2 Chronicles 19:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Chronicles 19:6
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.
Chapter Context
2 Chronicles 19 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, judgment, truth. Written during the post-exilic reflection on the monarchy (c. 430-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written to remind returning exiles of their temple-centered worship and Davidic heritage.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-11: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Chronicles and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Chronicles 19:6
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.
Analysis
Jehoshaphat's charge to judges: '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.' This establishes theocratic judicial theology - human judges are God's representatives, exercising delegated authority. The phrase 'judge not for man, but for the LORD' removes human favoritism and accountability to political pressure. 'Who is with you in the judgment' promises divine presence in righteous judging and warns of divine witness to corruption. This anticipates Christ as ultimate judge and Paul's teaching that governing authorities are God's servants (Romans 13:1-4). All authority is delegated and accountable to God.
Historical Context
Jehoshaphat's judicial reforms (c. 872 BCE) decentralized justice while centralizing accountability to God. This system, though imperfect in practice, established biblical principles for government and justice that influenced Western legal traditions.
Reflection
- How does viewing all authority as delegated from and accountable to God affect your exercise of responsibility?
- In what areas of influence do you need to remember 'you judge not for man, but for the LORD'?
Word Studies
- Judgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) H4941 - Judgment, justice
Cross-References
- Judgment: Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 1:17, Ecclesiastes 5:8
- References Lord: Joshua 22:5, 1 Chronicles 28:10
- Parallel theme: Luke 12:15