Settling Squabbles

O. T. #964  "Settling Squabbles"
April 21, 2017
2 Chronicles 19-Part 2
You must always act in the fear of the LORD, with faithfulness and an undivided heart. 
 2 Chronicles 19:9

LET IT GLOW

As a teacher, I spent many years settling squabbles among children. I tried to do so being just and doing what was right and showing impartiality. Parents do a similar thing between siblings every day. When people live together, disagreements will occur. Judah's king knew it was important to settle disagreements and handle lawbreakers. He established some guidelines. 

King Jehoshaphat of Judah appointed judges, instructed them how to render judgment. He reformed the judicial system in Jerusalem. Some of the judges were Levites and priests, only accountable to the Lord. Amariah the high priest was their supervisor, not the king. They would serve as an appeals court for the regional judges. The final authority in case which involved the king himself, was Zebadiah, ruler of the house of Judah, along with the Levites.

Are we praying for our Supreme Court justices as they interpret the laws of our land and make important decisions?

LET IT GROW

What were the principles the king established for those judges to rule?
The MacArthur Bible Commentary lists them as being:

1. accountability to God (verse 6)
2. integrity and honesty (verse 7)
3. loyalty to God (verse 9)
4. concern for righteousness (verse 10)
5. courage (verse 11).

In verse 7, the king tells the judges to let the fear of the LORD be upon them and to take heed and do it. He instructed them to show no injustice, partiality, nor take bribes.

Look at verse 9. Jehoshaphat charged the judges to always:

• act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart;
• not sin against the Lord so he would not be angry with them, lest the judges be guilty of the same;  
• take courage as they fulfilled their duties, and may the Lord be with those who do what is right.

Doe that sound like good instructions for us who are leaders in the church and in other organizations, doesn't it?

LET IT GO

Fear the Lord God with faithfulness and an undivided heart.

Sin not against the Lord.

Be honest and show integrity.

Be courageous as I do right, asking the Lord God to direct me.