2 Chronicles 19

1 reversus est autem Iosaphat rex Iuda domum suam pacifice in Hierusalem

2 cui occurrit Hieu filius Anani videns et ait ad eum impio praebes auxilium et his qui oderunt Dominum amicitia iungeris et idcirco iram quidem Domini merebaris

3 sed bona opera inventa sunt in te eo quod abstuleris lucos de terra Iuda et praeparaveris cor tuum ut requireres Dominum

4 habitavit ergo Iosaphat in Hierusalem rursumque egressus est ad populum de Bersabee usque ad montem Ephraim et revocavit eos ad Dominum Deum patrum suorum

5 constituitque iudices terrae in cunctis civitatibus Iuda munitis per singula loca

6 et praecipiens iudicibus videte ait quid faciatis non enim hominis exercetis iudicium sed Domini et quodcumque iudicaveritis 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 Iosaphat Levitas et sacerdotes et principes familiarum ex Israhel ut iudicium et causam Domini iudicarent habitatoribus eius

9 praecepitque eis dicens sic agetis in timore Dei fideliter et corde perfecto

10 omnem causam quae venerit ad vos fratrum vestrorum qui habitant in urbibus suis inter cognationem et cognationem ubicumque quaestio est de lege de mandato de caerimoniis de iustificationibus 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 quae ad Dominum pertinent praesidebit porro Zabadias filius Ismahel qui est dux in domo Iuda super ea opera erit quae ad regis officium pertinent habetisque magistros Levitas coram vobis confortamini et agite diligenter et erit Dominus cum bonis

2 Chronicles 19 Commentary

Chapter 19

Jehoshaphat visits his kingdom.

- Whenever we return in peace to our houses, we ought to acknowledge God's providence in preserving our going out and coming in. And if we have been kept through more than common dangers, we are, in a special manner, bound to be thankful. Distinguishing mercies lay us under strong obligations. The prophet tells Jehoshaphat he had done very ill in joining Ahab. He took the reproof well. See the effect the reproof had upon him. He strictly searched his own kingdom. By what the prophet said, Jehoshaphat perceived that his former attempts for reformation were well-pleasing to God; therefore he did what was then left undone. It is good when commendations quicken us to our duty. There are diversities of gifts and operations, but all from the same Spirit, and for the public good; and as every one has received the gift, so let him minister the same. Blessed be God for magistrates and ministers, scribes and statesmen, men of books, and men of business. Observe the charge the king gave. They must do all in the fear of the Lord, with a perfect, upright heart. And they must make it their constant care to prevent sin, as an offence to God, and what would bring wrath on the people.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 19

Jehoshaphat returning from the battle at Ramothgilead, was met by a prophet, who reproved him for helping the ungodly, 2Ch 19:1-3, which quickened him to a greater regard for the reformation of his kingdom, 2Ch 19:4, and he set judges in all the cities of Judah, and exhorted them to do justice, 2Ch 19:5-7, and in the city of Jerusalem he appointed priests and Levites for the same purpose, and gave them a strict charge, and animated and encouraged them to perform their office faithfully, 2Ch 19:8-11.