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Sunday, August 10th, 2025
the Week of Proper 14 / Ordinary 19
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Bible in Basic English

2 Chronicles 19:8

Then in Jerusalem he gave authority to certain of the Levites and the priests and the heads of families of Israel to give decisions for the Lord, and in the causes of those living in Jerusalem.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Court;   Jehoshaphat;   Judge;   Levites;   Priest;   Thompson Chain Reference - Jehoshaphat;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Courts of Justice;   Fear, Godly;   Levites, the;  

Dictionaries:

- American Tract Society Bible Dictionary - Chronicles;   Justice;   Levites;   Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Jehoshaphat;   Judge;   King;   Levite;   Priest;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Jehoshaphat;   Zebadiah;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Appeal;   Jehoshaphat;   Levites;   Priest;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Court Systems;   Judge (Office);   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Chronicles, I;   Government;   King;   Priests and Levites;   Sanhedrin;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Patriarch ;   Synagogue;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Priest;   Smith Bible Dictionary - Appeal;   Law of Moses;   Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary - Sanhedrim;  

Encyclopedias:

- Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia - Kingdom of Judah;   International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Chronicles, Books of;   Ishmael (1);   Jehoshaphat (2);   Judge;   Priests and Levites;   Teach;   Zebadiah;   The Jewish Encyclopedia - Authority, Rabbinical;   Gerusia;   Judge;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
Jehoshaphat also appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites and priests and some of the Israelite family heads for deciding the Lord’s will and for settling disputes of the residents of Jerusalem.
Hebrew Names Version
Moreover in Yerushalayim did Yehoshafat set of the Levites and the Kohanim, and of the heads of the fathers' [houses] of Yisra'el, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies. They returned to Yerushalayim.
King James Version
Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the Lord , and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.
English Standard Version
Moreover, in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel, to give judgment for the Lord and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem.
New Century Version
And in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests, and leaders of Israelite families to be judges. They were to decide cases about the law of the Lord and settle problems between the people who lived in Jerusalem.
New English Translation
In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed some Levites, priests, and Israelite family leaders to judge on behalf of the Lord and to settle disputes among the residents of Jerusalem.
Amplified Bible
In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the fathers' households of Israel to render the judgment of the LORD and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
New American Standard Bible
In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat also appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers' households of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
World English Bible
Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and the priests, and of the heads of the fathers' [houses] of Israel, for the judgment of Yahweh, and for controversies. They returned to Jerusalem.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Moreouer in Ierusalem did Iehoshaphat set of the Leuites, and of the Priests and of the chiefe of the families of Israel, for the iudgement and cause of the Lord: & they returned to Ierusale.
Legacy Standard Bible
In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers' households of Israel, for the judgment of Yahweh and to judge disputes. So they returned to Jerusalem.
Berean Standard Bible
In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat also appointed 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.
Contemporary English Version
Jehoshaphat also chose some Levites, some priests, and some of the family leaders, and he appointed them to serve as judges in Jerusalem.
Complete Jewish Bible
In Yerushalayim Y'hoshafat appointed some of the L'vi'im, cohanim and clan heads of Isra'el to judge in matters concerning Adonai and in civil cases. After they had returned to Yerushalayim,
Darby Translation
—And moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set some of the Levites and priests, and of the chief fathers of Israel, for the judgment of Jehovah and for causes.—And they returned to Jerusalem.
Easy-to-Read Version
In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat chose some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the families of Israel to be judges. These men lived in Jerusalem and used the law of the Lord to settle problems among the people.
George Lamsa Translation
Moreover in Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed men of the Levites and of the priests and of the chiefs of the fathers of the children of Israel for the judgment of the LORD; then he returned to Jerusalem.
Good News Translation
In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed Levites, priests, and some of the leading citizens as judges in cases involving a violation of the Law of the Lord or legal disputes between inhabitants of the city.
Lexham English Bible
Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites and the priests and heads of the families of Israel as judges and to decide legal disputes for Yahweh. And they sat in Jerusalem.
Literal Translation
And also in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat caused to stand from the Levites and from the priests, and from the heads of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of Jehovah, and for strife; and they returned to Jerusalem.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
