| English Standard Version | NET Bible |
| 1Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem. | 1When King Jehoshaphat of Judah returned home safely to Jerusalem, |
| 2But Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the LORD. | 2the prophet Jehu son of Hanani confronted him; he said to King Jehoshaphat, "Is it right to help the wicked and be an ally of those who oppose the LORD? Because you have done this the LORD is angry with you! |
| 3Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.” | 3Nevertheless you have done some good things; you removed the Asherah poles from the land and you were determined to follow the LORD." |
| 4Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem. And he went out again among the people, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers. | 4Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem. He went out among the people from Beer Sheba to the hill country of Ephraim and encouraged them to follow the LORD God of their ancestors. |
| 5He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, | 5He appointed judges throughout the land and in each of the fortified cities of Judah. |
| 6and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the LORD. He is with you in giving judgment. | 6He told the judges, "Be careful what you do, for you are not judging for men, but for the LORD, who will be with you when you make judicial decisions. |
| 7Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality or taking bribes.” | 7Respect the LORD and make careful decisions, for the LORD our God disapproves of injustice, partiality, and bribery." |
| 8Moreover, in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel, to give judgment for the LORD and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem. | 8In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed some Levites, priests, and Israelite family leaders to judge on behalf of the LORD and to settle disputes among the residents of Jerusalem. |
| 9And he charged them: “Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, in faithfulness, and with your whole heart: | 9He commanded them: "Carry out your duties with respect for the LORD, with honesty, and with pure motives. |
| 10whenever a case comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities, concerning bloodshed, law or commandment, statutes or rules, then you shall warn them, that they may not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath may not come upon you and your brothers. Thus you shall do, and you will not incur guilt. | 10Whenever your countrymen who live in the cities bring a case before you (whether it involves a violent crime or other matters related to the law, commandments, rules, and regulations), warn them that they must not sin against the LORD. If you fail to do so, God will be angry with you and your colleagues; but if you obey, you will be free of guilt. |
| 11And behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the governor of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters, and the Levites will serve you as officers. Deal courageously, and may the LORD be with the upright!” | 11You will report to Amariah the chief priest in all matters pertaining to the LORD's law, and to Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of the family of Judah, in all matters pertaining to the king. The Levites will serve as officials before you. Confidently carry out your duties! May the LORD be with those who do well!" |
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