2 Chronicles
Chapter 19
Jehoshaphat returned safe and sound to Jerusalem.
Jehu, son of Hanani the prophet, went to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat: “Should a man give help to the wicked? Should you love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, you have brought his anger on you!
There is some good in you, however, since you have removed Asherah’s trunks from your land and set your heart on seeking God.”
Jehoshaphat stayed in Jerusalem for a time. After that, he would again visit his people regularly, from Beersheba to the highlands of Ephraim, to bring them back to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.
He appointed judges in the country in every one of the fortified towns of Judah.
He said to these judges: “Give due thought to your duties, since you are not judging in people’s name but in the name of the Lord, who is with you whenever you pronounce sentence.
May the fear of the Lord now be on you. Keep the law, apply it, for the Lord our God does not tolerate fraud or partiality or the taking of bribes.”
In addition, Jehoshaphat appointed priests, Levites, and heads of Israelite families in Jerusalem as judges in cases involving a violation of the law or legal disputes between people living in the city. They lived in Jerusalem;
and Jehoshaphat gave them the following instructions: “You are to perform these duties in fear of the Lord, as upright and honest men.
Whatever dispute comes before you from your brothers living in their towns: either about crimes or questions of the law, you are to teach them the commandments, statutes or ordinances, so that they do not become guilty of sinning against the Lord, lest his anger come on you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not be guilty.
Amariah, the chief priest, will have final authority over you in all religious matters, and Zebadiah, son of Ishmael, governor of Judah, in all matters affecting the king. The Levites will serve as your scribes. Be courageous, carry out these instructions, and the Lord will be there to bring success.”
Commentaries
The Kings of Judah Until the Exile.
The final section of the Chronicler’s work focuses on the history of the kingdom of Judah, covering from Solomon to the exile, with little mention of the Northern Kingdom. For the Chronicler, the kingdom of Judah represents the entire nation of Israel. The primary standard for judging each king is their loyalty to God. Four notable figures stand out as models of this loyalty: Asa, Jehoshaphat, Josiah, and especially Hezekiah. The prophets are also depicted alongside the kings, delivering messages that include warnings and sincere calls to stay loyal to the Lord. Ultimately, the Chronicler encourages the post-exilic community to seek God and remain faithful to the One who has remained true to his people despite their difficulties.
Positive Phase.
The reign begins by presenting Rehoboam as obedient to the Word of the Lord, who instructs him not to fight against Jeroboam. The list of cities (5-12) is likely authentic, although it is probable that they were only fortified after the invasion of Shishak, Pharaoh of Egypt (12:1-12). Through the removal of priests and Levites (13-17), the author emphasizes that the center of worship is in Jerusalem and that the Levites have been loyal to the Temple from the start.
The Faithfulness of Abijah.
Building on the account in 1 Kings 15:1-8, the Chronicler revises the story from a new perspective. Although he only reigned for three years, the Chronicler presents the king as faithful to God, a worthy successor to David and Solomon. The war against Jeroboam (3) is probably real and offers a chance to include a speech by Abijah to the northern tribes (4-12): those in the north (8.11) are not part of the Lord’s kingdom; they do not have a legitimate dynasty, only a usurper king; they worship idols instead of the true God, and they lack priests or proper worship. To fight against Judah (10) is to fight against the Lord (12). The logical result is Jeroboam’s defeat (13-18).
Jehoshaphat of Judah.
This account expands and alters 1 Kings 22:1-59, where the king’s role is less highlighted. The Chronicler develops Jehoshaphat’s character through four alternating scenes: religious and military reform (17), battle and victory (18), judicial reform (19), and a new triumph (20). The military efforts build on those of his father, Asa. Religious reform prepares the way for judicial reform, emphasizing obedience to Deuteronomy and heeding prophets’ warnings about judges (Dt 1:16ff). The military campaigns include one in Chapter 18, which aligns with 1 Kings 22, and another in Chapter 20, an addition by the author. The conclusion of Jehoshaphat’s reign (20:31-21:1) is based on 1 Kings 22:41-51, where his failure is connected to his alliance with the king of Israel.