A reading from the book of Second Chronicles.

Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem.

But Jehu, the son of Hananiah the seer, went out to meet him and said to King

Jehoshaphat, should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?

Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord.

Nevertheless, some good is found in you,

for you destroyed the Ashroath out of the land

and have set your heart to seek God.

Jahashafat lived at Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people from Biersheba to the

hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the Lord, the God of their fathers.

He pointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, and said

to the judges,

Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord.

He is with you in giving judgment.

Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you.

Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality,

or taking bribes. Moreover, in Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites and priests

and heads of families of Israel to give judgment for the Lord and to decide disputed cases.

They had their seat at Jerusalem, and he charged them,

Thus you shall do in the fear of the Lord, in faithfulness, and with your whole heart.

Whenever a case comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities,

concerning bloodshed, law, or commandment,

...