2 Chronicles 19:8
New International Version
In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem.

New Living Translation
In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests and clan leaders in Israel to serve as judges for cases involving the LORD’s regulations and for civil disputes.

English Standard Version
Moreover, in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel, to give judgment for the LORD and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.

New King James Version
Moreover in Jerusalem, for the judgment of the LORD and for controversies, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the chief fathers of Israel, when they returned to Jerusalem.

New American Standard Bible
In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat also appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

NASB 1995
In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

NASB 1977
And in Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Legacy Standard Bible
In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of Yahweh and to judge disputes. So they returned to Jerusalem.

Amplified Bible
In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the fathers’ households of Israel to render the judgment of the LORD and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Christian Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat also appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites and priests and some of the Israelite family heads for deciding the LORD’s will and for settling disputes of the residents of Jerusalem.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat also appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites and priests and some of the heads of the Israelite families for deciding the LORD’s will and for settling disputes of the residents of Jerusalem.

American Standard Version
Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and the priests, and of the heads of the fathers' houses of Israel, for the judgment of Jehovah, and for controversies. And they returned to Jerusalem.

Contemporary English Version
Jehoshaphat also chose some Levites, some priests, and some of the family leaders, and he appointed them to serve as judges in Jerusalem.

English Revised Version
Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and the priests, and of the heads of the fathers' houses of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies. And they returned to Jerusalem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat also appointed some Levites, priests, and family heads from Israel to administer the LORD's laws and decide cases. They lived in Jerusalem.

Good News Translation
In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed Levites, priests, and some of the leading citizens as judges in cases involving a violation of the Law of the LORD or legal disputes between inhabitants of the city.

International Standard Version
In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat also appointed certain descendants of Levi, priests, and family leaders of Israel to render verdicts for the LORD and to decide difficult cases. Their offices were in Jerusalem.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed some Levites, priests, and Israelite family leaders to judge on behalf of the LORD and to settle disputes among the residents of Jerusalem.

New Heart English Bible
Moreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed Levites and priests, and of the heads of the ancestral houses of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies. They returned to Jerusalem.

Webster's Bible Translation
Moreover, in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.

World English Bible
Moreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites, priests, and heads of the fathers’ households of Israel to give judgment for Yahweh and for controversies. They returned to Jerusalem.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And also in Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat has appointed of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the heads of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of YHWH, and for strife; and they return to Jerusalem,

Young's Literal Translation
And also in Jerusalem hath Jehoshaphat appointed of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the heads of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of Jehovah, and for strife; and they turn back to Jerusalem,

Smith's Literal Translation
And also in Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat set up from the Levites and the priests, and from the heads to the fathers to Israel, for the judgment of Jehovah and for contention; and they will turn back to Jerusalem.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In Jerusalem also Josaphat appointed Levites, and priests and chiefs of the families of Israel, to judge the judgment and the cause of the Lord for the inhabitants thereof.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Jehoshaphat also appointed Levites and priests and leaders of families, out of Israel, in Jerusalem, so that they might judge the judgment and purpose of the Lord for its inhabitants.

New American Bible
In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some Levites and priests and some of the family heads of Israel for the LORD’s judgment and the disputes of those who dwell in Jerusalem.

New Revised Standard Version
Moreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel, to give judgment for the LORD and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Moreover in Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed men of the Levites and of the priests and of the chiefs of the fathers of the children of Israel for the judgment of the LORD; then he returned to Jerusalem.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Also in Jerusalem Yehoshaphat appointed some Levites, and some Priests, and some Chiefs of the fathers of the children of Israel for the judgment of LORD JEHOVAH, and he returned to Jerusalem.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and the priests, and of the heads of the fathers' houses of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies. And they returned to Jerusalem.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Moreover Josaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the priests, and Levites, and heads of houses of Israel, for the judgment of the Lord, and to judge the dwellers in Jerusalem.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehoshaphat's Reforms
7And 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.” 8Moreover, 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. 9He commanded them, saying, “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 16:18-20
You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment. / Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. / Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Exodus 18:21-22
Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. / Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you.

