Jehoshaphat Reproved by Jehu

1When Jehoshaphat (YHWH has judged) king of Judah (praised) had returned safely to his home in Jerusalem (city of peace), 2Jehu (YHWH is He) son of Hanani (gracious) the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat (YHWH has judged), “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD {YHWH}? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. 3However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles (goddess) from the land and have set your heart on seeking God {Elohim}.”

Jehoshaphat’s Reforms

4Jehoshaphat (YHWH has judged) lived in Jerusalem (city of peace), and once again he went out among the people from Beersheba (well of seven) to the hill country of Ephraim (doubly fruitful) and turned them back to the LORD, the God {YHWH Elohe} of their fathers. 5He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah (praised). 6Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you⁺ do, for you⁺ are not judging for man, but for the LORD {YHWH}, who is with you⁺ when you⁺ render judgment. 7And now, may the fear of the LORD {YHWH} be upon you⁺. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God {YHWH Elohenu} there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

8Moreover, Jehoshaphat (YHWH has judged) appointed in Jerusalem (city of peace) some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite (he wrestles with God) families to judge on behalf of the LORD {YHWH} and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. 9He commanded them, saying, “You⁺ must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD {YHWH}. 10For every dispute that comes before you⁺ from your⁺ brothers who dwell in their cities—whether it regards bloodshed or some other violation of law, commandments, statutes, or ordinances—you⁺ are to warn them, so that they will not incur guilt before the LORD {YHWH} and wrath will not come upon you⁺ and your⁺ brothers. Do this, and you⁺ will not incur guilt.

11Note that Amariah (YHWH has promised), the chief priest, will be over you⁺ in all that pertains to the LORD {YHWH}, and Zebadiah (endowment of YHWH) son of Ishmael (God hears), the ruler of the house of Judah (praised), 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!”