[1] Jehosh'aphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in
Jerusalem. [2] But Jehu the son of Hana'ni the seer went out to meet him,
and said to King Jehosh'aphat, "Should you help the wicked and love those
who hate the LORD? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the
LORD. [3] Nevertheless some good is found in you, for you destroyed the
Ashe'rahs out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God." [4]
Jehosh'aphat dwelt at Jerusalem; and he went out again among the people,
from Beer-sheba to the hill country of E'phraim, and brought them back to
the LORD, the God of their fathers. [5] He appointed judges in the land in
all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, [6] and said to the
judges, "Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the LORD;
he is with you in giving judgment. [7] Now then, let the fear of the LORD
be upon you; take heed what you do, for there is no perversion of justice
with the LORD our God, or partiality, or taking bribes." [8] Moreover in
Jerusalem Jehosh'aphat 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. [9] And he charged them: "Thus you
shall do in the fear of the LORD, in faithfulness, and with your whole
heart: [10] whenever a case comes to you from your brethren who live in
their cities, concerning bloodshed, law or commandment, statutes or
ordinances, then you shall instruct them, that they may not incur guilt
before the LORD and wrath may not come upon you and your brethren. Thus you
shall do, and you will not incur guilt. [11] And behold, Amari'ah the chief
priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadi'ah the son of
Ish'mael, the governor of the house of Judah, in all the king's matters;
and the Levites will serve you as officers. Deal courageously, and may the
LORD be with the upright!"