And at Ierusalem dyd Iosaphat ordeyne certayne of the Leuites and prestes, and of the awnciet fathers of Israel for ye iudgment of the LORDE, and ouer the matter of the lawe, and caused them to dwell at Ierusalem,
American Standard Version
Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and the priests, and of the heads of the fathers' houses of Israel, for the judgment of Jehovah, and for controversies. And they returned to Jerusalem.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Moreouer, in Hierusalem did Iehosaphat set of the Leuites, & of the priestes, and of the auncient fathers, ouer Israel in the iudgement and cause of the Lord: And they returned againe to Hierusale.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and the priests, and of the heads of the fathers' houses of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies. And they returned to Jerusalem.
King James Version (1611)
Moreouer in Ierusalem did Iehoshaphat set of the Leuites, and of the Priests, and of the chiefe of the fathers of Israel, for the iudgement of the Lord, and for controuersies, when they returned to Ierusalem.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
Moreover Josaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the priests, and Levites, and heads of houses of Israel, for the judgment of the Lord, and to judge the dwellers in Jerusalem.
English Revised Version
Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and the priests, and of the heads of the fathers’ [houses] of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies. And they returned to Jerusalem.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Also in Jerusalem Josaphat ordeynede dekenes, and preestis, and the princes of meynees of Israel, that thei schulden deme the doom and cause of the Lord to the dwellers of it.
Update Bible Version
Moreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and the priests, and of the heads of the fathers' [houses] of Israel, for the judgment of Yahweh, and for the controversies of the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Webster's Bible Translation
Moreover, in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and [of] the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.
New King James Version
Moreover in Jerusalem, for the judgment of the Lord and for controversies, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the chief fathers of Israel, when they returned to Jerusalem. [fn]
New Living Translation
In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests and clan leaders in Israel to serve as judges for cases involving the Lord 's regulations and for civil disputes.
New Life Bible
In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat chose some of the Levites and religious leaders, and heads of families of Israel. He chose them to judge for the Lord, and to judge the troubles among the people of Jerusalem.
New Revised Standard
Moreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel, to give judgment for the Lord and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
And, even in Jerusalem, did Jehoshaphat station some of the Levites and the priests, and of the ancestral chiefs of Israel, to pronounce the just sentence of Yahweh, and to settle disputes, - when they returned to Jerusalem.
Douay-Rheims Bible
In Jerusalem also Josaphat appointed Levites, and priests and chiefs of the families of Israel, to judge the judgment and the cause of the Lord for the inhabitants thereof.
Revised Standard Version
Moreover in Jerusalem Jehosh'aphat appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel, to give judgment for the LORD and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem.
Young's Literal Translation
And also in Jerusalem hath Jehoshaphat appointed of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the heads of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of Jehovah, and for strife; and they turn back to Jerusalem,
THE MESSAGE
In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat also appointed Levites, priests, and family heads to decide on matters that had to do with worship and mediating local differences. He charged them: "Do your work in the fear of God ; be dependable and honest in your duties. When a case comes before you involving any of your fellow citizens, whether it seems large (like murder) or small (like matters of interpretation of the law), you are responsible for warning them that they are dealing with God . Make that explicit, otherwise both you and they are going to be dealing with God 's wrath. Do your work well or you'll end up being as guilty as they are.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
In Jerusalem also Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the heads of the fathers' households of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD and to judge disputes among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Contextual Overview

5 And he put judges through all the land, in every walled town of Judah, 6 And said to the judges, Take care what you do, for you are judging not for man but for the Lord, and he is with you in the decisions you give. 7 So now let the fear of the Lord be in you; do your work with care; for in the Lord our God there is no evil, or respect for high position, or taking of payment to do wrong. 8 Then in Jerusalem he gave authority to certain of the Levites and the priests and the heads of families of Israel to give decisions for the Lord, and in the causes of those living in Jerusalem. 9 And he gave them their orders, saying, You are to do your work in the fear of the Lord, in good faith and with a true heart. 10 And if any cause comes before you from your brothers living in their towns, where the death punishment is in question, or where there are questions of law or order, or rules or decisions, make them take care that they are not in the wrong before the Lord, so that wrath may not come on you and on your brothers; do this and you yourselves will not be in the wrong. 11 And now, Amariah, the chief priest, is over you in all questions to do with the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the head of the family of Judah, in everything to do with the king's business; and the Levites will be overseers for you. Be strong to do the work; and may the Lord be with the upright.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