Deuteronomy 1:16-17
At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident. / Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.”

1 Chronicles 23:4
“Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges,

2 Chronicles 19:5-7
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. / 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.”

Ezra 7:25-26
And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God, which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them. / If anyone does not keep the law of your God and the law of the king, let a strict judgment be executed against him, whether death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.

Nehemiah 8:1-3
At that time all the people gathered together in the square before the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. / On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. / So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

Nehemiah 9:38
In view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests.”

Nehemiah 10:28-29
“The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land to obey the Law of God—along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand, / hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to obey carefully all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord.

Psalm 82:1-4
A Psalm of Asaph. God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods: / “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah / Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. ...

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

Jeremiah 22:3
This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.

Matthew 23:23
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

Luke 11:42
Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.

John 7:24
Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”


Treasury of Scripture

Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.

Levites

2 Chronicles 17:8
And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.

Deuteronomy 17:8-13
If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose; …

1 Chronicles 23:4
Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges:

the judgment

Exodus 18:19-26
Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: …

Deuteronomy 21:5
And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried:

Deuteronomy 25:1
If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.

Jump to Previous
Administer Appointed Authority Causes Chief Controversies Decide Disputes Families Fathers Heads Households Houses Inhabitants Israel Israelite Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Jerusalem Judge Judgment Levites Moreover Priests Settle Strife Turn
Jump to Next
Administer Appointed Authority Causes Chief Controversies Decide Disputes Families Fathers Heads Households Houses Inhabitants Israel Israelite Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Jerusalem Judge Judgment Levites Moreover Priests Settle Strife Turn
2 Chronicles 19
1. Jehoshaphat, reproved by Jehu, visits his kingdom
5. His instructions to the judges
8. to the priests and Levites














In Jerusalem also
This phrase sets the geographical and spiritual context of the verse. Jerusalem, the city of David, is not only the political capital but also the spiritual heart of Israel. It is significant that Jehoshaphat's reforms are taking place here, as Jerusalem represents the center of worship and governance. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem, "Yerushalayim," can be interpreted as "foundation of peace," indicating the king's desire to establish justice and peace in the heart of the nation.

Jehoshaphat appointed
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is known for his commitment to the ways of the LORD. His name, meaning "Yahweh has judged," reflects his divine mission to restore justice and righteousness. By appointing officials, Jehoshaphat is actively participating in God's plan, demonstrating his role as a godly leader who seeks to align his kingdom with divine principles.

some of the Levites and priests
The Levites and priests were chosen for their unique role in Israelite society as spiritual leaders and mediators between God and the people. The Levites, descendants of Levi, were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and later the temple, while the priests, descendants of Aaron, performed sacrifices and rituals. Their involvement in judicial matters underscores the integration of spiritual and civil duties, emphasizing that true justice is rooted in divine law.

and some of the heads of the Israelite families
The inclusion of family heads highlights the communal and familial structure of ancient Israelite society. These leaders were respected figures within their tribes, responsible for maintaining order and justice. Their participation in the judicial process ensures that decisions are made with consideration of the community's needs and values, reflecting a holistic approach to governance.

to judge on behalf of the LORD
Judging on behalf of the LORD signifies that the appointed officials are not merely executing human justice but are acting as representatives of divine authority. This phrase emphasizes the theocratic nature of Israel's governance, where God is the ultimate judge, and human judges are His instruments. The Hebrew word for judge, "shaphat," implies a role of discernment and decision-making that aligns with God's will.

and to decide disputes
The role of these appointed leaders is to resolve conflicts and maintain harmony within the community. The Hebrew term for disputes, "rib," often refers to legal controversies or grievances. By addressing these issues, the leaders are ensuring that justice prevails, reflecting God's desire for peace and order among His people.

among the inhabitants of Jerusalem
This phrase brings the focus back to the people living in Jerusalem, the immediate beneficiaries of Jehoshaphat's reforms. The inhabitants, representing a diverse population, are assured of fair and righteous judgment. This commitment to justice within the city serves as a model for the entire nation, illustrating the king's dedication to upholding God's standards in every aspect of life.

