Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
Jehu admonishes Jehoshaphat for helping king Ahab. Jehoshaphat appoints judges in every town and exhorts them to judge righteously.
II. Photo
Jehoshaphat appoints judges: “He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified towns of Judah, in each and every town.” (v. 5)
III. Important Verses
vv. 2-3: Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet King Jehoshaphat and said to him, “Should one give aid to the wicked and befriend those who hate the LORD? For this, wrath is upon you from the LORD. However, there is some good in you, for you have purged the land of the sacred posts and have dedicated yourself to worship God.”
vv. 6-7: He charged the judges: “Consider what you are doing, for you judge not on behalf of man, but on behalf of the LORD, and He is with you when you pass judgment. Now let the dread of the LORD be upon you; act with care, for there is no injustice or favoritism or bribe-taking with the LORD our God.”
vv. 9-10: He charged them, “This is how you shall act: in fear of the LORD, with fidelity, and with whole heart. When a dispute comes before you from your brothers living in their towns, whether about homicide, or about ritual, or laws or rules, you must instruct them so that they do not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath be upon you and your brothers. Act so and you will not incur guilt.
v. 11: See, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all cases concerning the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael is the commander of the house of Judah in all cases concerning the king; the Levitical officials are at your disposal; act with resolve and the LORD be with the good.
IV. Outline
1. Jehoshaphat returns to Jerusalem
2-3. Jehu admonishes Jehoshaphat for helping Ahab
4. Jehoshaphat brings people close to God
5. Appointment of judges
6-7. Jehoshaphat’s exhortation to the judges
8. Appointment of more judges
9-10. Exhortation
11. Judicial hierarchy
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
De Vries, Simon J. “1 and 2 Chronicles,” The Forms of Old Testament Literature vol. 11 (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1989).
Photo taken from http://www.dwaynehicks.com/images/gavel%203.jpg