Levites: 2 Chronicles 17:8, Deuteronomy 17:8-13, 1 Chronicles 23:4, 1 Chronicles 26:29

the judgment: Exodus 18:19-26, Deuteronomy 21:5, Deuteronomy 25:1

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 19:5 - General 2 Chronicles 19:11 - all matters Ezra 7:25 - set magistrates Psalms 122:5 - there Ezekiel 44:24 - in controversy

Cross-References

Genesis 18:5
And let me get a bit of bread to keep up your strength, and after that you may go on your way: for this is why you have come to your servant. And they said, Let it be so.
Genesis 19:31
And the older daughter said to her sister, Our father is old, and there is no man to be a husband to us in the natural way:
Genesis 19:38
And the younger had a son and gave him the name Ben-ammi: from him come the children of Ammon to this day.
Genesis 42:37
And Reuben said, Put my two sons to death if I do not come back to you with him; let him be in my care and I will give him safely back to you.
Exodus 32:22
And Aaron said, Let not my lord be angry; you have seen how the purposes of this people are evil.
Judges 9:15
And the thorn said to the trees, If it is truly your desire to make me your king, then come and put your faith in my shade; and if not, may fire come out of the thorn, burning up the cedars of Lebanon.
Judges 19:24
See, here is my daughter, a virgin, and his servant-wife: I will send them out for you to take them and do with them whatever you will. But do no such thing of shame to this man.
Isaiah 58:7
Is it not to give your bread to those in need, and to let the poor who have no resting-place come into your house? to put a robe on the unclothed one when you see him, and not to keep your eyes shut for fear of seeing his flesh?
Mark 9:6
Because he was not certain what to say, for they were in great fear.
Romans 3:8
Let us not do evil so that good may come (a statement which we are falsely said by some to have made), because such behaviour will have its right punishment.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Moreover, in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel,.... This was the great court of judicature, consisting of princes, priests, and Levites, of ecclesiastics and political persons; for causes of both sorts were brought thither:

for the judgment of the Lord; in things sacred, which related to the worship of God, and the support of it:

and for controversies; of a civil kind between man and man, whether pecuniary or capital, of a more private or public kind:

when they returned to Jerusalem; that is, this court was set up at Jerusalem, when Jehoshaphat, the priests, Levites, and chief men that went with him, returned thither.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The “fathers of Israel” are the heads of families; the chief of the fathers” are the great patriarchal chiefs, the admitted heads of great houses or clans. They were now admitted to share in the judicial office which seems in David’s time to have been confined to the Levites 1 Chronicles 23:4.

For the judgment of the Lord, and for controversies - By the former are meant disputed cases concerning the performance of religious obligations. In “controversies” are included all the ordinary causes, whether criminal or civil.

When they returned to Jerusalem - Rather, “and they returned to Jerusalem,” a clause which if detached from the previous words and attached to 2 Chronicles 19:9, gives a satisfactory sense.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 2 Chronicles 19:8. And for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem. — Who were they that returned to Jerusalem? Some suppose that it means Jehoshaphat and his courtiers, who returned to Jerusalem after the expedition mentioned 2 Chronicles 19:4: but if this were so, or if the text spoke of any person returning to Jerusalem, would not לירושלם lirushalem, TO Jerusalem, and not the simple word ירושלם Yerushalem, without the preposition, be used?

Learned men have supposed, with great plausibility, that the word וישבו vaiyashubu, "and they returned," should be written יושבי yoshebey, "the inhabitants," and that the words should be read, And for the controversies of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. That this was the original reading is very probable from its vestiges in the Vulgate, habitatoribus ejus, "its INHABITANTS;" and in the Septuagint it is found totidem verbis, Και κρινειν τους κατοικουντας εν Ἱερουσαλημ, And to judge the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

There is a clause in 2 Chronicles 34:9 where we have a similar mistake in our version: And they returned to Jerusalem, where the false keri, or marginal note, directs it, in opposition to common sense and ALL the versions, to be read and they returned, which our translation has unhappily followed.


 
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