Jehoshaphat Returns to Jerusalem

1Then Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in peace to his house in Jerusalem. 2And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him to his face and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate Yahweh and [†]so bring wrath on yourself from Yahweh? 3But some good has been found in you, for you have purged the [†]Asheroth from the land and you have set your heart to seek God.”

4So Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem. Indeed, he returned and went out among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and caused them to return back to Yahweh, the God of their fathers.

Jehoshaphat Appoints Judges

5And he appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, in each city. 6And he said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for Yahweh who is with you [†]when you render judgment. 7So now then let the dread of Yahweh be upon you; [†]be careful what you do, because [†]with Yahweh our God there is no unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.”

8In 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. 9Then he commanded them saying, “Thus you shall do in the fear of Yahweh, faithfully and wholeheartedly. 10Whenever any dispute comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, you shall warn them so that they may not be guilty before Yahweh and wrath may not come on you and your brothers. Thus you shall do, and you will not be guilty. 11And behold, Amariah the chief priest will be over you in [†]all that pertains to Yahweh, and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in [†]all that pertains to the king. Also the Levites shall be officers before you. Be strong and act, and Yahweh be with the one who is good.”