2 Chronicles 19
2 Chronicles 19 covers how King Jehoshaphat of Judah, after allying himself with Ahab, the wicked king of the northern kingdom of Israel, participated in the war for Ramoth-gilead, then returned and was rebuked by the prophet Jehu, after which he set out again on the right path. This chapter can be divided broadly into two parts. First, it shows the prophet Jehu pointing out Jehoshaphat’s mistake; second, it depicts Jehoshaphat carrying out reforms that lead the people in the right faith.
1verseJehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.
2verseJehu 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.
3verseNevertheless 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.”
4verseJehoshaphat 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.
5verseHe set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,
6verseand said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you don’t judge for man, but for the LORD; and he is with you in the judgment.
7verseNow 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.”
8verseMoreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites, priests, and heads of the fathers’ households of Israel to give judgment for the LORD and for controversies. They returned to Jerusalem.
9verseHe commanded them, saying, “You shall do this in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.
10verseWhenever any controversy comes to you from your brothers who dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you must warn them, that they not be guilty toward the LORD, and so wrath come on you and on your brothers. Do this, and you will not be guilty.
11verseBehold, 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, in all the king’s matters. Also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and may the LORD be with the good.”
Jehu’s Rebuke and God’s Mercy
Jehoshaphat recognizes that his alliance with King Ahab was a wrong choice through Jehu’s rebuke (verses 2–3). Jehu praises Jehoshaphat for hating evil and loving what is good, but makes it clear that an alliance with evildoers is not acceptable in God’s sight. This shows the standard and balance of true faith, and even within the rebuke, God’s mercy is revealed.
Jehoshaphat’s Spiritual Reforms and the Establishment of a Judicial System
After that, Jehoshaphat appoints judges in Jerusalem and in every town throughout the country, emphasizing that they should make decisions with justice and with a reverent heart toward God (verses 4–10). He instructs the judges, saying, "The LORD is with you—so do not fear people; judge fairly." This shows how a leader should guide the people in accordance with God’s will.
A Leader’s Responsibility and the Restoration of the People
This chapter does not end with a king’s mistake; rather, it shows how that mistake is overcome and how all the people rise again according to God’s will. Jehoshaphat admits his wrongdoing and leads the people onto the right path immediately through faith reform and the establishment of a just judicial system. It is a passage that shows how important a leader’s quick repentance and nationwide restoration are.
Meditation Points
- Let’s remember that God’s mercy is present even amid mistakes and rebuke.
- Reflect on the example of a leader who serves with fairness and reverence for God.
- Meditate that true reform begins with acknowledging wrong and turning back to the right path.
Try Applying It to Me
- Check whether my choices and decisions are things that please God.
- Practice the courage and humility to admit wrongdoing and turn back.
- Also reflect on whether I live each day with truth and fairness, fearing God.
