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Jehoshaphat Reproved by Jehu

¹ Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his home in Jerusalem.² Then Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Do you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you.³ However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.”

Jehoshaphat’s Reforms

⁵ He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah.⁶ 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.⁷ 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, partiality, or bribery.”⁸ In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat also appointed 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.⁹ He commanded them, saying, “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD.¹⁰ For every dispute that comes before you from your brothers who dwell in their cities—whether of bloodshed or offenses against the law, the commandments, the statutes, or the judgments—you are to warn them, so that they will not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath will not come upon you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt.¹¹ Note that Amariah, the chief priest, will be over you in all that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all that pertains to the king. And the Levites will serve as officers before you. Act resolutely; may the LORD be with the upright!”