Jehoshaphat Makes Judicial Reforms

July 29, 2012 Background Scripture: 2 Chronicles 18, 19 Lesson Passage: 2 Chronicles 19:4 – 11 Jehoshaphat is listed among the great kings of Judah. Most notably, it is recorded that he walked in the ways of his ancestor, King David, in the fear of the Lord. Before he made judicial reform in Judah, he made ethical and moral reform throughout Judah. He had the places of idol worship destroyed and he sent Levites throughout the land to teach the word of God to the people. He showed great respect unto the Lord and to the prophet of God. Even when he visited Ahab in Samaria, before they were about to make a major decision involving a war, Jehoshaphat insisted that they inquire of the Lord through the prophet for directions. What is recorded about his life during his reign as king of Judah is a good example of one seeking God and His kingdom as first priority. God blessed Jehoshaphat in that he provided him an abundance of wealth and honor. After Jehoshaphat returned to Judah from visiting Ahab in Israel, he set up a judicial system throughout Judah. This system consisted of lower courts throughout Judah and a higher court in Jerusalem. Jehoshaphat gave instructions and warnings to all of the judges that he appointed. He reminded the judges that they were sitting in God’s stead and therefore they had to maintain a high standard of ethics in the execution of their duties. He also reminded them that God was present with them as they judged God’s people. When cases were remanded to Jerusalem, the court there was staffed with Levites, priests, and some of the elders of the people of Israel. This panel represented a group of Israel’s finest. It consisted of those who were familiar with the Law of God, those who were familiar with the sacrificial system of the Law, and those who should have been some of the wisest from among the people. Even these were instructed by Jehoshaphat to be faithful and judge with their hearts. They were instructed to give ample warning to the people to avoid having them trespass against the commandments of God. The chief justice over this court was the chief priest of Israel. The Levites, keepers and instructors of the Law, were at the court’s disposal to assist the judges. All were commanded of the king to be courageous and know that the Lord would be with those who were good. As one reflects on this periscope of history involving Jehoshaphat, it is easy to be impressed with his record of being a great leader of God’s people. But one can also see that Jehoshaphat had qualities that should be admired in any leader. He treated the people that he ruled over as being precious and he demanded that others in authority in the kingdom do likewise. That he would admonish the judges to judge with their hearts and not their heads is an example of his care and concern for the citizenry. He gave the citizens every advantage by organizing a way for them to be taught the Law of God by those who were charged with knowing the Law. To know the Law is the first step in keeping it. If a lower court failed to render a judgment that was considered satisfactory, the people had the opportunity to appeal the ruling to the higher court in Jerusalem. This gave the people the benefit of doubt rather than leave their welfare at the mercy of a few leaders. The judicial branch of the United States resembles to some extent the judicial system Jehoshaphat put in place. Such leeway in executing justice surely must have been a reformation compared to what existed at that time (and even now) among other nations in the region. All of this is thanks to the leadership of Jehoshaphat. Robert C. Hudson July 9, 2012