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. Berean Literal Bible And also in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed from the Levites, and the priests, and from the heads of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of YHWH and for controversies; and they returned to 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. Berean Annotated Bible Moreover, Jehoshaphat (YHWH has judged) appointed in Jerusalem (city of peace) some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite (he wrestles with God) families to judge on behalf of the LORD {YHWH} and to settle disputes. And they lived in 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. 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMoreover, 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. 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 VersionAnd 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, Berean Literal Bible And also in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed from the Levites, and the priests, and from the heads of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of YHWH and for controversies; and they returned 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 BibleIn 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 BibleMoreover 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 1917Moreover 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 (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) 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 Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem Nehemiah 7:1-2 When the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites were appointed. / Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most. Deuteronomy 16:18 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. some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite families 2 Chronicles 17:8-9 accompanied by certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah—along with the priests Elishama and Jehoram. / They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD. They went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people. 1 Chronicles 26:32 Among Jerijah’s relatives there were 2,700 capable men who were heads of families. King David appointed them over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king. to judge on behalf of the LORD 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 Kings 3:9-12 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— … and to settle disputes. Deuteronomy 17:8-13 If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose. / You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. / You must abide by the verdict they give you at the place the LORD will choose. Be careful to do everything they instruct you, … Exodus 18:16-22 “Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me to judge between one man and another, and I make known to them the statutes and laws of God.” / But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. / Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone. … And they lived in Jerusalem. Nehemiah 11:1-2 Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to dwell in their own towns. / And the people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 9:2-3 Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. / Some of the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem: 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. 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.” 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 TurnJump 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 Turn2 Chronicles 19 1. Jehoshaphat, reproved by Jehu, visits his kingdom5. His instructions to the judges 8. to the priests and Levites Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat strengthened his reforms by establishing a court in Jerusalem, the religious and governmental center of Judah. His concern was that justice throughout the kingdom would be administered faithfully under God’s law. Neh 7:1-2 When the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place… some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite families Levites and priests brought knowledge of the Law and responsibility for sacred matters, while family leaders represented the people and supplied experienced judgment in civil affairs. Together they formed a court equipped to address both religious and legal questions. 2Ch 17:8-9 accompanied by certain Levites—Shemaiah,… to judge on behalf of the LORD Their authority was not independent of God. They were responsible to render decisions according to His commands, recognizing that the LORD Himself is the final Judge. Deu 1:16-17 At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes… and to settle disputes. The court handled contested cases that could not be resolved locally, preserving order and preventing injustice within Judah. Deu 17:8-13 If a case is too difficult for you to judge,… And they lived in Jerusalem. Their residence in Jerusalem made the court accessible and kept its work closely connected to the temple and the worship of the LORD. Neh 11:1-2 Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah who sought to bring his people back to the ways of the Lord. He is known for his reforms and efforts to establish justice and righteousness in the land. 2. Levites and Priests Members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties. They played a crucial role in teaching the Law and maintaining the spiritual life of Israel. 3. Heads of the Israelite Families Leaders among the tribes of Israel, responsible for representing their families and tribes in matters of governance and justice. 4. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah, a central place of worship and governance for the Israelites. 5. Judging for the LORD The act of making decisions and resolving disputes according to God's laws and principles, emphasizing justice and righteousness. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly LeadershipJehoshaphat's actions demonstrate the necessity of leaders who prioritize God's laws and justice. In our communities, we should support and pray for leaders who seek to govern with integrity and righteousness. Role of the Community in Justice The involvement of Levites, priests, and family heads shows that justice is a communal responsibility. We are called to participate actively in promoting fairness and resolving conflicts in our spheres of influence. Judging with God's Wisdom Decisions should be made with a heart aligned to God's wisdom and principles. In our personal lives, we should seek God's guidance in making fair and just decisions. Accountability in Leadership Leaders are accountable to God for their actions. This reminds us to hold our leaders accountable and to pray for them to lead with godly wisdom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 19:8?2. How does 2 Chronicles 19:8 emphasize the importance of justice in leadership? 3. What role do the Levites play in ensuring justice according to 2 Chronicles 19:8? 4. How can we implement "judgments of the LORD" in our daily decision-making? 5. What scriptural connections exist between 2 Chronicles 19:8 and Deuteronomy 16:18-20? 6. How can we apply the principles of fairness and justice in our communities today? 7. How does 2 Chronicles 19:8 reflect the importance of justice in biblical leadership? 8. What historical context influenced the establishment of judges in 2 Chronicles 19:8? 9. How does 2 Chronicles 19:8 align with the broader theme of accountability in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 19? (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. 2 Chronicles 19:8 records Jehoshaphat establishing a central court in Jerusalem staffed by Levites, priests, and family elders. By situating them in the capital, he ensured consistent, God-honoring judgments that safeguarded both spiritual integrity and civil peace. The verse shows that when leaders view justice as God’s work, the nation reaps blessing and stability.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew In Jerusalemבִּ֠ירוּשָׁלִַם (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 Additonal Resources 2 Chronicles 19:8 Blue Letter Bible2 Chronicles 19:8 Bible Gateway 2 Chronicles 19:8 Bible.com 2 Chronicles 19:8 NIV |
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