(8) Did . . . set.--Appointed some of the Levites.

Chief of the fathers.--Heads of the clans of families. (Comp. Exodus 18:21-26; Deuteronomy 1:15-17, where the judicial functions of the family 'chiefs are said to have been ordained by Moses.) The 6,000 Levites set apart by David to be writers (shoterim) and judges (1Chronicles 23:4) appear to have been intended to act as their assessors, as being professional experts in the Law. In this measure, it is probable that David merely systematised traditional usage. Jehoshaphat re-organised the administration of justice throughout the country, and established a superior tribunal, or High Court of Appeal, in the capital, such as Deuteronomy 17:8-12 prescribe.

For the judgment of the Lord.--Comp. 2Chronicles 19:11 : "For every matter of Jehovah," i.e., for all ecclesiastical as opposed to civil causes. The latter are here called "controversies" (ribh, strife, litigation), and in 2Chronicles 19:11, "every matter of the king." . . .

Verse 8. - This and the following three verses close the immediate subject by stating with some emphasis the reform in the metropolis itself, of the "supreme tribunal," as it has been called (Exodus 18:19, 20, 26; Deuteronomy 17:9, 10, 12), composed of Levites, priests, and chief of the fathers of Israel; i.e. probably heads of the whole family that went by the same name. Of course every father was head of his own family, but only one (such as in modern times by primogeniture the eldest son) the representative head of the entire family, and under this expression is no doubt naturally set forth only those families that were of some relative consideration or distinction. For the judgment of the Lord, and for controversies. Considering the plainer distinction in the language of vex. 11, there can be no doubt that the words, "for the judgment of the Lord," do not intend simply to describe godly judgment, but point to dues payable to the Lord in some religious aspect: "Render to Caesar... and to God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25); while the words, "and for controversies," point to the mutual strifes of the people. When they returned; Hebrew, "and they returned." It has been proposed to remove this clause so as to begin the next verse with it (and so the Revised Version shows as a clause by itself, "And they returned to Jerusalem"), and, to make this fit the better, the word did in the first line of the verse is changed into "had." It is, however, possible to render the clause, "And they dwelt in Jerusalem,' which would make a far mere coherent sense, and would mark the permanence and stationariness of this chief court.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
In Jerusalem
בִּ֠ירוּשָׁלִַם (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

Jehoshaphat
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֜ט (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

also
וְגַ֣ם (wə·ḡam)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

appointed
הֶעֱמִ֨יד (he·‘ĕ·mîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

some of
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the Levites,
הַלְוִיִּ֣ם (hal·wî·yim)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

priests,
וְהַכֹּהֲנִ֗ים (wə·hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

and heads
וּמֵרָאשֵׁ֤י (ū·mê·rā·šê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218: The head

of the Israelite
לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (lə·yiś·rā·’êl)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

families
הָאָבוֹת֙ (hā·’ā·ḇō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

to judge
לְמִשְׁפַּ֥ט (lə·miš·paṭ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

on behalf of the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

and to settle disputes.
וְלָרִ֑יב (wə·lā·rîḇ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7379: Strife, dispute

And they lived
וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ (way·yā·šu·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

in Jerusalem.
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel


Links
2 Chronicles 19:8 NIV
2 Chronicles 19:8 NLT
2 Chronicles 19:8 ESV
2 Chronicles 19:8 NASB
2 Chronicles 19:8 KJV

2 Chronicles 19:8 BibleApps.com
2 Chronicles 19:8 Biblia Paralela
2 Chronicles 19:8 Chinese Bible
2 Chronicles 19:8 French Bible
2 Chronicles 19:8 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Chronicles 19:8 Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 19:7
Top of Page
Top of Page