19:112 Chronicles 19:11

Jehoshaphat's reform reached its completion in bringing Judah from Beer-sheba to Mount Ephraim back to the Lord God of their fathers by establishing efficient courts of justice.RH Dec 25, 1913 Judges were set city by city in the fenced, fortified cities throughout the land.RH Dec 25, 1913 A court of appeal was founded at Jerusalem, composed of Levites and priests and chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the Lord and for controversies.RH Dec 25, 1913

Within that Jerusalem court authority was clearly divided, with Amariah the chief priest over all matters of the Lord.PK 197.3–198.1+1 Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, ruler of the house of Judah, stood over all the king's matters, the royal and civil cases.PK 197.3–198.1+1 The Levites served as officers before the judges to carry out their decisions.PK 197.3–198.1+1

Those judges were solemnly charged to act in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a perfect, whole heart.RH Dec 25, 1913 They were to warn their brethren in every cause coming before them, between blood and blood involving bloodshed, and between law and commandment, statutes and judgments.RH Dec 25, 1913 By such faithful warning judges and people would avoid trespass against the Lord, lest wrath come upon both judges and brethren.RH Dec 25, 1913

Service in such judicial and religious office is performed under God's authority and therefore demands courage, faithfulness, reverence for God, careful judgment, and impartiality.Ms 80, 1904, par. 44–47 The closing command is to deal courageously.PK 197.3–198.1+2 Joined to that command is the promise that the Lord shall be with the good, with those who do what is good and right.PK 197.3–198.1+2