2 Chronicles 19

King Jehoshaphat returns to Jerusalem and is rebuked by Jehu the seer for allying with the ungodly, though his good deeds are acknowledged. In response, Jehoshaphat institutes widespread judicial reforms throughout Judah. He appoints judges in every city, charging them to judge righteously for the Lord, without partiality. Furthermore, he establishes a supreme court in Jerusalem for both religious and civil disputes, ensuring justice is administered faithfully.

After returning safely to Jerusalem, King Jehoshaphat is confronted by Jehu the seer, who condemns his alliance with the wicked King Ahab, warning of divine wrath. However, Jehu also commends Jehoshaphat for his good deeds, specifically for removing idolatrous groves and preparing his heart to seek God. Following this encounter, Jehoshaphat undertakes a spiritual revival and judicial reform across his kingdom, from Beersheba to Mount Ephraim, bringing the people back to the Lord. He appoints judges in all the fortified cities of Judah, instructing them to remember they judge for God, not for man. He emphasizes the importance of judging with the fear of the Lord, without iniquity, respect of persons, or taking gifts. In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat further establishes a high court comprising Levites, priests, and chief fathers to handle both matters of the Lord and the king's controversies. He charges these officials to act faithfully and with a perfect heart, warning them against causing trespass and divine wrath.

King Jehoshaphat of Judah returns to Jerusalem in peace after his military alliance with King Ahab of Israel. Upon his return, Jehu the son of Hanani, a seer, confronts him, rebuking him for helping the ungodly and loving those who hate the Lord, declaring that wrath is upon him from God. Nevertheless, Jehu acknowledges the good found in Jehoshaphat, specifically his removal of idolatrous groves from the land and his personal commitment to seek God. Following this divine message, Jehoshaphat dedicates himself to further spiritual and administrative reforms throughout his kingdom. He travels among the people from Beersheba to Mount Ephraim, actively bringing them back to the Lord God of their fathers. To ensure justice, Jehoshaphat establishes a comprehensive judicial system, appointing judges in all the fortified cities of Judah. He solemnly charges these judges to understand that their judgments are not merely for man but for the Lord, who is present in their decisions. He stresses the necessity of judging with the fear of the Lord, emphasizing that God is without iniquity, partiality, or corruption. In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat institutes a supreme court, selecting Levites, priests, and chief fathers of Israel to oversee both matters pertaining to the Lord and civil controversies. He instructs these high officials to act faithfully and with a perfect heart in their judgments. They are tasked with warning their brethren against trespasses that could incur divine wrath, ensuring adherence to law, commandment, statutes, and judgments. Amariah the chief priest is designated over all matters of the Lord, while Zebadiah, the ruler of the house of Judah, is appointed over the king's matters. The Levites are to serve as officers, assisting in the administration of justice. Jehoshaphat concludes by exhorting them to deal courageously, assuring them that the Lord will be with the good.