2 Chronicles 19:7
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)
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What's so easy to miss here is that "fear of the LORD" isn't about being scared of God; it's about holding Him in such high awe that it motivates righteous action and careful decision-making. When we truly grasp His absolute justice and impartiality, as the verse emphasizes, it naturally leads us to act with the same integrity, knowing He watches and never plays favorites.
After a disastrous military campaign and a stern rebuke from the prophet Jehu, King Jehoshaphat is returning to Jerusalem. He immediately sets about reforming his kingdom's justice system, appointing judges and reminding them of their solemn duty to rule with integrity, reflecting God's own perfect justice. This verse is a direct charge to these newly appointed judges, urging them to uphold God's standards in their earthly courts.
King Jehoshaphat was facing a monumental task: reforming the justice system of Judah. What was the first, most crucial instruction he gave to his judges?
The verse opens with a powerful command: 'Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you.' This isn't about cowering in terror, but a deep, abiding respect and awe for God. This reverence is presented as the absolute bedrock for anyone in a position of authority. When you truly fear God, your ultimate loyalty shifts from pleasing people or pursuing personal gain to aligning with divine truth and justice. It's the internal compass that guides ethical decision-making, especially when stakes are high and pressure mounts.
Judges were known to take bribes and show favoritism. But what fundamental truth about God's character demolishes such practices?
The latter part of the verse lays out a stark contrast to human corruption: 'for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality or taking bribes.' This isn't just a rule; it's a declaration about God's very nature. He is inherently just and utterly impartial. He doesn't play favorites, doesn't bend His standards for the wealthy or powerful, and never accepts a bribe to sway His judgment. This divine standard is the ultimate benchmark for human justice. Judges are called to reflect this perfect impartiality, ensuring their rulings are fair and unbiased, mirroring the character of the God they serve.
Understand the original words
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.
This verse is spoken by Jehoshaphat during his significant reforms. It reflects his deep concern for justice and godly leadership, especially after witnessing the negative consequences of his earlier alliances and the need to correct flawed judicial practices.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Splits
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). This division often led to conflict and political instability.
c. 870 BC
Reign of Jehoshaphat Begins
Jehoshaphat becomes king of Judah. He is known for his initial reforms and efforts to re-establish righteous leadership, though he also faced challenges from external threats and internal compromises.
c. 869-850 BC
Alliance with Northern Kingdom
Jehoshaphat forms a military and political alliance with the Northern Kingdom of Israel, marrying his son Jehoram to Athaliah, daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel. This alliance would later draw Judah into conflict.
c. 853 BC
War Against Aram-Damascus
Jehoshaphat joins Ahab of Israel in a war against the Arameans (Syrians) at Ramoth-Gilead. Though the battle is ultimately lost and Ahab is killed, it shows the complex geopolitical situation Jehoshaphat navigated.
This passage echoes the same principle, emphasizing that God shows no partiality and accepts no bribes, reinforcing the standard for leaders like Jehoshaphat.
Psalm 82:3-4These verses highlight the duty of rulers to defend the weak and provide justice, directly linking to the carefulness and fairness commanded in Chronicles.
Romans 2:11Paul directly states God's impartiality, showing this isn't just an Old Testament concept but a foundational truth about God's character that applies universally.
1 Peter 1:17This New Testament verse calls believers to live their earthly lives with reverence, remembering they will be judged impartially by God, aligning with the 'fear of the LORD' and His justice.
What's so easy to miss here is that "fear of the LORD" isn't about being scared of God; it's about holding Him in such high awe that it motivates righteous action and careful decision-making. When we truly grasp His absolute justice and impartiality, as the verse emphasizes, it naturally leads us to act with the same integrity, knowing He watches and never plays favorites.
After a disastrous military campaign and a stern rebuke from the prophet Jehu, King Jehoshaphat is returning to Jerusalem. He immediately sets about reforming his kingdom's justice system, appointing judges and reminding them of their solemn duty to rule with integrity, reflecting God's own perfect justice. This verse is a direct charge to these newly appointed judges, urging them to uphold God's standards in their earthly courts.
After a disastrous military campaign and a stern rebuke from the prophet Jehu, King Jehoshaphat is returning to Jerusalem. He immediately sets about reforming his kingdom's justice system, appointing judges and reminding them of their solemn duty to rule with integrity, reflecting God's own perfect justice. This verse is a direct charge to these newly appointed judges, urging them to uphold God's standards in their earthly courts.
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c. 850-848 BC— this verse
Jehoshaphat's Reforms
After warning from the prophet Jehu, Jehoshaphat actively removes idolatrous practices and begins to establish a system of judges and local officials throughout Judah, emphasizing justice and fearing God.
c. 848 BC
Attempted Trade Venture
Jehoshaphat partners with King Ahaziah of Israel to build ships for trade at Ezion-geber, but the fleet is wrecked, preventing the venture. This highlights the ongoing, sometimes ill-advised, entanglements with Israel.
"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.”" — What's so easy to miss here is that "fear of the LORD" isn't about being scared of God; it's about holding Him in such high awe that it motivates righteous action and careful decision-making. When…
