2 Chronicles 19

1 When Jehoshaphat [the Lord has judged, a king of faith] king [a monarch, ruler] of Judah [the tribe of praise, a region of God’s people] had returned [to turn back, come again] safely [in peace, without harm] to his home [house, dwelling place] in Jerusalem [the city of peace, a place of God’s presence], word study 2 Jehu [the prophet] son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help [assist, aid] the wicked [ungodly, morally wrong] and love [have affection for, be devoted to] those who hate [intensely dislike, despise] the LORD [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God]? Because of this [this thing, this action], the wrath [rage, divine anger] of the LORD [Yehovah, the supreme God] is upon [on, against] you. word study 3 However, some good [pleasant, beneficial] is found in you, for you have removed [taken away, destroyed] the Asherah poles [idols, images of the goddess Asherah] from the land [the earth, the territory] and have set [prepared, established] your heart [mind, will, emotions] on seeking [inquiring, searching] God [Elohim, the supreme Creator].” word study 4 Jehoshaphat [the Lord has judged] lived in Jerusalem [the city of peace], and once again he went out [traveled, came forth] among the people [the nation] from Beersheba [the well of the sevenfold oath] to the hill country [mountainous region] of Ephraim [doubly fruitful] and turned them back [brought them back, restored them] to the LORD [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God], the God [Elohim, the supreme one] of their fathers [ancestors, forefathers]. word study 5 He appointed [established, set in place] judges [to govern, vindicate] in the land [country, territory], in each of the fortified [strong, walled] cities [towns, settlements] of Judah [the region of Judah, the tribe]. word study 6 Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully [Take heed, be mindful of] what you do, for you are not judging [executing judgment, governing] for man [human beings, mortal men], but for the LORD [Yehovah, the supreme Judge], who is with you [accompanying, guiding] when you render [make, give] judgment [a verdict, a decision]. word study 7 And now [at this time, in this moment], may the fear [dread, reverence] of the LORD [Yehovah, the Lord God] be upon you [resting on you, guiding you]. Be careful [take heed, be mindful] what you do [your actions, decisions], for with the LORD [Yehovah] our God [Elohim, the supreme God] there is no [none, absolutely no] injustice [moral evil, wrongdoing] or partiality [favoritism, respect of persons] or bribery [taking gifts, corruption].” word study 8 Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed [also set, established] in Jerusalem [the city of peace] some of the Levites [descendants of Levi], priests [spiritual leaders, mediators], and heads [chiefs, leaders] of the Israelite [Jacob’s descendants] families to judge [make decisions, govern] on behalf of the LORD [Yehovah, the supreme God] and to settle [resolve, mediate] disputes [strife, quarrels]. And they lived [resided, dwelled] in Jerusalem [the capital city]. word study 9 He commanded [gave orders, charged] them, saying, “You must serve [do your work, act with faithfulness] faithfully [with a perfect heart, in faithfulness] and wholeheartedly [with a true heart, completely] in the fear [reverence, respect] of the LORD [Yehovah, the supreme God]. word study 10 For every dispute [strife, controversy, or quarrel] that comes before you from your brothers [fellow Israelites, relatives, or friends] who dwell [reside, live, or abide] in their cities—whether it regards [concerns, pertains to, or involves] bloodshed [murder, killing, or violence] or some other [additional, different, or separate] violation of law [instructions, or regulations], commandments [divine orders, decrees, or precepts], statutes [ordinances, decrees, or enactments], or ordinances [judgments, laws, or rules]—you are to warn [caution, admonish, or instruct] them, so that they will not incur [become guilty of, deserve, or bring upon themselves] guilt [sin, blame, or wrongdoing] before the LORD [Yehovah, the Almighty God] and wrath [anger, indignation, or punishment] will not come upon you and your brothers [fellow Israelites, relatives, or friends]. Do this, and you will not incur [be guilty of, deserve, or bring upon yourself] guilt [sin, blame, or wrongdoing]. word study 11 Note that Amariah, the chief [head, supreme] priest, will be over you in all [every, everything] that pertains to the LORD [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God], and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler [leader, commander] of the house of Judah, in all [every, everything] that pertains to the king [royal person, monarch]. And the Levites [descendants of Levi] will serve as officers [officials, overseers] before you. Act [deal, do] resolutely [courageously, with strength]; may the LORD [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] be with [together with, accompanying] the upright [good, righteous, pleasing to God]!” word study