And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

2 CHRONICLES 19:10KJV
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2 Chronicles 19:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 19:10 mean?

2 Chronicles 19:10 instructs the judges of Israel to carefully handle any disputes that come before them, especially those involving serious matters like bloodshed, laws, or commandments. The verse emphasizes that the judges must warn the people not to sin against the LORD, so that God’s anger does not come upon them or their community.

Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is speaking to the appointed judges in the cities. He is giving them guidance on how to judge fairly and responsibly, especially in difficult cases between fellow Israelites. The verse highlights the seriousness of their role, reminding them that their decisions have spiritual consequences for themselves and the whole nation.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 19:10

  • "cause" (רִיב, riv): This word means a dispute or legal case. It shows that the verse is about settling disagreements, not just criminal matters.
  • "warn" (זָהַר, zahar): This word means to caution or give notice. The judges are not just to decide cases, but also to actively warn people against wrongdoing.
  • "trespass" (חָטָא, chata): This word means to sin or miss the mark. The warning is specifically about avoiding sin against the LORD, not just breaking human laws.
  • "wrath" (קֶצֶף, qetsef): This word means anger or indignation, often used for God’s anger. The warning is that improper judgment or unaddressed sin could bring divine judgment on the people.

Why 2 Chronicles 19:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that judges in ancient Israel were expected to be spiritual guides as well as legal authorities, responsible for the community’s relationship with God.
  • The verse connects legal decisions with spiritual consequences, showing that justice and faithfulness to God’s commands are closely linked in Israel’s society.
  • It highlights the shared responsibility: if the judges fail to warn or the people ignore the warning, both the leaders and the community could face God’s anger.