And said to the judges: The subject of the verb said is still Jehoshaphat. In this context it is legitimate to translate the verb as “charged” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “instructed” (Good News Translation). Since the judges were just mentioned in the previous verse, it may be better to refer to them here by pronoun here (so Good News Translation). Jehoshaphat’s charge to the newly appointed judges continues through the end of the next verse. It consists of several clauses containing imperative verbs.

Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the LORD: Jehoshaphat advises the judges to think carefully about how they perform their functions because they are not representing themselves, but Yahweh. The same idea is expressed in Deut 1.17. The Hebrew particle rendered for introduces the reason why it is important for the judges to pay careful attention to how they give judgment. New International Version uses the conjunction “because.” New Century Version provides a helpful model for this whole sentence, saying “Watch what you do, because you are not judging for people but for the LORD.”

He is with you in giving judgment is literally “and [he is] with you in a matter of judgment.” This clause means God will give the judges wisdom as they render verdicts. New Living Translation says “He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case.”

The direct quotation here continues to the end of verse 7. In languages where direct discourse is not acceptable, this entire quotation may be rendered indirectly. A model is given at the end of the discussion on verse 7.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .