1 King Jehoshaphat of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem.

2 A prophet, Jehu son of Hanani, went to meet the king. He said to him: »Do you think it is right to help those who are wicked and to take the side of those who hate Jehovah? What you have done has brought Jehovah’s anger upon you.

3 »Regardless of this, there is some good in you. You have removed all the symbols of the goddess Asherah that people worshiped. You have tried to follow God’s will.«

4 While Jehoshaphat was living in Jerusalem, he regularly went to the people between Beersheba and the mountains of Ephraim. He brought the people back to Jehovah the God of their ancestors.

5 He appointed judges in the country, in each fortified city of Judah.

6 He told the judges: »Be careful when you make your decisions in court. Remember these are Jehovah’s people. He will know the judgements you decide.

7 »Do your work in honor of him and know that he will not allow you to be unfair to anyone or to take bribes.«

8 Jehoshaphat also appointed some Levites, some priests, and some of the family leaders to serve as judges in Jerusalem.

9 He told them: »Faithfully serve Jehovah!

10 »Warn your relatives living in other cities about every case they bring to you, even if the case involves bloodshed or commandments, rules, or regulations derived from the law. Then your relatives will not become guilty in front of Jehovah. Otherwise, he will become angry with you and your relatives. Do this and you will not be guilty of anything.

11 »The chief priest Amariah will be in charge of you in every matter involving Jehovah. Zebadiah, who is the son of Ishmael and the leader of the tribe of Judah, will be in charge of every matter involving the king. The Levites will serve as officers of the court. Be strong and do your job. May Jehovah be with those who do right.«