King Jehoshaphat was a descendant of King David and his son King Solomon in the land of Judah. The Lord was with Jehoshaphat as he was deeply committed to the Lord. Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, but travelled around encouraging the people to return to the Lord God of their ancestors. So he appointed judges to all the fortified towns and he said to them,
“Always think carefully before pronouncing judgement. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case. Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.
.In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed some Levites and priests and clan leaders in Jerusalem to serve as judges for cases involving the Lord’s regulation and for civil disputes. These were his instructions to them: You must always act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart. Whenever a case come to you from fellow citizens in an outlying town , whether a murder case or so other violations God’s laws commands, decrees, or regulations, you must warn them not to sin against the Lord, so that He will not be angry with you and them. Do this and you will not be guilty. …….Take courage as you fulfill your duties, a may the Lord be with those who do what is right.” 2 Chronicles 19 4-10, 11 NLT
I wonder what the would would be like today if all the judges followed Jehoshaphat’s advice.