Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 19:6
Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jehoshaphat addresses the judges he just appointed in Judah’s fortified cities. He issues this directive immediately before his warning about fearing the LORD and rejecting bribery.
The words — רְאוּ֙ (re.'U) means "consider" or "see carefully," and מָֽה\־ אַתֶּם עֹשִׂ֔ים (mah- attem o.sim) translates literally to "what you are doing." These terms frame the judges' actions as a matter requiring deliberate attention.
The thread — The principle of impartial judgment and divine oversight appears in Deuteronomy 1:17, which commands hearing both small and great without intimidation, and Leviticus 19:15, which forbids perverting justice through favoritism. Ecclesiastes 5:8 also notes the reality of denied justice in provinces, underscoring the need for vigilant oversight.
Why it lands — The text demands that judges recognize their authority derives from God rather than human approval. It requires readers to align their decisions with divine standards rather than personal or social pressure.
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 said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 1:17 Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.”
- Leviticus 19:15 You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.
- Ecclesiastes 5:8 If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them.
- Luke 12:15 And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
- Joshua 22:5 But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
- 1 Chronicles 28:10 Consider now that the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it.”
- Psalms 82:1 A Psalm of Asaph. God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods:
- Luke 21:8 Jesus answered, “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.
- Acts 5:35 “Men of Israel,” he said, “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men.
- Acts 22:26 On hearing this, the centurion went and reported it to the commander. “What are you going to do?” he said. “This man is a Roman citizen.”