19:1 When King Jehoshaphat of Judah returned home safely to Jerusalem,
King Jehoshaphat was almost killed in Israel for joining in battle with the evil King Ahab against Syria.
19:2 the 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!
The prophet Jehu was the son of the prophet Hanani. The prophet Hanani had earlier prophesied to King Jehoshaphat’s father, King Asa. The prophet Jehu warned King Jehoshaphat of Judah that treaties with satanic kings were extremely dangerous and against God’s will.
God expresses anger when a believer joins with members of the satanic world system. Believers are to love other believers. They are also to love the sinner who he can win to Christ. However, if a person hears the gospel and rejects it, then he is an enemy of Christ. He is not to be loved. Too many carnal Christians are too lovey-dovey on this matter.
19:3 Nevertheless you have done some good things; you removed the Asherah poles from the land and you were determined to follow the Lord.”
No one is perfect. God knew that King Jehoshaphat of Judah would make this mistake. God allowed him to make this mistake so that King Jehoshaphat of Judah could learn from it. This is part of the sanctification educational system which God provides for all of His children. Even though King Jehoshaphat of Judah made this mistake, then he had still committed some very good acts which pleased the Lord.
19:4 Jehoshaphat 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.
The traditional borders of Israel had originally been from Dan to Beer Sheba. After the Divided Kingdom, the borders decreased from from Beer Sheba to Mount Ephraim. King Jehoshaphat of Judah was one of the few world leaders who actually evangelized his nation.
Many Christian leaders (such as former President George Bush Jr.) will claim that they are Christians in order to receive votes and get elected. However, after they retire from office, they will admit that they did not believe that the Bible is the Word of God.
On the other hand, President Obama mocked the Bible during his campaign run, yet he was still elected as President of the United States. The electorate needs to master bible doctrine themselves and then be very careful when screening their political candidates. Otherwise, the electorate will place Satan’s man in office. Satan’s man will persecute Israel and bring the curses of the Abrahamic Covenant upon the nation in which they are leading.
19:5 He appointed judges throughout the land and in each of the fortified cities of Judah.
King Jehoshaphat of Judah established the system of judges and appeal procedures which have became a model for many later governments.
19:6 He 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.
Whenever a judge takes the bench, he is judging in the place of God.
19:7 Respect the Lord and make careful decisions, for the Lord our God disapproves of injustice, partiality, and bribery.”
King Jehoshaphat of Jdah warned his judges about their divine responsibility before the eyes of God. Judges today who practice injustice, partiality, and bribery will be judged by God. God is the Judge of judges. He is the King of kings. He will judge all judges and kings fairly. He cannot be bribed.
19:8 In 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.
The Levites were the teachers, judges, civil officials, religious leaders, and temple keepers of Israel.
19:9 He commanded them: “Carry out your duties with respect for the Lord, with honesty, and with pure motives.
Jehoshaphat commanded the Levites to honor God in all of their motives and duties. Judges who do not honor God will bring curses upon their nation.
19:10 Whenever 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.
The judges were to remind the people that their sin was against Jehovah first and the people second. Liberal politicians will place godless judges on the bench who do not honor God.
19:11 You 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!”
The Chief Priest Amariah was the supreme court judge of all religious matters. Zebadiah was the supreme court judge of political matters. The Levites would judge in all of the lower courts. Jehovah was to bless those who made righteous decisions. This was King Jehoshaphat’s attempt to bring Law and Order back to Judah.