2 Chronicles 19 5

2 Chronicles 19:5 kjv

And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,

2 Chronicles 19:5 nkjv

Then he set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,

2 Chronicles 19:5 niv

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

2 Chronicles 19:5 esv

He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,

2 Chronicles 19:5 nlt

He appointed judges throughout the nation in all the fortified towns,

2 Chronicles 19 verses

2 Chronicles 19 5 Meaning

King Jehoshaphat proactively established a comprehensive system of judicial administration throughout the fortified cities across the entire land of Judah. This action signified a commitment to uphold justice and order based on God's law within his kingdom, demonstrating a structured and decentralized approach to governance.

2 Chronicles 19 5 Context

This verse immediately follows King Jehoshaphat's return from the ill-advised alliance with King Ahab of Israel, where he narrowly escaped death in battle. Upon his return, the prophet Jehu son of Hanani severely rebuked him for aligning with the wicked, highlighting God's displeasure (2 Chr 19:1-3). In response, Jehoshaphat resolves to reform Judah, seeking to re-establish proper worship and, as detailed in this verse, a system of justice (2 Chr 19:4). This particular action, the appointment of judges, signifies Jehoshaphat's renewed commitment to divine principles and the well-being of his kingdom after acknowledging his error. Historically, the administration of justice was central to Mosaic law and covenant living, distinguishing Israel's societal structure from surrounding nations where kings often held absolute, arbitrary power. This reform aimed to bring judicial accountability closer to the people within the kingdom's strategic population centers.

2 Chronicles 19 5 Word analysis

• And he set (וַיַּעֲמֵד - wayyaʿamēd): "And he caused to stand" or "he appointed/established." The Hebrew verb highlights a deliberate, active, and systematic placement. It signifies the king's authority and intentional effort in structuring the judiciary. This was not a casual arrangement but a firm establishment of a legal system. The "he" explicitly refers to King Jehoshaphat, emphasizing his direct involvement in these reforms.
• judges (שֹׁפְטִים - šōpəṭîm): Plural form of šōphēt, referring to those who decide legal cases, administer justice, and maintain civil order. In ancient Israel, judges interpreted and applied the divine law (Torah) to disputes, striving for righteousness. Their role was crucial for the functioning of a society under God's covenant. This goes beyond mere arbitration; it includes governance and enforcement based on biblical principles.
• in the land (בָּאָרֶץ - bāʾāreṣ): Refers to the kingdom of Judah. This phrase indicates the widespread scope of Jehoshaphat's reform—it was not confined to Jerusalem but extended throughout the entire territory under his rule, ensuring accessibility to justice for all citizens.
• throughout all the fenced cities (בְּכָל־הֶעָרִים הַבְּצֻרוֹת - bəḵāl-hāʿārîm habḇṣurôt):
  • all (בְּכָל - bəḵāl): Emphasizes universality within the specified domain, suggesting comprehensive coverage.
  • fenced cities (הֶעָרִים הַבְּצֻרוֹת - hāʿārîm habḇṣurôt): Literally "the cities that were fortified/enclosed." These were strategically important, usually larger towns with defensive walls, serving as administrative, military, and often economic centers. By placing judges here, Jehoshaphat ensured judicial authority resided in places of prominence and population density, making justice accessible and enforceable. It also might suggest these centers were robust enough to support a formalized legal system.
• of Judah (יְהוּדָה - Yəhûḏāh): Specifies the kingdom to which these reforms applied. This explicitly limits the scope to the southern kingdom, distinguishing it from Israel to the north.
• city by city (עִיר בְּעִיר - ʿîr bəʿîr): A Hebrew idiom indicating meticulous, individual placement in each city. It reinforces the thoroughness and precision of the reform. It implies that judges were appointed for each distinct urban center, not just central hubs, suggesting a decentralized yet uniform judicial system reaching the local level.

2 Chronicles 19 5 Bonus section

Jehoshaphat's reforms, particularly the establishment of judges, serve as a practical outworking of God's desire for justice and righteousness within a covenant people (e.g., Deut 16:18-20, Isa 1:17). This specific initiative stands in stark contrast to the common arbitrary rule prevalent among surrounding ancient Near Eastern nations. Furthermore, the selection of "fenced cities" was strategic; these were the major hubs of population, trade, and defense, ensuring that justice was available in the most critical areas. This comprehensive judicial restructuring set the stage for subsequent commands for the judges to fear the LORD (2 Chr 19:6-7) and for the establishment of higher courts in Jerusalem (2 Chr 19:8-11), forming a robust, multi-tiered judicial system aimed at upholding God's standard throughout the land. This demonstrates Jehoshaphat's holistic understanding of what it means to lead a kingdom dedicated to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 19 5 Commentary

2 Chronicles 19:5 captures King Jehoshaphat's swift and concrete response to divine rebuke. Following his grave error of allying with the ungodly Ahab, Jehoshaphat demonstrates true repentance not just through worship but by active, systemic reform. This verse focuses on his judicial reform, which complements the earlier religious instruction of chapter 17. By appointing judges throughout all the fortified cities, city by city, Jehoshaphat initiated a widespread and accessible system of justice rooted in Mosaic law. This was vital for the kingdom's spiritual health and societal stability. Judges were crucial figures in Israel, called to impartially administer God's law (Deut 16:18-20; Exo 18:21-22). Their proper function was integral to covenant obedience, national blessing, and preventing societal decay, a recurring theme throughout biblical history. Jehoshaphat's action reflects a king prioritizing God's order and righteousness in civil governance, underscoring that true reform involves not just personal piety but systemic commitment to divine principles.

• Example: A king, having faced the consequences of compromising his principles, initiates robust ethical oversight in all departments of his government, ensuring accountability is present even at local levels.
• Example: A church, realizing it has neglected care for its vulnerable members, establishes dedicated, decentralized ministries within different community outreach locations to provide compassionate support.