King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 19:10 Mean?

“And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.”

Context

Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.

And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.

And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good. Deal: Heb. Take courage and do

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **And.**—*To wit.* **Cause.**—*Rîbh,* “controversy” (2Chronicles 19:8). **Shall come to you.**—i.e., be referred to you as the Supreme Court of Appeal. **Of.**—*From your brethren*—*i.e.,* not your judicial brethren, but your fellow-countrymen. **That dwell in their cities.**—In the various country towns, as opposed to the capital. **Between blood and blood.**—See Deuteronomy 17:8. Questions growing out of cases of homicide—*e.g.,* whether a given crime were murder or manslaughter. **Between law and commandment, statutes and judgments.**—That is, questions about the interpretation and application of the different legal rules and principles. The phrase “commandment, statutes, and judgments,” is a sort of summary of the various kinds of law. **Ye** **shall even warn them that they trespass not.**—*Then ye shall instruct them, in order that, &.100* **Warn.**—*Teach* (Exodus 18:20) them the true sense and bearing of the law in the particular case. **Trespass.**—*Incur guilt;* by giving false judgment. **And so wrath** (2Chronicles 19:2) **. . .** **brethren.**—The miscarriage of justice would involve not only the immediate agents, but the whole people, in guilt and its penal consequences. **This do** **. . .** **trespass.**—*Thus shall ye do* (2Chronicles 19:9), *that ye may not incur guilt.*

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 19:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.