Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Chronicles 19:8

"Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and the priests, and of the heads of the fathers` [houses] of Israel, for the judgment of Jehovah, and for controversies. And they returned to Jerusalem." — 2 Chronicles 19:8 (ASV)

Did ... set. — Appointed some of the Levites.

Chief of the fathers. — Heads of the clans of families. (Deuteronomy 1:15–17, where the judicial functions of the family “chiefs” are said to have been ordained by Moses.)

The 6,000 Levites set apart by David to be writers (shôterîm) and judges (1 Chronicles 23:4) appear to have been intended to act as their assessors, as being professional experts in the Law. In this measure, it is probable that David merely systematized traditional usage. Jehoshaphat reorganized the administration of justice throughout the country and established a superior tribunal, or High Court of Appeal, in the capital, such as Deuteronomy 17:8-12 prescribe.

For the judgment of the Lord. — Compare to 2 Chronicles 19:11: For every matter of Jehovah, i.e., for all ecclesiastical as opposed to civil causes. The latter are here called “controversies” (rîbh, strife, litigation), and in 2 Chronicles 19:11, every matter of the king.

When. — And. There should be a full stop at “controversies.” And they returned to Jerusalem refers to the return of the Royal Commission of 2 Chronicles 19:4. So Syriac and Arabic, which make the clause begin 2 Chronicles 19:9: And he returned to Jerusalem, charged them, and said to them.