1 Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, went back to his house {beto: royal residence} and reached Jerusalem {yerushalayim: chief city} in peace.
2 Jehu son of Hanani, the seer {chozeh: visionary prophet}, came out to meet him and spoke to King Jehoshaphat, “Is it fitting for you to aid the wicked and to love those who hate the LORD {YHWH, Covenant Enforcer}? Because of this, wrath from the LORD has come upon you.”
3 Yet good things have been found in you: you have removed the Asherah poles from the land, and you have set your heart {levavkha: inner self} to seek God {Elohim, Object of True Worship}.
4 While Jehoshaphat {Yehoshaphat: Covenant Restorer} stayed in Jerusalem, he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, turning them back to the LORD {YHWH: National Redeemer}, the God of their ancestors.
5 He appointed judges in the land in every fortified city of Judah {Yehudah: tribal territory}, city by city {leir vair: each individual city}.
6 And he said to the judges {shofetim: local magistrates}, “See what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD {YHWH, Final Judge}; and He is with you in the matter of judgment.”
7 Now then, let the fear {pachad: reverent awe} of the LORD {YHWH, Righteous Judge} rest on you. Be careful and act, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice, no partiality, and no taking of bribes.
8 And also in Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed from among the Levites, the priests {kohanim: temple ministers} and the heads of the fathers of Israel for the judgment of the LORD {YHWH, Divine Judge} and for disputes, and they returned to Jerusalem.
9 He commanded them, saying, “This is how you shall act: in the fear of the LORD {YHWH, Divine Judge}, in faithfulness, and with a whole heart {levav: inner self}.”
10 Whenever any dispute comes before you from your brothers who live in their cities—whether over blood, the law, commandments, statutes {chukkim: enduring ordinances}, or judgments—you are to warn them so that they do not incur guilt before the LORD {YHWH, Righteous Arbiter}. Otherwise His wrath will rest upon you and your brothers. Act in this way, and you will not be guilty.
11 Behold, Amariah the chief priest presides over you in every matter of the LORD {YHWH, Divine Judge}, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of the house of Judah, presides over every matter of the king. The Levites will serve as officers before you. Strengthen yourselves and act, and may the LORD be with the good {tov: those who do right}.