(11) And behold.--For the form of the sentence, comp. 1Chronicles 28:21.

Amariah the chief priest.--Rather, High Priest (ha-rosh), the Head (2Chronicles 24:6). Vulg., "sacerdos et pontifex vester." In 1Chronicles 6:11 Amariah is the fifth from Zadok, the famous High Priest of David and Solomon's time. As Jehoshaphat was the fifth king from David, the name Amariah probably denotes the same person in both places.

Over you in all matters of the Lord.--The High Priest was naturally declared the President of the Court in all spiritual cases (see on 2Chronicles 19:8).

Zebadiah the son of Ishmael (or, Zachariah the son of Shemaiah, Syr. and Arab.) "the ruler of the house of Judah," the nagid, emir, or tribal prince, was appointed President of the Court in civil causes ("for all the king's matters").

Also the Levites shall be officers.--Literally. And Writers shall the Levites be; inferior officials of the Court, such as scribes and notaries.

Before you.--In your presence, and under your direction (2Chronicles 14:5).

Deal courageously.--Literally, be strong and act. A favourite locution of the chronicler's. (Comp. 1Chronicles 28:10; 1Chronicles 28:20.)

The Lord shall be.--Or, Jehovah be! a wish or prayer. This too is a characteristic expression of the writer. (Comp. 1Chronicles 9:20, 1Chronicles 15:2, 1 Chron. 20:17.)

Verse 11. - Amariah. Probably the Amariah of 1 Chronicles 7:11. To the priest plainly the sacred causes are entrusted. Zebadiah is not known elsewhere. Officers (see Exodus 5:10). The Lord shall be with the good (see 2 Chronicles 15:3, 4).

19:1-11 Jehoshaphat visits his kingdom. - Whenever we return in peace to our houses, we ought to acknowledge God's providence in preserving our going out and coming in. And if we have been kept through more than common dangers, we are, in a special manner, bound to be thankful. Distinguishing mercies lay us under strong obligations. The prophet tells Jehoshaphat he had done very ill in joining Ahab. He took the reproof well. See the effect the reproof had upon him. He strictly searched his own kingdom. By what the prophet said, Jehoshaphat perceived that his former attempts for reformation were well-pleasing to God; therefore he did what was then left undone. It is good when commendations quicken us to our duty. There are diversities of gifts and operations, but all from the same Spirit, and for the public good; and as every one has received the gift, so let him minister the same. Blessed be God for magistrates and ministers, scribes and statesmen, men of books, and men of business. Observe the charge the king gave. They must do all in the fear of the Lord, with a perfect, upright heart. And they must make it their constant care to prevent sin, as an offence to God, and what would bring wrath on the people.And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord,.... He being high priest, presided in this court in all things sacred, or which respected the worship of God; and was present to give his advice, and direct in the determination of all such matters that should come before them, according to the laws and statutes provided in such cases; though it may be he was only a common priest that was chief over them, or the president of this court:

and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah; the prince of the tribe of Judah:

for all the king's matters; such as related to civil government, and which were not so clearly determined by positive laws:

also the Levites shall be officers before you; to execute the sentences that should be passed by them:

deal courageously; fear not the faces of any, but judge righteously and faithfully:

and the Lord shall be with the good; with good men that do good, to bestow all needful good upon them, to protect and defend them; the Targum is,"the Word of the Lord shall be for your help, who is good.''