What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 19:7? And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you • Jehoshaphat has just appointed judges; his first charge is that they live in holy awe of God. • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10), so right judgment starts with rightly relating to God. • When leaders fear God, they remember they are accountable to “Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:5). • Acts 9:31 shows that walking “in the fear of the Lord” brings strength and growth to God’s people. Be careful what you do • Reverence must translate into action; the call is to diligent, thoughtful obedience. • Colossians 3:17 urges, “Whatever you do…do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • James 1:22 adds, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only,” highlighting that carelessness in conduct undermines witness and invites discipline. • For judges, this meant weighing every case by God’s standards, not personal convenience. For with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery • God’s character defines true justice: “The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice” (Deuteronomy 32:4). • Deuteronomy 10:17 declares He “shows no partiality and accepts no bribe,” the very words echoed here. • Romans 2:11 affirms, “For God does not show favoritism.” • Because the Judge of all the earth is utterly fair, human judges must reflect that same standard: – No injustice—every verdict must align with truth, not expediency. – No partiality—rich and poor, powerful and weak stand equal before the bench (Leviticus 19:15). – No bribery—financial or relational pressure must never sway decisions (Proverbs 17:23). summary 2 Chronicles 19:7 is a template for godly leadership: live in constant awe of the LORD, translate that reverence into careful, obedient action, and model His flawless justice by rejecting every hint of corruption or favoritism. When leaders judge this way, they mirror God’s own heart and bless the community they serve. |
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