King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 19:5 Mean?

2 Chronicles 19:5 in the King James Version says “And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,”

2 Chronicles 19:5 · KJV

Context

3

Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.

4

And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers. he went: Heb. he returned and went out

5

And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,

6

And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment . in: Heb. in the matter of judgment

7

Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

Read 2 Chronicles 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Establishing righteous judgment throughout the land. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיַּֽעֲמֵ֨ד1 of 9

“And he set”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

שֹֽׁפְטִ֜ים2 of 9

“judges”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

בָּאָ֗רֶץ3 of 9

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בְּכָל4 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וָעִֽיר׃5 of 9

“by city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָ֛ה6 of 9

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

הַבְּצֻר֖וֹת7 of 9

“throughout all the fenced”

H1219

to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)

וָעִֽיר׃8 of 9

“by city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וָעִֽיר׃9 of 9

“by city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Study Guide

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 19:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 19:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 16:18-20Romans 13:1-51 Peter 2:13-142 Chronicles 19:8

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