Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 19:11
Note that Amariah, the chief priest, will be over you in all that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all that pertains to the king. And the Levites will serve as officers before you. Act resolutely; may the LORD be with the upright!”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jehoshaphat addresses the judges he has appointed across Judah’s cities, concluding his instructions on handling legal and religious disputes. He assigns specific oversight roles to clarify jurisdiction between religious and civil matters.
The words — The text designates Amariah as the chief priest (כֹהֵן הָרֹאשׁ, kohen ha-rosh) who will oversee all matters concerning Yahweh (דְּבַר יְהוָה, *devar Yahweh). It also commands the judges to act resolutely, establishing clear administrative boundaries for their duties.
The thread — This judicial structure mirrors the appointment of Levites, priests, and tribal heads to judge in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 19:8). The principle of divine alignment with upright conduct echoes the psalmist’s declaration that God responds to the faithful with faithfulness (Psalms 18:25).
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to recognize the separation of religious and civil authority while maintaining accountability to God. It demands resolute action grounded in upright conduct, leaving the outcome to divine presence rather than human effort alone.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king’s matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.
Cross-references
- 2 Chronicles 19:8 Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite families to judge on behalf of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem.
- Psalms 18:25 To the faithful You show Yourself faithful, to the blameless You show Yourself blameless;
- Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
- 2 Timothy 2:1 You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
- Joshua 1:6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them.
- Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
- 1 Chronicles 6:11 Azariah was the father of Amariah, Amariah was the father of Ahitub,
- 1 Chronicles 22:11 Now, my son, may the LORD be with you, and may you succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as He said you would.
- 1 Chronicles 22:16 in gold and silver, bronze and iron—craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work, and may the LORD be with you.”
- 1 Chronicles 22:19 Now set your heart and soul to seek the LORD your God. Begin building the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy articles of God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD.”