Catholic Commentary on 2 Chronicles 19

"Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict." (2 Chronicles 19:6)

Jehoshaphat's Judicial Reforms

Jehoshaphat returns safely from the battle where Ahab died. The seer Jehu meets him: should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is on you. There is, however, some good in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God. Jehoshaphat goes throughout the land and turns the people back to the LORD. He appoints judges in the fortified cities and gives them this charge: Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery. He also appoints Levites, priests, and heads of families as the Jerusalem court for disputed cases, with specific commands to act with courage.

The Catechism identifies Jehoshaphat's judicial reforms as the biblical model of justice systems grounded in the fear of God: the judge who knows they are answerable to God is the most likely to resist partiality and bribery (CCC 1807).

Living the Word

Brothers and sisters, you are not judging for mere mortals but for the LORD. Every decision you make in your sphere of authority is made before the divine judge who reviews it. The fear of God is the most effective accountability mechanism available. Fear him, and every other temptation to partiality loses its power.

Prayer

Lord God, let every person who exercises authority over others remember: we judge not for mortals but for you, who are with us when we give every verdict. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

19
Jehoshaphat Reproved by Jehu
1 When Jehoshaphat king of Judah had returned safely to his home in Jerusalem, 2 Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. 3 However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.”
Jehoshaphat’s Reforms
 
4 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and once again he went out among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers. 5 He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. 6 Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. 7 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.”
 
8 Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite families to judge on behalf of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. 9 He commanded them, saying, “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD. 10 For 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 and wrath will not come upon you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt.
 
11 Note that Amariah, the chief priest, will be over you in all that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, 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!”

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