2 Chronicles 19 10

2 Chronicles 19:10 kjv

And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in your 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.

2 Chronicles 19:10 nkjv

Whatever case comes to you from your brethren who dwell in their cities, whether of bloodshed or offenses against law or commandment, against statutes or ordinances, you shall warn them, lest they trespass against the LORD and wrath come upon you and your brethren. Do this, and you will not be guilty.

2 Chronicles 19:10 niv

In 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.

2 Chronicles 19:10 esv

whenever a case comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities, concerning bloodshed, law or commandment, statutes or rules, then you shall warn them, that they may not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath may not come upon you and your brothers. Thus you shall do, and you will not incur guilt.

2 Chronicles 19:10 nlt

Whenever a case comes to you from fellow citizens in an outlying town, whether a murder case or some other violation of God's laws, commands, decrees, or regulations, you must warn them not to sin against the LORD, so that he will not be angry with you and them. Do this and you will not be guilty.

2 Chronicles 19 verses

2 Chronicles 19 10 Meaning

The verse 2 Chronicles 19:10 outlines the specific duties and immense responsibility placed upon the judges and priests appointed by King Jehoshaphat throughout Judah. Their primary function was to arbitrate every dispute that arose among the people, spanning across various aspects of Mosaic law—from cases involving bloodshed to all forms of legal instructions, commands, statutes, and judgments. The critical purpose of their work was preventative: to warn the people against committing offenses that would incur guilt before the Lord. Failure to execute these duties diligently would not only bring divine wrath upon the people involved in the disputes but also upon the judges and priests themselves and the entire community. Thus, performing these judicial duties righteously was essential to avert God's severe judgment.

2 Chronicles 19 10 Context

King Jehoshaphat had experienced God's deliverance after nearly being killed in battle for allying with the wicked King Ahab. In response, upon returning to Jerusalem, he instituted significant religious and judicial reforms (2 Chron 19:4-11). He traveled through his kingdom, bringing the people back to the Lord. A core part of his reform was establishing a formal justice system, appointing judges and Levitical priests throughout Judah, in every fortified city. Chapter 19:6-7 records Jehoshaphat's charge to the judges, emphasizing that they judge "not for man but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment," and reminding them that "there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes." Verse 10 specifically details the types of cases these appointed officials would handle and, crucially, their responsibility to ensure the people understood the severity of their actions regarding God's law, thereby preventing divine wrath upon both the offenders and the entire community, including the judges themselves.

2 Chronicles 19 10 Word analysis

• And whatever dispute comes to you: This phrase indicates the comprehensive nature of the cases the judges would encounter. The Hebrew word for "dispute" (רִיב - riv) denotes a contention, controversy, or legal accusation, emphasizing the adversarial nature of the issues to be resolved.
• from your brethren: Highlights the communal aspect of justice; the disputes are among fellow Israelites. This implies a need for impartial judgment within the covenant community.
• who dwell in their cities: Refers to the local communities across the land, where the newly appointed judges were situated. This decentralized system aimed for accessible justice.
• concerning blood or law or commandment, statutes or judgments: This comprehensive list (Hebrew: dam, Torah, mitzvah, chuqqah, mishpat) outlines the full spectrum of legal and religious cases they were to handle.
  • Blood (dam): Refers to cases involving capital offenses, especially murder or accidental killing (e.g., Num 35:9-34; Deut 19:1-13). Such cases carried severe consequences and often involved defilement of the land.
  • Law (Torah): Generally refers to the whole body of divine instruction revealed by God, particularly through Moses, serving as the foundational constitution for Israel.
  • Commandment (mitzvah): Specific divine precepts, individual moral, ritual, or ethical injunctions from God.
  • Statutes (chuqqah): Ordinances or prescribed customs, often denoting fixed or engraved laws, sometimes with a ritual or ceremonial connotation that may not have obvious reasons, given as divine decrees.
  • Judgments (mishpat): Refers to legal decisions, civil regulations, and established judicial precedents that dictate right behavior and just administration. These collectively encompass the entire Mosaic legal system.
• you shall warn them: The Hebrew word for "warn" (זָהַר - zahår) implies not just a notification, but an earnest admonition, a shining of light to make them aware, and caution against potential dangers or wrongdoing. It signifies teaching the people the gravity of their sin and its consequences according to God's law. This is a prophetic function integrated into the judicial role.
• lest they incur guilt before the Lord: This highlights the theological dimension of their judgments. The goal is to prevent the people from becoming spiritually liable or punishable (asham) in God's sight. The judicial process was a means of spiritual safeguarding, preventing corporate sin and accountability.
• and wrath come upon you and your brethren: Emphasizes the severe consequences of neglecting their duty or of the people’s unrepentant sin. The Hebrew word for "wrath" (קֶצֶף - qetsep) indicates fierce indignation or divine anger. It implies a corporate accountability: the judges, people, and community share in the consequences of unrighteousness or negligence in applying God's standards. Leaders bear a primary responsibility for warning and guiding their flock, and their failure can lead to divine judgment upon them first.
• Thus you shall do and not incur guilt: This phrase serves as a divine assurance and command. By diligently fulfilling their appointed roles according to God's directives, the judges themselves would remain innocent from divine punishment. It underlines the importance of their obedience for their own protection and integrity.

2 Chronicles 19 10 Bonus section

• Dual Jurisdiction: While not explicitly stated, some scholars interpret the combination of Levitical priests and judges appointed throughout the land (2 Chron 19:8-11) as hinting at a division of labor—possibly a proto-type of sacred vs. civil jurisdiction—even though both are under God's overarching law. The specific mention of "blood" might imply that cases with capital punishment or significant impurity would need priestly involvement due to their sacral implications.
• Fear of the Lord: This verse's instruction for the judges echoes Jehoshaphat's earlier admonition to them in 2 Chron 19:7, "Now therefore, let the fear of the Lord be upon you." This foundational principle ensures integrity, impartiality, and diligence in their terrifying task of mediating God's law and justice. The judges are themselves subject to the very warnings they issue, serving as a reminder of their own accountability before the Lord.
• Preventative Justice: The emphasis on "warn them, lest they incur guilt" highlights the preventative nature of this judicial system. It was not merely about punishment after an offense, but about educating the people and preventing spiritual transgression through clear teaching and upholding of the divine standard.

2 Chronicles 19 10 Commentary

2 Chronicles 19:10 reveals the heart of Jehoshaphat’s reforms, extending the principles of righteous judgment given by Moses. It transforms what might seem like purely legal disputes into deeply theological matters. The specific listing of "blood, law, commandment, statutes, or judgments" ensures that no area of life or law is exempt from divine scrutiny and that the judges must be equipped to handle all. The core duty is not merely to decide cases but to "warn" the people. This warning carries the weight of God's Word, aiming to prevent sin and its dire consequence: incurring "guilt before the Lord." This "guilt" (Hebrew: asham) is not just legal culpability but spiritual defilement that invites God's "wrath" (qetsep). The communal aspect is vital; failure to address sin correctly brings wrath not just on individuals but on the leaders and the entire "brethren." The verse thus underscores that true justice, from a biblical perspective, is rooted in covenant fidelity, aimed at fostering righteousness, and its faithful execution shields the community from divine judgment. It emphasizes the critical role of leaders in teaching, upholding God's standards, and acting as faithful guardians against sin's encroaching dangers.