King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 19:11 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

(11) **And behold.**—For the form of the sentence, comp. 1Chronicles 28:21. **Amariah the chief priest.**—Rather, *High Priest* (*ha-rosh*)*,* the Head (2Chronicles 24:6). Vulg., “sacerdos et pontifex vester.” In 1Chronicles 6:11 Amariah is the fifth from Zadok, the famous High Priest of David and Solomon’s time. As Jehoshaphat was the fifth king from David, the name Amariah probably denotes the same person in both places. **Over you in all matters of the Lord.**—The High Priest was naturally declared the President of the Court in all spiritual cases (see on 2Chronicles 19:8). **Zebadiah the son of Ishmael** (or, *Zachariah the son of Shemaiah,* Syr. and Arab.) “the ruler of the house of Judah,” the *nagîd,* emîr, or tribal prince, was appointed President of the Court in civil causes (“for all the king’s matters”). **Also the Levites shall be officers.**—Literally. *And Writers shall the Levites be;* inferior officials of the Court, such as scribes and notaries. **Before you.**—In your presence, and under your direction (2Chronicles 14:5). **Deal courageously.**—Literally, *be strong and act.* A favourite locution of the chronicler’s. (Comp. 1Chronicles 28:10; 1Chronicles 28:20.) **The Lord shall be.**—Or, *Jehovah be!* a wish or prayer. This too is a characteristic expression of the writer. (Comp. 1Chronicles 9:20, 1Chronicles 15:2, 1 Chron. 20:17.) Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

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 19:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.