Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary2 Chronicles 19

Jehoshaphat's Piety.This section describes how God showed kindness to King Jehoshaphat after his dangerous journey with Ahab. Even though Jehoshaphat made mistakes, God protected him and gave him a chance to change. The story also shows how Jehoshaphat responded to God’s correction with humility and renewed dedication to leading his people in the right way.v. 1: Jehoshaphat returned home safely after his risky adventure with Ahab. He had been in great danger, but he returned to his house in peace. This was better than he expected or deserved, since he had joined Ahab in something he should not have done. God’s protection was clear, especially when compared to Ahab, who died in battle. God knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish(Psalm 1:6 ). Jehoshaphat was spared, while Ahab was not.

v. 2: God sent Jehoshaphat a warning through the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani. It is a blessing when God helps us see our mistakes so we can change. Jehu told Jehoshaphat that he had done wrong by helping Ahab, who was an enemy of God. Should you help the ungodly and love those who hate the Lord

v. 3: Even though Jehoshaphat made a mistake, Jehu also pointed out the good things in him. There are good things found in you. Jehoshaphat had removed idols from the land and had a heart that wanted to seek God. God noticed this and did not reject him completely.

v. 4: Jehoshaphat accepted the correction and did not get angry with the prophet. Instead, he stayed in Jerusalem and focused on his own kingdom. He traveled through his land, from Beersheba to the mountains of Ephraim, and encouraged the people to return to the Lord

Jehoshaphat Appoints JudgesThis section explains how King Jehoshaphat wanted to help his people stay faithful to God. He had already sent teachers to instruct them in God’s law, but now he set up a system of judges. Jehoshaphat wanted both the law and the worship of God to be respected in the nation. He made sure justice would be done and that evil would be punished, so the people would keep following God’s ways.v. 5: Jehoshaphat created local courts in the cities of Judah. He chose judges to help the people stay true to God, punish those who broke the law, and solve disputes between people .

v. 6: He told the judges to be very careful in their work. Take heed what you do. Judges must pay close attention and not make mistakes, because their decisions are important. They must also respect God, because the fear of Godwill help them do what is right.

v. 7: Jehoshaphat reminded the judges that God is watching them. There is no iniquity with the Lord

v. 8: Jehoshaphat also set up a higher court in Jerusalem for difficult cases. Some of the Levites, priests, and leading families served as judges in this court. They decided on hard questions and appeals from the lower courts .

v. 9: He commanded these judges to act in the fear of the Lord

v. 10: The judges in Jerusalem were to handle both religious and civil cases. They had to warn the people not to sin against God, because sin brings trouble for everyone. If the judges did their jobs well, both the people and the judges would avoid guilt .

v. 11: Two leaders were chosen for the highest court. Amariah the high priest was in charge of religious matters, and Zebadiah was in charge of civil cases. Some Levites were appointed as officers to help bring cases to court and make sure the judges’ decisions were carried out (2 Chronicles 19:11 ). Jehoshaphat told everyone to be courageous and do their duty, because the Lord