2 Chronicles 19:6-7
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The judges might have thought they were just settling disputes between people, but Jehoshaphat reminds them the Lord is the real audience for their decisions. His presence means their pronouncements carry divine weight, demanding a higher standard of fairness than simply pleasing humans.
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. Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality or taking bribes.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Jehoshaphat has just returned from a diplomatic mission, and instead of being praised, he's confronted by a prophet for partnering with wicked King Ahab. After this rebuke, Jehoshaphat takes immediate action to reform his kingdom's justice system, appointing faithful judges and reminding them that their role is a sacred trust before God, not just before people. This sets the stage for his efforts to lead Judah in obedience to the LORD.
Ever felt like no one sees the tough calls you make? This verse reminds us that someone always sees. Let's explore who that is and why it changes everything.
When Jehoshaphat addressed the judges, he didn't just give them a pep talk. He shifted their entire perspective.
A Higher Authority
He told them, 'you judge not for man but for the LORD.' This isn't just about fairness; it's about accountability to God Himself. Human opinions, praise, or criticism fade when you realize your decisions are ultimately reviewed by the King of Kings.
The Weight of His Presence
'He is with you in giving judgment.' This is powerful! God isn't distant; He's present with those who administer justice. This presence isn't just observational; it's enabling and judging. It means your actions have eternal weight, and His Spirit is available to guide you when you seek to honor Him.
What does it mean for God to be 'with you in giving judgment'? It means His own character of impartiality is the standard, not human bias.
Jehoshaphat's charge is a profound reminder of God's nature.
The Standard of Truth
When we judge 'for the LORD,' we are called to reflect His perfect justice. This means setting aside personal feelings, favoritisms, and external pressures. God's judgment is always righteous and based on truth.
Ask a follow-up
His Steadfast Love and Truth
God's justice is not cold or arbitrary. It is intertwined with His steadfast love and truth. When we are tasked with judgment, we are invited to operate with that same integrity, seeking what is right and true, knowing God upholds it.
Understand the original words
shophetim · Hebrew Noun
Refers to those authorized to act as arbiters, settling disputes according to the Law of God and rendering verdicts based on divine standards. They act as representatives of God's justice on earth.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The eternal Creator and covenant God of Israel who is sovereign over all human affairs and the ultimate standard of truth and justice.
yir'ah · Hebrew Noun
A reverential awe, deep respect, and humble submission to the authority and holiness of God, leading to obedient living and avoidance of sin.
'avlah · Hebrew Noun
The quality of acting in ways that deviate from God's holy standard; it implies a failure to act with fairness or moral integrity.
massa' panim · Hebrew Noun phrase
Favoritism or showing preference toward one person over another, violating the biblical principle that God shows no partiality in His judgments.
shochad · Hebrew Noun
The act of accepting money or gifts to influence a judgment, which perverts justice and is strictly condemned in Scripture as an offense against God.
Jehoshaphat's decree to the judges came after a chastening experience in battle and a prophetic rebuke. This personal crisis likely sharpened his resolve to ensure justice in Judah was rightly administered, reminding officials that their ultimate accountability was to God, not just to him.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom of Israel split into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel (10 tribes) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (2 tribes). This division weakened both nations.
c. 870 BC
Reign of Jehoshaphat Begins
Jehoshaphat became king of Judah. He was known for his piety and efforts to reform religious and judicial practices within the kingdom.
c. 860 BC
Jehoshaphat's Reforms
Jehoshaphat appointed officials throughout the land and established a new judicial system, placing loyal Levites, priests, and heads of Israelite families in key positions.
c. 853 BC
Alliance with Israel
Jehoshaphat formed a military and political alliance with the Northern Kingdom of Israel, led by King Ahab, which was a controversial move due to Israel's idolatry.
c. 853 BC
Battle of Ramoth-Gilead
Jehoshaphat joined Ahab of Israel in a battle against Syria. Ahab was killed, and Jehoshaphat narrowly escaped, though he was rebuked by the prophet Jehu for his alliance.
c. 853 BC— this verse
Jehu's Rebuke
Upon returning from the battle, the prophet Jehu confronted Jehoshaphat, asking, 'Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD?' This led Jehoshaphat to increase his focus on religious and judicial integrity.
c. 848 BC
Jehoshaphat's Death
Jehoshaphat died after a 25-year reign, leaving behind a legacy of significant religious and judicial reforms, though his reign also had its political missteps.
This passage establishes the reverence due to God even when making decisions about worldly matters, reminding us that curses against God or rulers are forbidden because God hears.
Deuteronomy 1:17This verse echoes the accountability of judges directly to God, emphasizing that judgment is a divine responsibility and that personal bias is unacceptable before Him.
Ecclesiastes 11:9This verse encourages believers to live joyfully and righteously, with the understanding that God will bring every deed into judgment, underscoring the eternal weight of our actions.
Romans 14:10-12Paul teaches that believers will stand before the judgment seat of God, reminding us that all our actions, including our judgments of others, are ultimately accountable to Him.
Colossians 3:23-24This passage calls believers to do everything heartily, as working for the Lord and not for human masters, which aligns with the principle of serving God in all our responsibilities, including judgment.
The judges might have thought they were just settling disputes between people, but Jehoshaphat reminds them the Lord is the real audience for their decisions. His presence means their pronouncements carry divine weight, demanding a higher standard of fairness than simply pleasing humans.
King Jehoshaphat has just returned from a diplomatic mission, and instead of being praised, he's confronted by a prophet for partnering with wicked King Ahab. After this rebuke, Jehoshaphat takes immediate action to reform his kingdom's justice system, appointing faithful judges and reminding them that their role is a sacred trust before God, not just before people. This sets the stage for his efforts to lead Judah in obedience to the LORD.
King Jehoshaphat has just returned from a diplomatic mission, and instead of being praised, he's confronted by a prophet for partnering with wicked King Ahab. After this rebuke, Jehoshaphat takes immediate action to reform his kingdom's justice system, appointing faithful judges and reminding them that their role is a sacred trust before God, not just before people. This sets the stage for his efforts to lead Judah in obedience to the LORD.
"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. Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD o…" — The judges might have thought they were just settling disputes between people, but Jehoshaphat reminds them the Lord is the real audience for their decisions. His presence means their pronouncement…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
