2 Chronicles 19

NEW JERUSALEM	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned home safely, however, to Jerusalem.	1 King Jehoshaphat of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem.
2 Jehu 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?	2 Jehu the seer, son of Hanani, met King Jehoshaphat and said to him: "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? For this reason, wrath is upon you from the LORD.
3 Al 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.'	3 Yet some good things are to be found in you, since you have removed the sacred poles from the land and have been determined to seek God."
4 Jehoshaphat 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.	4 Jehoshaphat dwelt in Jerusalem; but he went out again among the people from Beer-sheba to the highlands of Ephraim and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers.
5 He also appointed judges in the country in every one of the fortified towns of Judah,	5 He appointed judges in the land, in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,
6 saying 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.	6 and he said to them: "Take care what you do, for you are judging, not on behalf of man, but on behalf of the LORD; he judges with you.
7 This 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.'	7 And now, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Act carefully, for with the LORD, our God there is no injustice, no partiality, no bribe-taking."
8 Jehoshaphat also appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families in Jerusalemto settle disputes. They lived in Jerusalem	8 In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some Levites and priests and some of the family heads of Israel to judge in the name of the LORD and to settle quarrels among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
9 and Jehoshaphat gave them the fol owing charge: 'In fear of Yahweh and with conscientious integrity,this is how you are to act:	9 He gave them this command: "You shall act faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD.
10 whatever 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.	10 And in every dispute that your brethren living in their cities bring to you, whether it concerns bloodguilt or questions of law, command, statutes, or judgments, warn them lest they become guilty before the LORD and his wrath come upon you and your brethren. Do that and you shall be guiltless.
11 Amariah 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!'	11 See now, Amariah is high priest over you in everything that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah, son of Ishmael, is leader of the house of Judah in all that pertains to the king; and the Levites will be your officials. Act firmly, and the LORD will be with the good."