2 Chronicles 19:6
And said to the Iudges, Take heed what ye doe: for yee iudge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the iudgement. 2 Chronicles 19:6 (KJV)
The book of 2 Chronicles records the history of Judah’s kings, and this verse occurs during the reign of King Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat was a righteous monarch who pursued religious reforms and sought the nation’s obedience to God’s law. In the verses that precede 19:6 he appointed judges throughout the land of Judah, charging them with the administration of justice and the maintenance of order among the people.
In verse 6 Jehoshaphat addresses those judges with a solemn charge. He exhorts them, “Take heed what ye do,” and reminds them that their judgments are not merely for human approval but are rendered before the LORD, who is present with them in every decision. He also says, “And they shall encourage the people to fear the LORD, and to keep all the statutes of the LORD, and the judgments which the LORD hath given them,” underscoring the judges’ role in leading the nation to reverence God and obedience to His statutes.
Jehoshaphat’s instruction highlights the reality of God’s presence in the courtroom. The judges are to conduct their duties with the awareness that the Almighty watches and that divine standards, not human opinion, are the true measure of justice. This awareness creates a framework of divine accountability: every verdict will be answered to the Lord, and therefore must align with His principles of righteousness and mercy.
The passage calls those in authority to exercise their responsibilities with utmost integrity, impartiality, and fidelity to God’s law. It urges a God‑centered perspective in all decision‑making, reminding believers that every action and judgment should reflect the will of the Lord, for ultimate accountability belongs to Him alone.
Finally, the verse underscores the necessity of seeking divine guidance. Christians are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, allowing God’s truth to shape their judgments and actions. In sum, 2 Chronicles 19:6 reminds us of the weight of authority, the need for holy integrity, and the constant presence of the Lord in the work of justice.
