2 Chronicles 19

2 Chronicles 19:1

19:1-5 When Jehu, the son of Hanani, the seer, who was also a prophet, rebuked Jehoshaphat for his alliance with Ahab, he responded by repenting. His relationship with the idolatrous Ahab had set a poor example for his subjects. So the king went throughout his kingdom to bring the people . . . back to the LORD. He also established a judicial system in accordance with the Mosaic Law (Deu_16:18-20). This, along with his earlier dispersal of teachers throughout the land (2Ch_17:7-9), showed Jehoshaphat’s tremendous respect for the Scriptures. These actions also displayed his concern for his subjects and his desire to act faithfully as Jehovah’s regent. 19:6-11 The king’s exhortations were taken from the law (v. 10). He reinforced the Lord’s original commands to those who would act as judges among His people. Since they were judging God’s covenant people and since He was watching all that was done, the judges were to fear . . . the Lord and “take heed.” Judges were also appointed in the capital city of Jerusalem, where difficult cases could be brought. Amariah the chief priest was in charge of religious cases, and Zebadiah the head of the tribe of Judah was responsible to handle civil matters. The Levites served as officials.