Zebadiah was a Levite sent out by King Jehoshaphat to teach the people the law of the Lord in the cities of Judah. He also served as a leader and judge in Jerusalem. The name Zebadiah is borne by several individuals in the Bible, but the most prominent is Zebadiah, son of Ishmael, who was the leader of the house of Judah under King Jehoshaphat.
11See, Amariah the chief priest is over you in every matter of the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in every matter of the king; and the Levites serve as officers before you. Be strong and act, and may the LORD be with those who do what is right."
4So Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem. Then he went out again among the people, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers.
7Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful in what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice, no partiality, and no taking of bribes."
8In Jerusalem too, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, the priests, and the heads of the families of Israel to administer the law of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they returned to Jerusalem.
8and with them the Levites Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah; and with them the priests Elishama and Jehoram.
10Whenever a case comes before you from your brothers who live in their cities—whether bloodshed or questions of law, commandment, statutes, or ordinances—you are to warn them, so that they do not become guilty before the LORD and wrath come upon you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt.
11See, Amariah the chief priest is over you in every matter of the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in every matter of the king; and the Levites serve as officers before you. Be strong and act, and may the LORD be with those who do what is right."