1And when King Jehoshaphat, of Judah, returned safely to his house in Jerusalem, 2Jehu, son of Hanani, the seer, went out to meet him, and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked, and love those who hate the LORD? By this you have brought wrath upon you from the LORD. 3However, there are some good things found in you, in that you have removed the idols from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.” 4And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem; and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to Mount Ephraim, and encouraged them to return to the LORD God of their fathers. 5And he appointed judges throughout the land, in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, 6And he said to the judges, “Take heed what you do; for you do not judge for man, but for the LORD, Who is with you in the judgment. 7Therefore, let reverent fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and judge diligently; for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor partiality.” 8Jehoshaphat also appointed some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the fathers of Israel in Jerusalem, to render judgment of the LORD, to adjudicate controversies among the residents of Jerusalem. 9And he charged them, saying, “You must serve faithfully in fear of the LORD, and with a perfect heart. 10And whatever case comes before you of your brethren who dwell in their cities, whether regarding bloodshed, law, commandment, statutes, or ordinances, you shall warn them, so that they do not trespass against the LORD, and that you do not bring the wrath of our God upon you, or your brethren. Do this, and you shall not sin. 11And Amariah, the chief priest, will be over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah, son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters; also, the Levites shall serve as officers before you. Act courageously, and may the LORD be with those that do right.” Reader-Friendly Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2024 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |