2 Chronicles 19

Josaphat is reproved by the Prophet Jehu, vers.1 etc.1 etc. He remaineth at Jerusalem, and afterward appointeth Judges throughout his land, whom he exhorteth to the faithfully executing of their office, 4. Also Ecclesiastiacal and Political Judges in Jerusalem, 8.

1. And Josaphat the King of Juda returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.

2. And Jehu [See of this Prophet 1 Kings 16.on vers.1.] the son of Hanani [see of this man also above chap.16.2.] the Seer [that is, the Prophet. See 1 Sam.9. on vers.9. and above chap.9. on vers.29.] went out to meet him, and said to king Josaphat; Shouldst thou help the ungodly, [namely, Achab, whom he had helped against the Syrians, above chap.18.3, etc.] and love those that hate the LORD? Therefore now wrath is upon thee [which Josaphat had already felt in some measure, above chap.18 31. And afterward yet more, below chap.20.1.] from the face of the LORD. [Hebr. from before the face of the Lord.]

3. Nevertheless (there) are good things found with thee: [To wit, not which were by or through his own nature, but by or through the grace of regeneration, for God preserveth and rewardeth his own gifts out of free grace: so Nehem.9.8. Luke 12:43. Acts 13:22.] for thou hast removed [the Hebrew word signifieth also to kindle, to set on fire, to burn, Exod.35.3. Levit.6.12. above chap.4.20. It is taken for putting away, or, removing, 2 Sam.4.11. 1 Kings 21:21. 2 Kings 23:24.] the groves out of the land, and hast disposed thine heart, to seek God. [To wit, by the power of Gods grace, which had prevented him for the doing of this work, giving him understanding, will, and ability to perform it. Ephes.2.10. Phil.2.13. Compare above chap.12. the Annotation on vers.14.]

4. Now Josaphat dwelt at Jerusalem; and he went out again [Hebr. he came again, and went out. Others, being converted, (to wit, by the Prophets admonition) he went out] thorough the people, from Berseba to mount Ephraim, [That is, from the South-end of his Kingdom, which was the city of Ber-Seba, to the North-end, which was mount Ephraim] and caused them to return [to wit, from Ephraim] and caused them to return [to wit, from their idolatry, false worship, and wickedness of life] unto the LORD God of their fathers.

5. And he set Judges in the land, in all the fenced cities of Juda, from city to city. [Hebr. for city, and city: that is, in every city]

6. And he said unto the Judges, See what ye do; For ye keep not judgment for men for men, but for the LORD, [that is, ye do not properly execute the office of a judge, in the name, and by the command and authority of a man, but in the name, and by the command and authority of God, to whom the judgment belongeth, and who hath placed you therein, to supply his room] and he is with you in the matter of Judgement. [That is, in law-businesses, and suits, that may before you. See Psalms 82:1.]

7. Now then, let the terror of the LORD be upon you: take heed, and do it: [Take heed, to wit, to your office, to the end that ye may daily execute it] for (there) is no iniquity with the LORD our God, [compare Deut.32.4. Rom.9.14.] nor acceptation of persons. [Compare Deut.10.17. Job.34.19. Acts 10:34. Rom.2.11. Gal.2.6. Ephes.6.9. Colos.3.20. 1 Peter 1:17. Hebr. taking up of the face. See Lev.19.15. and Deut.1.17. with the Annotations] nor taking of gifts. [Hebr. gift, that is, any gift, or gifts.]

8. Moreover, at Jerusalem Josaphat did also set (certain) of the Levites, and of the Priests, and of the heads of the Fathers [That is, of the fathers houses, that were under Josaphts, command] of Israel over the Judgement of the LORD, and over the differences [understand by the judgement of the LORD, and differences, the Ecclesiastical, and Political matters, and compare herewith vers.11.] when they were returned to Jerusalem. [Hebr. properly, and they returned, or, were returned to Jerusalem: that is, when they were returned; namely, Josaphat, and those that went along with him thorough the whole land, to bring every where in the ordinances of God both in Ecclesiastical and Civil affairs. Others translate this thus; Over judgement matters, or law businesses, when they returned to Jerusalem, to wit, when they were brought thither by appeal: with this meaning, that these judges were placed at Jerusalem to dispatch causes, when by the parties they were brought by appeal to Jerusalem: Or, when the inferior judges did appear at Jerusalem in some dark and doubtful case, to ask advice there, and to have the interpretation given them of that which they did not understand.]

9. And he charged them, saying; Do thus in the fear of the LORD with faithfulness, and with a perfect heart. [That is, with an upright, unfeigned, and unrebukeable mind. Compare 1 Kings 8.on vers.67.]

10. And (in) all (or every) cause, that shall come to you of your brethren, that dwell in their cities, between bloud and bloud, [That is, concerning the difference about some murder, or wound. See Deut.17. vers.8.] between law and commandement, [that is, touching the judgement about the keeping or transgressing of the laws and commandments, and that which dependeth thereon. See of the difference of these two words, Genes.26.on vers.5. item Deut.5.on vers.31. and 1 Kings 2.on vers.3.] and statutes, and judgments, then execute them, that they be not guilty before the LORD, and a great wrath [that is, judgment, or punishment from the Lord. Compare below chap.28.13. and the Annotations] be upon you, and upon your brethren: do thus, and ye shall not be guilty.

11. And behold, Amaria the chief Priests is over you in all (or, every) matter of the LORD, and Zebadia the son of Ismael, the Prince of the house of Juda, in all (or, every) matter of the king; [Hence may be gathered, that there were two distinct superior Courts at Jerusalem: the one that was to Judge of spiritual matters, and the other that was to Judge of civil controversies, to which they might appeal from all other Courts throughout the land. Compare Deut.17.8, etc. item Exod.18.26. Deut.1.15.] also the officers, the Levites [See 1 Chron.26.29. and the following verse with the Annotations] are before your face: [that is, for your good, ready to wait upon you. See the like phrase, Gen.13.on vers.9.] be strong, and do it, and the LORD will be with the good. [To wit, with the men, or persons, that intend the thing that is good, and endeavour to maintain it; or, with the good cause.]