King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 19:8 Mean?

2 Chronicles 19:8 in the King James Version says “Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel,...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Chronicles 19:8 · KJV

Context

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.

8

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.

9

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

10

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.

Read 2 Chronicles 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 15 words
וְגַ֣ם1 of 15
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃2 of 15

“Moreover in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

הֶֽעֱמִ֨יד3 of 15

“set”

H5975

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

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֜ט4 of 15

“did Jehoshaphat”

H3092

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

מִן5 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַלְוִיִּ֣ם6 of 15

“of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִ֗ים7 of 15

“and of the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וּמֵֽרָאשֵׁ֤י8 of 15

“and of the chief”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הָֽאָבוֹת֙9 of 15

“of the fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל10 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְמִשְׁפַּ֥ט11 of 15

“for the judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְלָרִ֑יב13 of 15

“and for controversies”

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ14 of 15

“when they returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃15 of 15

“Moreover in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 19:8 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 19:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 17:8-9Deuteronomy 17:8-13Deuteronomy 21:5Exodus 18:19-261 Chronicles 26:291 Chronicles 23:4

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 19 →

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