=8.= _for the judgement of the LORD, and for controversies_] By the first expression the Chronicler refers to religious as contrasted with civil cases (_controversies_), or perhaps more generally to matters regarding which some decision could be found in the Law of the Lord (i.e. in the Pentateuch, according to the Chronicler’s belief). The second phrase (“controversies”) probably means civil disputes for which arbitration, rather than a strictly legal decision, was suitable. _And they returned to Jerusalem_] These words are certainly a textual mistake. Read either, =And they= (the judges appointed by Jehoshaphat) =dwelt in Jerusalem=: i.e. the most difficult cases could _always_ be decided in Jerusalem, because the judges were always there. Or read, _and for the controversies_ =of the inhabitants of Jerusalem= (compare LXX.). In either case the change in Hebrew is very slight. ⁹And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. =9.= _a perfect heart_] i.e. a heart undivided in its allegiance; compare 1 Chronicles xii. 38. The judges were not to attempt to combine the service of God with the taking of bribes. ¹⁰And whensoever any controversy shall come to you from your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgements, ye shall warn them, that they be not guilty towards the LORD, and so wrath come upon you and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not be guilty. =10.= _between blood and blood_] To decide between one kind of blood-shedding and another, i.e. between manslaughter and murder. Deuteronomy xvii. 8. _between law and commandment_] To decide what particular ordinance applies to a particular case. _ye shall warn them_] Compare Ezekiel iii. 17‒21. _wrath_] Hebrew _ḳeṣeph_; see note on verse 2. ¹¹And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously¹, and the LORD be with the good. ¹ Hebrew _Be strong and do_. =11.= _Amariah_] Perhaps the one mentioned in 1 Chronicles vi. 11 [v. 37, Hebrew]. _matters of the LORD_] i.e. in all religious and ritual questions. Contrast _the king’s matters_, i.e. civil cases, such probably as questions of taxation, military service, and so forth. _officers before you_] i.e. waiting to execute your instructions. CHAPTER XX. =1‒4= (no parallel in Kings). THE INVASION OF THE MOABITES AND THEIR ALLIES.