Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

2 Chronicles 19 Devotional

Judging in the Fear of God

“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.””2 Chronicles 19:7 (BSB)

Jehoshaphat comes home safely from Ramoth-gilead, and the prophet Jehu meets him with a hard word. He asks why the king has aided the wicked and befriended the LORD's enemies, and he warns that wrath rests on him for it (19:2). Yet he also names what is good. The king has removed the Asherah poles and devoted himself to seeking God (19:3). God's rebuke is honest without being dismissive.

Jehoshaphat responds by going out among his people again, turning them back to the LORD (19:4). Then he appoints judges in the fortified cities and gives them a charge rooted in God's own character. They are not judging for people but for the LORD, who is with them when they decide. God is never unjust, never plays favorites, and never takes a bribe, so they must judge carefully and in the fear of him (19:6-7). Earthly justice was meant to reflect his. Whatever decisions you make about others today, you make before a God who sees fairly and cannot be bought.

To think about: Where do you have the power to treat someone fairly or unfairly this week, and how does God's own justice shape what you will do?

About 2 Chronicles 19: Jehoshaphat Rebuked and Judges Appointed

The seer Jehu rebukes Jehoshaphat for helping Ahab, yet says some good is still found in him. Jehoshaphat calls the people back to God and appoints judges in Judah’s cities and Jerusalem, charging them to judge for God with honesty, impartiality and reverence.

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