2 Crônicas 19

2 Crônicas 19

Morgan - The story of the affinity which Jehoshaphat made with Ahab is that of a sad lapse in his history. Ahab was perhaps the most evil king who ever occupied the throne of Israel. It was indeed strange company for a man like Jehoshaphat, who was unquestionably a man of God. It imperiled his life, so that he was only delivered from death by the direct intervention of his God. On his return to Jerusalem he was rebuked by Jehu, the son of Hanani, in words full of solemnity, which it would be well for all of us perpetually to bear in mind: "Shouldst thou help the wicked, and love them that hate Jehovah?" Evidently Jehoshaphat realized his wrong, and his repentance was manifest in this new mission which he undertook, to bring his people back to Jehovah, and to establish the internal administration of the kingdom in righteousness. These words addressed to the judges are full of value, and of perpetual application. Those who are called upon at any time, and in any way, to administer justice are acting for God, and not for man. They are not seeking to serve men, but to maintain the strict cause of justice, which is to be measured only by Divine standards. With God there is no iniquity, no respect of persons, no taking of bribes. So must it be with those who act as judges. Thus, and thus only, are the true interests of men served. To seek to please men is to be unjust to men. To seek to please God is to be just to men. 2 Chronicles 19:7 “Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.” AMP - So now let the fear (reverent awe) of the Lord be on you [to keep you from making unjust decisions]; be careful in what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality, or acceptance of a bribe.” EXB Now let each of you ·fear [respect] the Lord [Prov. 1:7] ·Watch what you do [Judge/Decide carefully/with integrity], because the Lord our God ·wants people to be fair [does not tolerate injustice/unrighteousness…]. ·He wants all people to be treated the same […or partiality], ·and he doesn’t want decisions influenced by money […or taking of bribes].” ICB Now let each of you fear the Lord. Be careful in what you do because the Lord our God wants people to be fair. He wants all people to be treated the same. And he doesn’t want people to accept money to change their judgments.” NCV Now let each of you fear the Lord. Watch what you do, because the Lord our God wants people to be fair. He wants all people to be treated the same, and he doesn’t want decisions influenced by money.” WYC the dread of the Lord be with you (let the fear of the Lord/let reverence for the Lord be with you), and do ye all things with diligence, that is, with discretion; forsooth with the Lord your God (there) is no wickedness, neither taking, or accepting, of persons, neither covetousness of gifts. let the: Ge 42:18 Ex 18:21,22,25,26 Ne 5:15 Isa 1:23-26 no iniquity: Ge 18:25 De 32:4 Ro 3:5,6 9:14 respect of persons: De 10:17,18 Job 34:19 Mt 22:16 Ac 10:34 Ro 2:11 Ga 2:6 Eph 6:9 Col 3:25 1Pe 1:17 taking of gifts: Ex 23:8 De 16:18,19 Isa 1:23 33:15 Mic 7:3 THE FIRST PREREQUISITE THE FEAR OF THE LORD Now then let the fear (pachad) of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do - Fear of the Righteous Judge is a good attitude to ensure righteous judgments of men by men. Recall Jehoshaphat means "Jehovah is Judge." This is the first time the phrase "the fear of the LORD" is found in the Bible. Pr 9:10 says "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," which is crucial for a judge to make godly decisions. It they feared the LORD, they would not fear man and be less likely to be biased or bribed by ungodly men. Fear of the LORD - 25v - 2 Chr. 19:7; 2 Chr. 19:9; Job 28:28; Ps. 19:9; Ps. 34:11; Ps. 111:10; Prov. 1:7; Prov. 1:29; Prov. 2:5; Prov. 8:13; Prov. 9:10; Prov. 10:27; Prov. 14:26; Prov. 14:27; Prov. 15:16; Prov. 15:33; Prov. 16:6; Prov. 19:23; Prov. 22:4; Prov. 23:17; Isa. 11:2; Isa. 11:3; Isa. 33:6; Acts 9:31; 2 Co. 5:11) For - Term of explanation. Explaining why fear and why be careful. the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe - Three critical points on all judgments - they should be righteous, impartial and not bribed. This should have put the fear of the LORD in every judge (THEN AND NOW!). Jehoshaphat’s judges were not only to judge for the Lord and with the Lord, but also to judge like the Lord. NET NOTE - Hebrew = “and now let the terror of the LORD be upon you, be careful and act for there is not with the LORD our God injustice, lifting up of a face, and taking a bribe.” Raymond Dillard: Judicial authority in Israel was not the prerogative of autonomous power; rather it depended upon and expressed the rule of Yahweh and was to reflect his own attributes of righteousness, justice, and fairness. Judges acted in behalf of kings or other men only in a derivative sense—in reality they were the agents of Yahweh who was present at their decisions. Yahweh loves and is known by his justice (Ps 9:16; 11:7). The frequent biblical injunctions against bribery attest to the extent and persistence of the practice; the poor who could not afford the bribe were in this way the prey of the rich (Exod 23:6–8; Deut 1:17; 16:18–20; 1 Sam 8:3; Ps 15:5; Prov 17:23; Isa 1:21–23; 5:22–23; Mic 3:11; 7:3; Zech 7:9–10). (BORROW 2 Chronicles or see 2 Chronicles, Volume 15 - Page 149)