2 Chronicles 19:6 kjv
And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.
2 Chronicles 19:6 nkjv
and said to the judges, "Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.
2 Chronicles 19:6 niv
He 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.
2 Chronicles 19:6 esv
and said to the judges, "Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the LORD. He is with you in giving judgment.
2 Chronicles 19:6 nlt
and he said to them, "Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the LORD. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case.
2 Chronicles 19 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dt 1:17 | “You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike... for the judgment is God’s.” | Justice is God's, not man's. |
| Ex 18:21 | "Moreover, you shall select from all the people able men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate a bribe, and place them..." | Qualifications for judges. |
| Pr 16:12 | "It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness." | Righteousness sustains authority. |
| Ps 82:1 | "God stands in the divine assembly; he judges among the gods." | God as the ultimate Judge of judges. |
| Ps 82:3-4 | "Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy..." | Mandate for righteous judgment. |
| Is 1:17 | "Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow." | Call to seek justice and defend the vulnerable. |
| Amos 5:24 | "But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." | Prophetic call for overwhelming justice. |
| Lv 19:15 | "You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor show deference to the great..." | Impartiality in judgment commanded. |
| Dt 16:19 | "You shall not distort justice; you shall not show partiality, nor shall you take a bribe, for a bribe blinds..." | Warning against corrupt practices in judgment. |
| Ps 9:7-8 | "But the Lord abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment, And He will judge the world in righteousness..." | God's eternal righteous judgment. |
| Ro 13:1-2 | "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God..." | All authority is ordained by God. |
| Mt 7:1-2 | "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged..." | The standard of judgment applied to the judge. |
| Lk 12:48 | "...From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom much has been entrusted, much more will be asked." | Greater accountability for greater responsibility. |
| Col 3:23-24 | "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men... it is the Lord Christ whom you serve." | Serve the Lord in all tasks, including judgment. |
| He 4:13 | "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him..." | God's all-knowing presence. |
| Rev 20:12 | "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened... and the dead were judged..." | God's final judgment. |
| Is 33:22 | "For the Lord is our judge, The Lord is our lawgiver, The Lord is our king; He will save us." | God as ultimate Judge, Lawgiver, King. |
| Zec 8:16 | "These are the things which you should do: speak truth each to his neighbor; judge with truth and with a judgment for peace..." | Judge truthfully and peacefully. |
| 1 Pet 4:5 | "...but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead." | Account will be given to God. |
| Phil 2:12 | "So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation..." | Implies conscious living before God. |
| 1 Sa 2:3 | "Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come out of your mouth, for the Lord is a God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed." | God weighs actions, demanding humility. |
| Ro 14:10 | "For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God." | Universal accountability before God. |
2 Chronicles 19 verses
2 Chronicles 19 6 Meaning
This verse serves as a solemn charge given by King Jehoshaphat to the judges he appointed throughout Judah. It profoundly emphasizes that judicial authority is not derived from human will or for human appeasement, but is divinely mandated and exercised directly under the observation and ultimate authority of the Lord God. Judges are exhorted to carefully consider their actions, recognizing that every decision rendered is an act of service to God Himself, who is actively present with them during their judgments, ensuring divine oversight and accountability. It highlights the sacred nature of justice and the gravity of upholding righteousness in all legal proceedings.
2 Chronicles 19 6 Context
Chapter 19 begins with King Jehoshaphat’s return to Jerusalem after a humbling and nearly fatal alliance with wicked King Ahab of Israel. He receives a severe rebuke from the prophet Jehu for his compromise (2 Chr 19:1-3), yet is also noted for his good deeds (2 Chr 19:3). This divine chastisement prompts Jehoshaphat to initiate significant judicial reforms. He traveled throughout Judah, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, instructing the people and re-establishing righteous judgment. He appointed judges and Levites in key cities, along with a supreme court in Jerusalem (2 Chr 19:4-5, 8-11). Verse 6 is part of the specific charge he gives to these newly appointed judges, emphasizing the gravity and divine nature of their task before commissioning them. This reform aligns with his overall efforts to promote faithfulness to the Lord and restore righteous living in Judah, showcasing a king who, despite personal failings, earnestly sought to lead his nation in accordance with God's law.
