1Jehoshaphat came back safe and sound to Jerusalem. 2Jehu, son of Hanani the prophet, went to meet him and said to king Jehoshaphat, “Should a man give help to the wicked? Should you love those who hate Yahweh? Because of this you have brought his anger on you! 3There is some good in you, however, since you have removed from your land Asherah’s trunks and have set your heart on seeking God.”
4Jehoshaphat stayed for a time in Jerusalem. After that he would again visit his people regularly, from Beersheba to the highlands of Ephraim to bring them back to Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. 5He appointed judges in the country in every one of all the fortified towns of Judah. 6He said to these judges, “Give due thought to your duties, since you are not judging in people’s name but in the name of Yahweh, who is with you whenever you pronounce sentence. 7May the fear of Yahweh now be on you. Keep the Law, apply it, for Yahweh our God does not tolerate fraud or partiality or the taking of bribes.”
8In addition, Jehoshaphat appointed priests, Levites and heads of Israelite families in Jerusalem as judges in cases involving a violation of the Law or legal disputes between people living in the city. They lived in Jerusalem 9and Jehoshaphat gave them the following instructions, “You are to perform these duties in the fear of Yahweh, as upright and honest men. 10Whatever dispute comes before you from your brothers living in their towns: either about crimes or questions of the Law, you are to teach them the commandments, statutes or ordinances, so that they do not become guilty of sinning against Yahweh, lest his anger come on you and your brothers. Do this and you will not be guilty.
11Amariah, the chief priest, will have final authority over you in all religious matters, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, governor of Judah, in all matters affecting the king. The Levites will serve as your scribes. Be courageous, carry out these instructions, and Yahweh will be there to bring success.”
