Chapter 19

1And the battle increased that day: howbeit the king of Israel {u} stayed [himself] up in [his] chariot against the Syrians until the even: and about the time of the sun going down he died.
(u) He disguised his wound that his soldiers might fight more courageously.

2And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, {a} Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore [is] wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
(a) He declares that the wrath of God is over everyone who supports the wicked and does not show in their actions that they are enemies to everyone that hates the Lord.

4And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again {b} through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers.
(b) He visited all his country and brought his people from idolatry to the knowledge of the true God.

6And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who [is] {c} with you in the judgment.
(c) Both to preserve you if you do justly or to punish you, if you do the contrary.

7Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do [it]: for [there is] no {d} iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.
(d) He will declare by the sharpness of the punishment that he hates all iniquity.

8Moreover 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 {e} returned to Jerusalem.
(e) The priests and Levites who should judge matters according to the word of the Lord.

10And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between {f} blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and [so] {g} wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.
(f) That is, to decide whether or not the murder was done on purpose, Nu 35:11,De 4:41. (g) Meaning, that God would punish them most sharply if they would not execute justice correctly.

11And, behold, Amariah the chief priest [is] over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the {h} king's matters: also the Levites [shall be] officers {i} before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the {k} good.
(h) Shall be chief overseer of the public affairs of the realm. (i) They will have the handling of inferior causes. (k) God will assist them that do justice.

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