EGW Writings2 Chronicles 19

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 80, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 80, 1904, par. 41

2 Chronicles [19]

19LtMs, Ms 80, 1904, par. 45

“And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem; and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to Mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the Lord God of their fathers. And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, and said to the judges, Take heed what ye do; for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed, and do it; for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.” [Verses 3-7.]

19LtMs, Ms 80, 1904, par. 47

“Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the Lord, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem. And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the Lord, and so wrath come upon you and upon your brethren; this do, and ye shall not trespass. ... Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.” [Verses 8-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 49, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 49, 1893, par. 27

He who rejects the life and character of Jesus, refusing to be like Him, declares himself to be in controversy with God. “He that is not with me is against me,” Christ declares, “and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad.” [Matthew 12:30.] Those who love God will not choose His enemies as their friends. The question is asked, “Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them which hate the Lord?” [2 Chronicles 19:2.] True Christians will not choose the society of non-christians.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 15—Jehoshaphat

PK 196.3

From this disastrous battle Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem. As he approached the city, the prophet Jehu met him with the reproof: “Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord. Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.” 2 Chronicles 19:2, 3.

PK 196.4

The later years of Jehoshaphat’s reign were largely spent in strengthening the national and spiritual defenses of Judah. He “went out again through the people from Beersheba to Mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the Lord God of their fathers.” Verse 4.

PK 197.1

One of the important steps taken by the king was the establishment and maintenance of efficient courts of justice. He “set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city;” and in the charge given them he urged: “Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.” Verses 5-7.

PK 197.2

The judicial system was perfected by the founding of a court of appeal at Jerusalem, where Jehoshaphat “set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the Lord, and for controversies.” Verse 8.

PK 198.1

“Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.” Verses 9-11.

From Splendor to Shadow

Jehoshaphat Makes a Mistake

SS 103.3

From this disastrous battle Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem. The prophet Jehu met him with the reproof: “Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord. Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.” 2 Chronicles 19:2, 3. Jehoshaphat’s later years were largely spent in strengthening the national and spiritual defenses of Judah. He “went out again through the people from Beersheba to Mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the Lord God of their fathers.” Verse 4.

SS 103.4

One important step taken by the king was the establishment of efficient courts of justice. He “set judges in the land,” and in the charge given them he urged: “Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment ... . With the Lord our God ... [there is no] respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.” Verses 5-7.

SS 104.1

The king exhorted the judges of the court of appeal at Jerusalem to be faithful. “Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord ... . The Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.” Verse 11. In safeguarding the rights and liberties of his subjects, Jehoshaphat emphasized the consideration that every member of the human family receives from God, who rules over all. Those who are appointed to act as judges under Him are to “defend the poor and fatherless,” and “do justice to the afflicted and needy.” Psalm 82:3.