Scriptures

New Living Translation (NLT)

2 Chronicles 19
⁶ and he said to them, “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. 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.
⁷ Fear the LORD and judge with integrity, for the LORD our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.”
⁸ In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests and clan leaders in Israel to serve as judges for cases involving the LORD’s regulations and for civil disputes.
⁹ These were his instructions to them: “You must always act in the fear of the LORD, with faithfulness and an undivided heart.
¹⁰ Whenever a case comes to you from fellow citizens in an outlying town, whether a murder case or some other violation of 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.
¹¹ “Amariah the high priest will have final say in all cases involving the LORD. Zebadiah son of Ishmael, a leader from the tribe of Judah, will have final say in all civil cases. The Levites will assist you in making sure that justice is served. Take courage as you fulfill your duties, and may the LORD be with those who do what is right.”
2 Chronicles 20
¹ After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.
² Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.)
³ Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the LORD for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.
⁴ So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the LORD’s help.
⁵ Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the LORD.