2 Chronicles 19

1And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.

1King Jehoshaphat of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem.

2And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the wicked, and love them that hate Jehovah? for this thing wrath is upon thee from before Jehovah.

2Jehu son of Hanani, a prophet, went out to meet King Jehoshaphat and asked him, 'Should you be helping the wicked and loving those who hate the LORD? Because of what you have done, the LORD is angry with you.

3Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast put away the Asheroth out of the land, and hast set thy heart to seek God.

3However, there is some good in you, because you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have committed yourself to seeking God.'

4And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again among the people from Beer-sheba to the hill-country of Ephraim, and brought them back unto Jehovah, the God of their fathers.

4Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, but he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim to bring them back to the LORD, the God of their ancestors.

5And he set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,

5He appointed judges throughout the land in every fortified city of Judah.

6and said to the judges, Consider what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for Jehovah; and he is with you in the judgment.

6He told the judges, 'Watch what you do, because you are not judging for people but for the LORD, who is with you when you make a decision.

7Now therefore let the fear of Jehovah be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with Jehovah our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.

7Now, let the fear of the LORD be on you. Be very careful in what you do, because the LORD our God does not tolerate injustice, favoritism, or taking bribes.'

8Moreover 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.

8In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat also appointed some Levites, priests, and family leaders of Israel to serve as judges for matters concerning the law of the LORD and for settling disputes. They lived in Jerusalem.

9And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of Jehovah, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.

9He gave them these orders: 'You must serve faithfully and with total integrity, fearing the LORD.

10And whensoever any controversy shall come to you from your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, ye shall warn them, that they be not guilty towards Jehovah, and so wrath come upon you and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not be guilty.

10Whenever a case comes to you from your fellow citizens living in their cities—whether it involves bloodshed or questions about the laws, commands, decrees, or regulations—you must warn them not to sin against the LORD. Otherwise, his anger will come upon you and your relatives. Do this, and you will not be guilty.

11And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of Jehovah; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and Jehovah be with the good.

11Amariah the high priest will lead you in all matters involving the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of the tribe of Judah, will lead in all matters involving the king. The Levites will serve as officials before you. Be courageous in your work, and may the LORD be with those who do what is right.'