Chapter 19
At the end of yesterdays reading in 1Kgs 22, Jehoshaphat had died and Jehoram reigned in his place. So this chapter in Chr is going backwards just a bit to fill in some of the details of Jehoshaphat's reign after he mistakenly allied himself with Ahab. At this time also, Ahab is dead, and Ahaziah reigns in Israel.
Jehoshaphat gets home safely from the fight against Syria where Ahab was killed. Jehu the prophet lets Jehoshaphat know that God is not pleased that he helped the evil Ahab. I like the phrasing of this message:
2 But 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. [2Ch 19:2 ESV]
But the good that Jehoshaphat has done counts in his favor.
2021 - This verse:
3 Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God." [2Ch 19:3 ESV] Jehoshaphat had made some terrible decisions. He had allied himself to evil men. He had not only cooperated but had contributed to their success. These things were done by a man who'd set his heart to seek God. Upon being told these things, Jehoshaphat continued his efforts to rule according to God's plan. He seems to have been motivated by this scolding, rather than angered by it, and he sets out to do better. That's what we ought to do.
2022 - Possible FB post.
He goes into Ephraim and sets up judges for the people there, and he insists on fair judgement. He also sets up judges in Jerusalem from among the priests and Levites and the leading citizens. Appeals from the outlying towns and cities come there for resolution. He puts Amariah the chief priest over all matters of the Lord and Zebadiah the governor of Judah over the King's matters. These are like final appeal. He charges these also to do justly, because they are judging for the Lord, not for themselves. It is interesting that there were matters that were not covered specifically in God's law, and these were considered "the King's matters" and were judged by a civil governor. Matters of God's law were handled by the chief priest.
This verse: 4 Jehoshaphat 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. [2Ch 19:4 ESV]
This map shows what was meant by Beersheba to Ephraim. Beersheba was the southern limit of the Kingdom of Jehoshaphat -- of Judah at that time. And Ephraim is the land to the north of Judah, taken and held by Jehoshaphat as a buffer - a "Golan Heights" of the time, against invasion from the north.
7 Now 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." [2Ch 19:7 ESV] The key to a peaceful, happy kingdom? Justice for all. Sounds sappy, but it is not new. Equal justice means dignity to all. No rich over poor, no white over black, none of that mess. If the justice system is fair and impartial, and ANY man of ANY color can bring his case to the judges and be treated fairly, then that man will love his country, and live his life in the dignity that is within him. Civil peace is not about justice in the past, it is about justice today.
Possible FB post with that other racism verse.