2 Chronicles 19 6 Word analysis
- And said: Introduces the solemn declaration made by King Jehoshaphat, signifying a direct and authoritative address.
- to the judges,: Refers to the newly appointed legal officials whom Jehoshaphat commissioned in every fortified city throughout Judah. Their role was critical in maintaining civil order and justice according to God’s law.
- “Consider: (Heb. ra'ah - רָאָה) Literally "see," but here it carries the weight of careful observation, deep understanding, discernment, and reflection. It’s an imperative call for profound introspection and deliberation before action, highlighting the need for wisdom and caution in wielding judicial power.
- what you do,: Refers to the entire scope and nature of their judicial responsibilities and actions. It underlines the gravity and far-reaching implications of their decisions, extending beyond immediate human consequence to divine oversight.
- for you judge not for man: (Heb. lo' lĕ'adam - לֹא לְאָדָם) This phrase prohibits partiality, favoritism, or the fear of man in judgment. Judges must not be swayed by human influence, bribery, status, or popular opinion, emphasizing impartiality and adherence to absolute justice.
- but for the Lord,: (Heb. ki lYHWH - כִּי לַיהוָה) This is the core truth. It elevates the judicial role from a secular administrative function to a sacred ministry. Their ultimate accountability is to God (Yahweh), the supreme Lawgiver and Judge. This perspective transforms earthly judgment into an act of worship and obedience.
- who is with you: (Heb. imachem - עִמָּכֶם) Implies God’s active presence, observation, and oversight. He is not merely a distant authority but an intimate witness to every proceeding. This provides both comfort (divine help in judgment) and an awesome responsibility (awareness of God's constant scrutiny).
- in the matter of judgment.”: (Heb. bidvar mishpat - בִּדְבַר מִשְׁפָּט) Refers to the entirety of judicial processes, rulings, and the legal framework. The Hebrew term mishpat encompasses justice, judgment, ordinances, and the very concept of righteous law. This signifies that every facet of their work, from initial hearing to final verdict, falls under God’s direct attention and requires alignment with His standards of justice.
Words-Group Analysis:
- "Consider what you do": A profound instruction emphasizing the need for intentionality, mindfulness, and wisdom in exercising authority. It calls for judges to understand the weight and consequences of their judicial acts.
- "you judge not for man but for the Lord": This contrast highlights the divine origin and ultimate destination of judicial authority. It mandates that human judges must act as God's representatives, embodying His character of perfect justice, free from human pressures and corruption.
- "who is with you in the matter of judgment": This statement provides both encouragement and warning. It reassures the judges that they are not alone and can rely on divine wisdom, yet it also serves as a potent reminder that every decision is rendered under the watchful, unblinking eye of a righteous and impartial God.
2 Chronicles 19 6 Bonus section
The charge given by Jehoshaphat profoundly influenced the perception of justice within the Israelite framework, anchoring it not merely in legislative codes but in a theological conviction. It suggests that true justice is not relative or arbitrary, determined by human decree, but absolute, stemming from the unchanging character of God Himself. This teaching directly countered any tendencies toward humanistic jurisprudence that would disconnect law from its divine source, whether that source was explicit in the covenant or implicit in creation. The concept of "fear of the Lord" (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10) is implicitly foundational here, as genuine respect for God's presence is the ultimate deterrent against corruption and the ultimate motivator for righteous action in any sphere of leadership, not just judicial. The divine presence with the judges means divine empowerment for the righteous act, but also divine witnessing of unrighteous acts, promising a just recompense for all.
2 Chronicles 19 6 Commentary
King Jehoshaphat's address to his judges in 2 Chronicles 19:6 encapsulates a fundamental truth regarding earthly authority: it is ultimately delegated by and answerable to God. By emphasizing that judgments are "not for man but for the Lord," Jehoshaphat asserts a divine perspective that elevates legal proceedings from mere human transactions to acts of sacred service. This necessitates profound integrity, impartiality, and a constant awareness of God’s active presence during every decision. Judges are not to fear human power or seek human approval, but rather to operate in the reverent fear of the Lord, ensuring that their rulings reflect His perfect justice and righteousness. This foundational principle underscores the absolute accountability of those in authority to God, upon whom they rely for wisdom and before whom they will one day stand. This call remains vital for all who hold positions of authority, reminding them that their responsibilities extend beyond human evaluation to divine scrutiny.