Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Chronicles 19:11

"And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of Jehovah; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all the king`s matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and Jehovah be with the good." — 2 Chronicles 19:11 (ASV)

And behold. —For the form of the sentence, compare 1 Chronicles 28:21.

Amariah the chief priest. —Rather, High Priest (ha-rosh), the Head (2 Chronicles 24:6). The Vulgate states, “sacerdos et pontifex vester.” In 1 Chronicles 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 2 Chronicles 19:8).

Zebadiah the son of Ishmael (or, Zachariah the son of Shemaiah, Syriac and Arabic versions) the ruler of the house of Judah, the nagîd, emîr, 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 (2 Chronicles 14:5).

Deal courageously. —Literally, be strong and act. This was a favorite expression of the chronicler. (Compare 1 Chronicles 28:10; 1 Chronicles 28:20.)

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