2 Chronicles 19:7

And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery."

Study Bible

And now
This phrase serves as a transition, indicating a call to immediate action or reflection. In the context of Jehoshaphat's reforms, it signals a pivotal moment for the leaders of Judah to embrace a renewed commitment to justice and righteousness. Historically, this period was marked by a need for judicial reform, as Jehoshaphat sought to align the nation's practices with God's standards.

may the fear of the LORD
The "fear of the LORD" is a profound reverence and awe for God, rooted in the Hebrew word "yirah." This concept is foundational in the Old Testament, emphasizing a relationship with God that acknowledges His holiness and authority. It is not about terror but about a deep respect that influences one's actions and decisions. In Proverbs, the fear of the LORD is described as the beginning of wisdom, underscoring its importance in guiding ethical and moral behavior.

be upon you
This phrase suggests an active presence or influence. The fear of the LORD is not merely an internal feeling but something that should visibly affect one's conduct. It implies a divine empowerment to act justly, reflecting God's character in every decision and action.

Be careful in what you do
This is a call to diligence and mindfulness. The Hebrew root "shamar" conveys the idea of guarding or keeping watch. Leaders are urged to be vigilant in their duties, ensuring that their actions align with God's standards. This reflects a broader biblical principle that believers are to live intentionally, with an awareness of their accountability to God.

for there is no injustice with the LORD our God
This phrase affirms God's perfect justice. The Hebrew word for "injustice," "avel," denotes wrongdoing or unfairness. Unlike human systems, which can be flawed and biased, God's justice is absolute and unerring. This assurance provides a model for human justice systems, which should strive to reflect God's fairness and integrity.

no partiality
The term "partiality" comes from the Hebrew "nasa panim," meaning to lift up the face, implying favoritism. In the ancient Near Eastern context, judges often showed favoritism based on status or wealth. However, God is impartial, treating all individuals equally regardless of their social standing. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where God is described as no respecter of persons.

or bribery
Bribery, from the Hebrew "shochad," was a common corrupt practice in ancient judicial systems. It undermines justice by allowing wealth to influence legal outcomes. The prohibition of bribery is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing that true justice cannot be bought or manipulated. This reflects God's incorruptible nature and serves as a standard for human governance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah who initiated reforms to bring the people back to the worship of the LORD. He appointed judges throughout the land and charged them to judge righteously.

2. Judges of Judah
Appointed by Jehoshaphat to administer justice in the cities of Judah. They were instructed to judge with the fear of the LORD and without partiality.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jehoshaphat reigned and implemented his judicial reforms.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who is characterized by justice, impartiality, and righteousness.

5. Judicial Reforms
The event where Jehoshaphat appointed judges and instructed them to judge according to God's standards, emphasizing justice and the fear of the LORD.

Teaching Points

The Fear of the LORD as a Guiding Principle
The fear of the LORD should be the foundation of all our actions, especially in positions of authority and judgment. It ensures that our decisions align with God's righteousness.

Impartiality in Judgment
As believers, we are called to reflect God's character by being impartial and just in our dealings with others. This applies not only in formal judicial settings but in everyday interactions.

Avoidance of Corruption
Bribery and corruption are contrary to God's nature. We must guard against these in our personal and professional lives, maintaining integrity and honesty.

Accountability to God
Recognizing that we are accountable to God for our actions encourages us to act justly and righteously, knowing that He sees and judges all.

Role of Leaders in Promoting Justice
Leaders have a responsibility to promote justice and righteousness, setting an example for others to follow. This includes creating systems that reflect God's standards.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fear of the LORD influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?

2. In what ways can you ensure impartiality in your judgments and decisions, both personally and professionally?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced a situation involving potential corruption or bribery. How did you handle it, and what biblical principles guided your actions?

4. How can leaders in your community or church promote justice and righteousness in their roles?

5. What steps can you take to hold yourself accountable to God's standards of justice and integrity in your life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 10:17
This verse highlights God's impartiality and justice, similar to the charge given by Jehoshaphat to the judges.

James 2:1-9
This passage warns against showing favoritism, aligning with the principle of no partiality mentioned in 2 Chronicles 19:7.

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, which is foundational for the judges' role in administering justice.

Micah 6:8
This verse calls for justice, mercy, and humility before God, echoing the principles Jehoshaphat emphasized.