Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” – 2 Chronicles 19:7

Today’s Scripture Reading (March 1, 2026): 2 Chronicles 19

I live in an age when higher court judges seem unnecessary. This lack of importance is not because the issues are unimportant, but because we can predict the court’s action with uncanny accuracy. Judges, who are supposed to be impartial, rule in accordance with political expectations far too often. It is no longer a question of reading the law and acting on what it says; the task now seems to include writing a commentary on whether the law is right or wrong, a task that is not part of the court’s mandate.

However, is it possible that the problem is us? We seem to want to make faith the basis for the law of the land. In a society that rails against censorship, we celebrate the restriction of places where the Ten Commandments can be displayed. What is it that is so offensive in the Big Ten? Maybe it is that we have forgotten there should be a line between faith and the law. The first four commandments are a matter of faith, and while I think they are beneficial, I think they are matters of faith. Even so, the commandment against allowing dirt to fall on the name of God, or to take the name of God in vain, could be associated with an understanding in society that it is not beneficial to dance on the nation’s flag. And the next commandment, again not enforceable, is simply take a day off because you are healthier if you do. Number five is also unenforceable, but still a good idea in most circumstances. It says we should honor our parents and those who have gone before us. Maybe we should realize that the law has a job, but so do the spiritual institutions in our society, which teach us to do the right things that go beyond the letter of the law.

However, there is no doubt that society cannot exist if the law does not restrict murder, theft, and dishonesty in certain situations. Such rules must be enforced if society is to exist. But things like mercy and compassion are also needed in society. The idea of not committing adultery or coveting what belongs to someone else is simply a teaching about trust while living in society. All in all, at least 80% of the Big Ten are simply good ideas to follow to strengthen our communities, whether or not they are enforceable as laws.

Jehoshaphat appoints judges and admonishes them to render judgments not as they think, but as is right according to the law. If something makes that not possible, the judges need to address those circumstances. Because, in the end, this was between the judge and God. And if the judge couldn’t be impartial, then they were unnecessary and would harm society rather than be a source of healing and health.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 20