1. reversus est autem Josaphat rex Juda domum suam pacifice in Hierusalem
2. cui occurrit Hieu filius Anani videns et ait ad eum impio præbes auxilium et his qui oderunt Dominum amicitia jungeris et idcirco iram quidem Domini merebaris
3. sed bona opera inventa sunt in te eo quod abstuleris lucos de terra Juda et præparaveris cor tuum ut requireres Dominum
4. habitavit ergo Josaphat in Hierusalem rursumque egressus est ad populum de Bersabee usque ad montem Ephraim et revocavit eos ad Dominum Deum patrum suorum
5. constituitque judices terræ in cunctis civitatibus Juda munitis per singula loca
6. et præcipiens judicibus videte ait quid faciatis non enim hominis exercetis judicium sed Domini et quodcumque judicaveritis in vos redundabit
7. sit timor Domini vobiscum et cum diligentia cuncta facite non est enim apud Dominum Deum nostrum iniquitas nec personarum acceptio nec cupido munerum
8. in Hierusalem quoque constituit Josaphat Levitas et sacerdotes et principes familiarum ex Israël ut judicium et causam Domini judicarent habitatoribus ejus
9. præcepitque eis dicens sic agetis in timore Dei fideliter et corde perfecto
10. omnem causam quæ venerit ad vos fratrum vestrorum qui habitant in urbibus suis inter cognationem et cognationem ubicumque quæstio est de lege de mandato de cærimoniis de justificationibus ostendite eis ut non peccent in Dominum et ne veniat ira super vos et super fratres vestros sic ergo agetis et non peccabitis
11. Amarias autem sacerdos et pontifex vester in his quæ ad Dominum pertinent præsidebit porro Zabadias filius Ismaël qui est dux in domo Juda super ea opera erit quæ ad regis officium pertinent habetisque magistros Levitas coram vobis confortamini et agite diligenter et erit Dominus cum bonis
Footnotes:
19:1-3 - Jehoshaphat is warned about his alliance with Ahab after returning from battle. Correction and repentance are essential for spiritual restoration and kingdom health, showing that God disciplines those He loves (see also Hebrews 12:6 and Revelation 3:19).
19:4-10 - Jehoshaphat promotes judicial reform and encourages judges to act with integrity. The role of justice is fundamental in society, reflecting God's just nature and the need for rulers who promote equity (see also Deuteronomy 16:18-20 and Psalm 82:3-4).
19:11 - Jehoshaphat's instruction to the judges emphasizes the importance of administering justice according to the Law of the Lord. This approach provides a solid foundation for morality and ethics in government (see also Proverbs 21:3 and Micah 6:8).
19:12-13 - The appointment of faithful judges reflects the desire for a government that glorifies God. The importance of righteous and ethical leaders is a responsibility that must be taken seriously by those in positions of authority (see also Romans 13:1-4 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7).
19:14-19 - The responsibility of judges to act justly is reaffirmed, highlighting God's nature as a righteous judge. Commitment to justice reflects God's character and is vital to the nation's peace and prosperity (see also Psalm 89:14 and Isaiah 30:18).
Verses related to Liber II Paralipomenon, 19:
2 Chronicles chapter 19 reports on Jehoshaphat's judicial reforms. How to establish justice according to God's heart? This instructive text describes the prophet Jehu's rebuke, implementation of a fair judicial system, and exhortation to judges. The chapter explores topics such as the responsibility of leaders, the importance of impartiality, and the fear of the Lord in the administration of justice. Explore with us five biblical passages that illuminate the enduring principles of this significant chapter.
Deuteronomy 16:18-20: "You shall place judges and officers in all your gates that the Lord your God gives you among your tribes, that they may judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not distort judgment, you shall not respect persons, nor take bribes; for bribery blinds the eyes of the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous. Justice, only justice will you follow; that you may live and possess the land that the Lord your God will give you." - This excerpt reflects Jehoshaphat's judicial reforms described in 2 Chronicles 19:5-7.
Leviticus 19:15: "You will not do injustice in the judgment; you will not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the powerful; but with justice you will judge your neighbor." - It relates to Jehoshaphat's instructions to the judges in 2 Chronicles 19:7.
Micah 6:8: "He has declared to you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord ask of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" - It echoes the principles of justice and fear of God that Jehoshaphat establishes in 2 Chronicles 19:9-11.
Romans 13:1: "Every soul must be subject to the superior powers; for there is no power that does not come from God; and the powers that are are ordained of God." - It reflects the organization of the judicial system by Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 19, recognizing authority as coming from God.
James 2:1: "My brothers, do not have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, in respect of persons." - It relates to Jehoshaphat's instruction to the judges to be no respecter of persons (2 Chronicles 19:7).
FAQ:
How did Jehoshaphat reform the judicial system in Judah?
Jehoshaphat appointed judges in Judah, instructing them to judge fairly and fear God, so that the people would live in peace. (2 Chronicles 19:5-11)
How important were Jehoshaphat's reforms for the kingdom of Judah?
Jehoshaphat’s reforms were vital in restoring justice and the fear of God to Judah, ensuring the prosperity and peace of the kingdom. (2 Chronicles 19:4-11)
What did Jehoshaphat do when faced with a major military threat?
Jehoshaphat called all the people of Judah to pray and seek God’s help, demonstrating humility and trust in divine power. (2 Chronicles 20:3-12)
How was Jehoshaphat's victory over his enemies achieved?
God gave Jehoshaphat victory by causing his enemies to destroy each other without Judah having to fight. (2 Chronicles 20:23-25)
What was the people's reaction after Jehoshaphat's victory over his enemies?
The people of Judah celebrated their victory with great joy, praising God for His divine intervention and protection. (2 Chronicles 20:26-30)
