2 Chronicles 19:1-11
Jehu's Rebuke
1When Jehoshaphat king of Judah had returned safely to his home in Jerusalem,
2Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you.
3However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.”
4Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and once again he went out among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers.
5He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah.
6Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment.
7And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
8Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite families to judge on behalf of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem.
9He commanded them, saying, “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD.
10For every dispute that comes before you from your brothers who dwell in their cities—whether it regards bloodshed or some other violation of law, commandments, statutes, or ordinances—you are to warn them, so that they will not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath will not come upon you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt.
11Note that Amariah, the chief priest, will be over you in all that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all that pertains to the king. And the Levites will serve as officers before you. Act resolutely; may the LORD be with the upright!”
Berean Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat returns safely to his house in Jerusalem after joining Ahab in battle. Jehu son of Hanani the seer goes out to meet him and asks whether he should help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD. Jehu says that because of this, wrath has gone out against Jehoshaphat.
The rebuke is not the whole story. Jehu also acknowledges good things in the king: he removed the Asherahs from the land and set his heart on seeking God. The account holds correction and commendation together, refusing both flattery and total dismissal.
Jehoshaphat goes out among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and brings them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers. He appoints judges in the fortified cities and charges them to judge carefully, without partiality, bribery, or fear of people.
In Jerusalem he appoints Levites, priests, and family heads to administer the law and settle disputes. Amariah oversees matters concerning the LORD, while Zebadiah handles the king's matters. Their work is to be carried out with courage because the LORD is with those who do what is right.
Questions
1 Who rebuked Jehoshaphat?
AnswerJehu son of Hanani the seer rebuked Jehoshaphat after he returned from helping Ahab.
2 What good did Jehu recognize?
AnswerJehu recognized that Jehoshaphat had removed the Asherahs and had set his heart on seeking God.
3 What were judges told to avoid?
AnswerJudges were told to avoid partiality, bribery, and fear of people when they judged disputes.
4 What did Jehoshaphat appoint in Jerusalem?
AnswerHe appointed Levites, priests, and family heads to administer the law and settle disputes before the LORD.
What This Means for Us
Jehoshaphat's compromised alliance is confronted, but his later work is not ignored. A faithful correction can name serious failure without pretending that every good thing has vanished.
Justice needs both courage and accountability. Whether you are settling a sibling dispute or making a larger decision, refuse favoritism and remember that authority is exercised before God.
Prayer
Lord, make us honest enough to receive correction and faithful enough to repair what our choices have damaged. Give us impartial hearts when we carry responsibility for other people. Amen.