Dusk on the north road into Jerusalem: a small, tired company of travelers and soldiers walks toward a plain stone gate where one old man in a rough cloak stands waiting, under a calm deep-blue sky with one star.

The Book of

2 Chronicles 19

Jehoshaphat came home safely. A prophet was waiting with a question, and the king answered with justice.

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In this chapter

Where we are

1SolomonWisdom asked at Gibeon
2–5The templeBuilt on Mount Moriah
6–7DedicationIf My people humble themselves
8–9Solomon's gloryThe queen of Sheba
10–16DivisionRehoboam to Asa
17–20JehoshaphatThe battle is God'sChapter 19
21–24Dark yearsJehoram to Joash
25–28Proud kingsAmaziah to Ahaz
29–32HezekiahDoors opened, Passover kept
33–35Manasseh to JosiahMercy and the Book found
36Exile and returnMay he go up

Jehoshaphat Reproved by Jehu

When Jehoshaphat king of Judah had returned safely to his home in Jerusalem,

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Evening in a lamplit palace gateway in Jerusalem: a lean gray-bearded prophet in a rough undyed cloak stands in the king's way with one hand lifted; the travel-stained king halts before him and listens, head a little bowed, while two attendants hang back.

Jehu 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.

However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.”

Reflect

Help the wicked?

Jehu’s question was hard, and in the same breath he said, “some good is found in you.” God corrected Jehoshaphat and honored what was right in him at once. Think of a friendship or partnership that pulls you away from God. What would it look like to stay kind and still say no to it?

Jehoshaphat’s Reforms

Jehoshaphat 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.

Morning in the gate chamber of a fortified Judean town: three older judges in long wool robes sit on the stone bench along the wall while the king stands before them speaking, one hand raised; townspeople wait in the gateway; the open arch shows a bright, empty sky.

He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. Then 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.

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Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

And 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.”

Question

Quick question

Jehoshaphat set judges in every fortified city of Judah and told them whose judgment they were giving.

What did Jehoshaphat tell the judges there is none of with the LORD our God?

Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.

2 Chronicles 19:7

Moreover, 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.

Jehoshaphat

Pray

Pray for those who judge

Pray for judges, magistrates and all who decide between people today, that they would judge fairly, without partiality or bribes. Pray for parents, pastors and leaders who settle quarrels. Thank God that with Him “there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” Ask for courage to “Act resolutely” in doing right, wherever you are asked to decide.

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2 Chronicles 19

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A verse to carry with you

And 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.

2 Chronicles 19:7

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