughout the land of Judah. And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,
6 He told the judges, "Think carefully about what you are doing. You are not making decisions for people alone but for the Lord, who stands with you when you make your rulings." 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.
7 "Let respect for the Lord guide you. Be careful in everything you do, because the Lord our God does not put up with unfairness, playing favorites, or taking bribes." 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.
The Court in Jerusalem
Study note
Jehoshaphat also set up a court in Jerusalem with Levites, priests, and family leaders to handle disputes and matters of the Lord's law. He appointed Amariah the chief priest over religious matters and Zebadiah over civil matters. He encouraged them to act with courage, promising that the Lord would be with those who do right.
8 In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat chose Levites, priests, and family leaders. They handled cases about the Lord's law. They also handled disputes from the people. 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.
9 He gave them these orders: "You must serve faithfully and with your whole heart, respecting the Lord." And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.
10 "Whenever your fellow citizens bring you a case from their home cities, you must teach them what is right. It could be about someone being killed. It could be about understanding laws, commands, or rules. Teach them so they do not sin against the Lord. If you do not, his anger will come on you and your people. Handle things the right way and you will not be guilty." 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 the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.
11 "Amariah the chief priest will lead you in all matters related to the Lord's law. Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of the tribe of Judah, will lead you in all matters related to the king's business. The Levites will serve as your helpers. Be brave, and may the Lord be with those who do what is right." 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.