Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah from around 873 to 849 BC, appointed judges throughout the land to administer justice. In this context, he challenged them with the command, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD who is with you when you render judgment.” (v.6) By emphasizing that their task was a work done for the Lord Himself rather than for mere human authority, the king placed the importance of fair and godly judgment at the forefront. This directive signaled that any unjust ruling would not only harm those involved in a dispute but would also dishonor the divine mandate under which each judge served. In the culture and time of Jehoshaphat’s reign, upholding authentic righteousness was pivotal to the spiritual and social health of God’s people.
When he said “for you do not judge for man” (v.6), the instruction struck a deeper spiritual chord. Even though judges worked within the civic framework of ancient Judah, they were to recognize that the final accountability for their decisions rested on the Lord’s supreme authority. Other passages in Scripture, such as John 7:24, where Jesus teaches to judge righteously, reflect a similar principle that the basis of all justice is rooted in God’s character. Jehoshaphat’s words also carried practical implications, as earthly rulers and judges could easily fall into corruption if they believed their power was self-derived. By reminding them that God is “with you when you render judgment” (v.6), they understood that the presence and power of the Almighty accompanied their adjudication.
These words have relevance for believers today as a reminder that all positions of authority come from God. Much like Jehoshaphat’s judges, those who wield power are to do so with reverence for the One who ultimately sits on the throne of justice, echoing the New Testament principle that government authorities are ministers of God for good (Romans 13:4). Knowing that the Lord stands alongside us whenever we are entrusted with responsibility can foster humility, diligence, and honesty, reminding us that we steward the work of our Creator.
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2 Chronicles 19:6 meaning
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah from around 873 to 849 BC, appointed judges throughout the land to administer justice. In this context, he challenged them with the command, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD who is with you when you render judgment.” (v.6) By emphasizing that their task was a work done for the Lord Himself rather than for mere human authority, the king placed the importance of fair and godly judgment at the forefront. This directive signaled that any unjust ruling would not only harm those involved in a dispute but would also dishonor the divine mandate under which each judge served. In the culture and time of Jehoshaphat’s reign, upholding authentic righteousness was pivotal to the spiritual and social health of God’s people.
When he said “for you do not judge for man” (v.6), the instruction struck a deeper spiritual chord. Even though judges worked within the civic framework of ancient Judah, they were to recognize that the final accountability for their decisions rested on the Lord’s supreme authority. Other passages in Scripture, such as John 7:24, where Jesus teaches to judge righteously, reflect a similar principle that the basis of all justice is rooted in God’s character. Jehoshaphat’s words also carried practical implications, as earthly rulers and judges could easily fall into corruption if they believed their power was self-derived. By reminding them that God is “with you when you render judgment” (v.6), they understood that the presence and power of the Almighty accompanied their adjudication.
These words have relevance for believers today as a reminder that all positions of authority come from God. Much like Jehoshaphat’s judges, those who wield power are to do so with reverence for the One who ultimately sits on the throne of justice, echoing the New Testament principle that government authorities are ministers of God for good (Romans 13:4). Knowing that the Lord stands alongside us whenever we are entrusted with responsibility can foster humility, diligence, and honesty, reminding us that we steward the work of our Creator.