1When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem,

2Jehu the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet him and said to the king, “Should you help the wicked and love19:2Or and make alliances with those who hate the Lord? Because of this, the wrath of the Lord is on you.

3There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God.”

4Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.

5He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah.

6He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict.

7Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

8In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the Lord and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem.

9He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord.

10In every case that comes before you from your people who live in the cities—whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees or regulations—you are to warn them not to sin against the Lord; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your people. Do this, and you will not sin.

11“Amariah the chief priest will be over you in any matter concerning the Lord, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of the tribe of Judah, will be over you in any matter concerning the king, and the Levites will serve as officials before you. Act with courage, and may the Lord be with those who do well.”