“And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.”
Hebrew, wrath from the Lord. He declareth that the wrath and judgment of God is over all such that support the wicked, and rather show not in deed that they are enemies to all such as hate the Lord.
“And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers. he went: Heb. he returned and went out”
He visited all his country, and brought his people from idolatry to the knowledge of the true God.
“And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment . in: Heb. in the matter of judgment”
Both to preserve you, if you do justly, or to punish you, if you do the contrary.
“Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.”
He will declare by the sharpness of the punishment, that he hateth all iniquity. Cross references: : Deut. 10:17 ; Job 34:19 ; Acts 10:34 ; Rom. 2:11 ; Gal. 2:6 ; Eph. 6:9 ; Col. 3:25 ; 1 Pet. 1:17
“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.”
The Priests and Levites, which should judge matters according to the word of the Lord.
“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.”
Meaning, that God would punish them most sharply, if they would not execute justice aright. That is, to try whether the murder was done at unawares, or else on set purpose, Num. 35:11 ; Deut. 4:41 .
“And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good. Deal: Heb. Take courage and do”
They shall have the handling of inferior causes. Shall be chief overseer of the public’s affairs of the Realm. God will assist them that do justice.