2 Chronicles 19
Job description for judges
King’s critic
1King Jehoshaphat of Judah returned peacefully to Jerusalem. 2A prophet named Jehu, son of the prophet Hanani, greeted him with criticism. “Why do you help evil people and love those who hate the LORD? God is angry about this, and you’re going to find out how angry.3Yet the LORD has seen the good in you. You destroyed the Asherah poles [1] people used in pagan worship. And you are devoted to God.
King appoints judges
4Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem. But he traveled throughout his kingdom, from Beersheba in the south to hills on the border of Ephraim’s tribe in the north. Everywhere he went, he urged people to worship the God of their ancestors.5He also appointed judges in every fortified city protected by walls.
Judges show integrity
6He commissioned the judges with these words: “Think about what you’re doing when you handle these cases. You’re not conducting city business. You’re conducting the LORD’s business. Take this job that seriously. The LORD is with you when you deal with these cases. 7Honor the LORD by doing your job with integrity. Remember that God doesn’t twist justice, show favoritism, or take bribes. You don’t, either.”8In Jerusalem, the king appointed judges from among the priests, Levite associates of priests, and family leaders. They worked out of Jerusalem.
9The king told the Jerusalem judges, “Here’s what I expect you to do. Respect God with all your heart. Make it show in the way you handle every case. 10People from here and other towns will ask you to settle cases involving injuries and death, broken laws, and ignored commandments. You’ll judge those cases, but you’re more than a judge. You’re a teacher. Teach people to do what is right so they and the people they care about don’t have to face the consequences of doing what they know is wrong. The LORD himself punishes the guilty. 11Amariah, the chief priest, will serve as your top official in religious matters. Zebadiah, son of Ishmael and governor of Judah’s tribe, will lead you in the other cases. Levites will help you all as associates. Show courage. And may God protect the innocent.”
Footnotes
119:3
These poles may have been trees or poles meant to represent trees, as symbols of a Canaanite fertility goddess known as Asherah, goddess of motherhood. She was the love interest of Baal. He was chief god of the people who lived in Canaan, now known as Israel and Palestinian Territories. People worshiped Asherah with sacred poles described as repulsive and obscene. But we’re left to guess how the people used those poles in worship.
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Maps/Guides
Judah's 50-mile kingdom
