After returning to Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat was met by Jehu, the seer, 1 Kings 16:1 / 1 Kings 16:7, who asked him, ‘Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is on you,’ 2 Chronicles 19:1-2. This tells us that his alliance with Ahab was wicked, 2 Chronicles 18:1-4 / 1 Kings 20:26-29.
Barnes, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The monarch was therefore rebuked at the earliest possible moment, and in the most effective way, as he was entering his capital at the head of his returning army. Jehu, 35 years previously, had worked in the northern kingdom, and prophesied against Baasha, 1 Kings 16:1-7, but had now come to Jerusalem, as prophet and historian, 2 Chronicles 20:34.’
Although Jehoshaphat’s intentions were good in trying to bring the two kingdoms together again, 2 Chronicles 17:1-9, he made the mistake of trying to do this through Ahab, who was wicked.
He did a lot of good by getting rid of the Asherah poles within the land of Judah, and his heart was set on seeking God, 2 Chronicles 19:3 / Proverbs 16:1 / Philippians 2:13.
Coffman, in his commentary, says the following.
‘In the appraisal of Jehoshaphat’s reign, it was, in a general sense, approved, despite the serious, even sinful, mistakes, one of which was that marriage with the daughter of Ahab, which he arranged for his heir and successor to the throne. Also, note that nothing is said here about the removal of the high places, despite the fact that 2 Chronicles 17:6, states that he took away the high places, indicating that the citizens had, in the meantime, rebuilt them. This was done many times in the history of Judah.’
Jehoshaphat did really well in going to the hill country of Ephraim and bringing the people back to God, 2 Chronicles 19:4. After doing so, he appointed judges in each of the fortified cities of Judah, 2 Chronicles 19:5 / Deuteronomy 16:18-20.
Gill, in his commentary, says the following concerning these judges.
‘Inferior judges in lesser courts of judicature than that at Jerusalem, and that in every city, that judgment and justice might be executed everywhere, such was appointed by David but had been neglected, and now restored, 1 Chronicles 26:29.’
These judges were using God’s standards for their judgments 2 Chronicles 19:6, and so, they were judging the people on God’s behalf, Deuteronomy 16:6-10 / Deuteronomy 16:18-20 / John 14:28. To judge correctly, they had to practice justice but not be partial in their judgments or take bribes, 2 Chronicles 19:7 / Deuteronomy 16:19.
In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests, and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the LORD and to settle disputes, 2 Chronicles 19:8. He orders them to serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD, 2 Chronicles 19:9.
Jehoshaphat tells them that in every case that comes before them from their people who live in the cities, whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees, or regulations, they are to warn them not to sin against the LORD, otherwise God’s wrath will come on them and their people. If they do this, they won’t sin, 2 Chronicles 19:10.
In order that civil matters don’t interfere with religious matters, Amariah was put in charge of the judgments in reference to religious matters, 2 Chronicles 19:11. Zebadiah was given authority over the king’s administration, 2 Chronicles 19:11, which means there was a separation between the matters of faith and state.
Jehoshaphat tells them to ‘act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well,’ 2 Chronicles 19:11. It was the job of the judges to courageously do what was right and to trust that God would be with those who do what is right and good.