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Venerdi, 29 marzo 2024 - Santi Simplicio e Costantino ( Letture di oggi)

2 Chronicles 19


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1Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned home safely, however, to Jerusalem.2Jehu son of Hanani the seer went to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, 'Should a man give helpto the wicked? Should you love those who hate Yahweh and so bring his retribution on yourself?3Al the same, there are good things to your credit, since you have removed the sacred poles from thecountry and have set your heart on seeking God.'4Jehoshaphat resided in Jerusalem but regularly went on progress among the people, from Beershebato the highlands of Ephraim, to convert them to Yahweh, God of their ancestors.5He also appointed judges in the country in every one of the fortified towns of Judah,6saying to the judges, 'Be careful what you do, since you are judging not by any human power but inthe name of Yahweh, who will be with you when you pronounce sentence.7This being so, let fear of Yahweh govern you; be careful what you do, for Yahweh our God wil nottolerate malpractice, partiality or the taking of bribes.'8Jehoshaphat also appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families in Jerusalemto settle disputes. They lived in Jerusalem9and Jehoshaphat gave them the fol owing charge: 'In fear of Yahweh and with conscientious integrity,this is how you are to act:10whatever case your brothers living in other towns refer to you, whether involving blood feuds or lawand commandment, statutes and judgements, you are to instruct them in such manner that they do not incur guiltbefore Yahweh and that you and your brothers do not incur his anger. If you act thus, you will not incur guilt.11Amariah the chief priest himself wil be your president in al religious cases, and Zebadiah son ofIshmael, leader of the House of Judah, in al civil ones, while the Levites will act as officers of the court. Be firm,put this into practice and may Yahweh protect the right!'