King Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, “sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the ways of Israel” (II Chronicles 17:4). In his zeal to obey the Lord, Jehoshaphat once more went across all the land of Judah to make sure that all the high places and shrines to Baal and Asherah were destroyed (17:6).

He also appointed judges across the land again, to hear disputed cases (II Chronicles 19:5). He gave them this solemn charge: “Consider what you are doing, for you judge not on behalf of human beings but on the Lord’s behalf; he is with you in giving judgment. Now, let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take care what you do, for there is no perversion of justice with the Lord our God, or partiality, or taking of bribes” (19:7).

While these judges were hearing civil cases, the priests and Levites would have responsibility regarding religious cases (19:11); and the Levites would also have a teaching task: “you shall instruct them, so that they may not incur guilt before the Lord and wrath may not come on you and your kindred” (19:10).

These jobs would not be easy, because people in a dispute want to get their own way and they are often reluctant to learn; so Jehoshaphat admonished his appointed officers: “Deal courageously, and may the Lord be with the good!” (19:11).

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You appoint us to help people discern right from wrong, O Lord, and to teach them well so that they can do better: but often we are afraid to speak up to turn people away from incurring guilt before you. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, that we fail not them nor thee!