| Christian Standard Bible | New Living Translation |
| 1King Jehoshaphat of Judah returned to his home in Jerusalem in peace. | 1When King Jehoshaphat of Judah arrived safely home in Jerusalem, |
| 2Then Jehu son of the seer Hanani went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, "Do you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the LORD's wrath is on you. | 2Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him. “Why should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD?” he asked the king. “Because of what you have done, the LORD is very angry with you. |
| 3However, some good is found in you, for you have eradicated the Asherah poles from the land and have decided to seek God." | 3Even so, there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles throughout the land, and you have committed yourself to seeking God.” |
| 4Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and once again he went out among the people from Beer-sheba to the hill country of Ephraim and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their ancestors. | 4Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, but he went out among the people, traveling from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, encouraging the people to return to the LORD, the God of their ancestors. |
| 5He appointed judges in all the fortified cities of the land of Judah, city by city. | 5He appointed judges throughout the nation in all the fortified towns, |
| 6Then he said to the judges, "Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for a mere mortal, but for the LORD, who is with you in the matter of judgment. | 6and he said to them, “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the LORD. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case. |
| 7And now, may the terror of the LORD be on you. Watch what you do, for there is no injustice or partiality or taking bribes with the LORD our God." | 7Fear the LORD and judge with integrity, for the LORD our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.” |
| 8Jehoshaphat also appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites and priests and some of the Israelite family heads for deciding the LORD's will and for settling disputes of the residents of Jerusalem. | 8In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests and clan leaders in Israel to serve as judges for cases involving the LORD’s regulations and for civil disputes. |
| 9He commanded them, saying, "In the fear of the LORD, with integrity, and wholeheartedly, you are to do the following: | 9These were his instructions to them: “You must always act in the fear of the LORD, with faithfulness and an undivided heart. |
| 10For every dispute that comes to you from your brothers who dwell in their cities--whether it regards differences of bloodguilt, law, commandment, statutes, or judgments--you are to warn them, so they will not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath will not come on you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt. | 10Whenever a case comes to you from fellow citizens in an outlying town, whether a murder case or some other violation of God’s laws, commands, decrees, or regulations, you must warn them not to sin against the LORD, so that he will not be angry with you and them. Do this and you will not be guilty. |
| 11"Note that Amariah, the chief priest, is over you in all matters related to the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all matters related to the king, and the Levites are officers in your presence. Be strong; may the LORD be with those who do what is good." | 11“Amariah the high priest will have final say in all cases involving the LORD. Zebadiah son of Ishmael, a leader from the tribe of Judah, will have final say in all civil cases. The Levites will assist you in making sure that justice is served. Take courage as you fulfill your duties, and may the LORD be with those who do what is right.” |
| The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. | Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. |
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