2 Chronicles 19:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֕ה
H6258
יְהִ֥י
H1961
יְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
פַֽחַד
Wherefore now let the fear
H6343
פַֽחַד
Wherefore now let the fear
Strong's:
H6343
Word #:
3 of 17
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם
H5921
עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שִׁמְר֣וּ
be upon you take heed
H8104
שִׁמְר֣וּ
be upon you take heed
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ
and do
H6213
וַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
10 of 17
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
12 of 17
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Genesis 18:25That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?Deuteronomy 32:4He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.Romans 2:11For there is no respect of persons with God.Romans 9:14What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.Acts 10:34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:Colossians 3:25But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.Job 34:19How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.Exodus 23:8And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.Isaiah 33:15He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;Ephesians 6:9And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern justice frequently involved bribery and favoritism, making Jehoshaphat's reforms (based on Deuteronomy 16:18-20) countercultural. Establishing God's character as the standard for human justice created a prophetic critique of corrupt systems.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'fear of the LORD' - awareness of His perfect justice - affect your treatment of others?
- Where might you be showing partiality or accepting 'gifts' (advantages) that compromise integrity?
Analysis & Commentary
Jehoshaphat continues: '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.' The 'fear of the LORD' (yirat YHWH) - reverent awe - should govern judges' decisions. Three divine attributes ground this: no iniquity (God is perfectly just), no partiality (respect of persons), no bribery (taking gifts). These negatives describe what judges must avoid because they represent a God who cannot do these things. This standard, impossible for fallen humans to perfectly meet, points to Christ the righteous judge and calls believers to imitate God's impartial justice.