II Chronicles 19 - Ahab Killed at Ramoth Gilead Cont'd... (NIV)

Summary:

Ahab Killed at Ramoth Gilead
Verses 1-3

Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem.  Jehu the seer, son of Hanani, went to him with this message: should he help the wicked and love those that hate the Lord?  God's wrath was upon Jehoshaphat.  But, God knew there was still good in him for destroying the Asherah poles and that his heart was set on seeking God.

Jehoshaphat Appoints Judges
Verses 4-11

Jehoshaphat traveled from Beersheba and the hill country of Ephraim.  He turned the people back to God.  He appointed judges in each fortified city of Judah.  Jehoshaphat told the judges to carefully consider their actions, because they were judging for the Lord, who would be with them during every verdict.  He told them to fear God, who has no injustice, partiality, or bribery.

In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite families to administer the law and settle disputes.  All these leaders lived in Jerusalem.  The king told them to serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in their fear of God.  He told them to warn everyone not to sin against God, or they would incur His wrath upon themselves and their brothers.

Jehoshaphat appointed Amariah the chief priest to be the head of all matters regarding the Lord.  He appointed Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of Judah, to be the head of all matters regarding the king.  The Levites would be their officials.  He told them, "act with courage and may the Lord be with those who do well."  (Verse 11b)

Lori's Thoughts:

Jehoshaphat paid for his foolish behavior with King Ahab at the battle against the Arameans.  Although God was against Ahab, Jehoshaphat went to battle with him.  God spared Jehoshaphat's life in the battlefield and had mercy on him when he came home.  God knew Jehoshaphat's heart and that it was His, so He replaced His wrath with love. 

Isn't that comforting to know?  That God looks for the good in us to redeem us.  He is out to save us, not condemn us!  But, He will work with us to remove all evil from our lives.

So, Jehoshaphat cleaned up his act and vamped up the teachings of God's law throughout Judah.  Isn't it wonderful how justice with God is not corruptible as it is with man?  Who would you rather have judge you?  Merciful God or an erring human?  Justice is in His hands and we need not worry about it.  Obey the Lord and avoid His wrath.  He is with you wherever you go.  And if He is for us, then who can be against us?