And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.
Whenever your fellow people from their cities bring you any kind of dispute, whether it involves bloodshed, laws, commandments, rules, or judgments, you must warn them not to sin against the LORD. If you don't, God's anger will come upon both you and your people. Do this, and you will not be guilty of wrongdoing.
God is telling the judges that they must warn people not to sin against Him when settling disputes, or both the judges and the people will face His anger.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, he was working to strengthen the nation's justice system by appointing judges in the cities to handle legal disputes and ensure fairness. This verse is part of his direct instructions to these judges, urging them to warn the people against breaking God's laws in matters of bloodshed, civil laws, and religious statutes, so that divine wrath would not come upon the community or themselves. Jehoshaphat's reforms were aimed at promoting righteousness and preventing idolatry, reflecting the broader biblical theme of godly leadership in ancient Israel.
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