And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.

2 CHRONICLES 19:9KJV
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2 Chronicles 19:9 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 19:9 mean?

2 Chronicles 19:9 describes how Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, commanded the judges he appointed to carry out their duties with reverence for the LORD, with honesty, and with complete sincerity. The verse stresses that their work should be done out of respect for God, with faithfulness, and with undivided hearts.

Jehoshaphat is speaking to the judges he has set up throughout Judah, instructing them on how they should judge the people. The situation is one of reform, as Jehoshaphat is trying to restore justice and proper worship in the land. The verse highlights the importance of both the attitude (fear of the LORD) and the manner (faithfully and with a perfect heart) in which leaders should serve.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 19:9

  • "fear" (יְרָאָה, yir'ah): This word means awe or reverence, especially toward God. Jehoshaphat is not just asking for legal fairness, but for a deep respect for God's authority to guide their decisions.
  • "faithfully" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah): This word carries the sense of firmness, reliability, or trustworthiness. The judges are to be dependable and true in their judgments, not swayed by outside influences.
  • "perfect" (שָׁלֵם, shalem): This word means whole, complete, or undivided. The instruction is to serve with a heart that is fully committed, not half-hearted or compromised.
  • "heart" (לֵבָב, levav): In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of thought, will, and emotion. Serving with a "perfect heart" means acting with full sincerity and integrity.

Why 2 Chronicles 19:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that justice in Israel was not just a legal matter but a spiritual responsibility, rooted in reverence for God.
  • The focus on faithfulness and a "perfect heart" shows that God values not only correct actions but also the motivations and attitudes behind them.
  • In the context of Jehoshaphat’s reforms, this verse highlights the king’s desire to restore both proper worship and just leadership, connecting religious devotion with ethical conduct.