Summary:
Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
Verses 1-27
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, had great wealth and honor. He also had an alliance with Ahab, king of Israel, via marriage (probably to Ahab's daughter). Years later, Jehoshaphat went to visit Ahab. Ahab slaughtered many sheep and cattle. His people urged him to attack Ramoth Gilead, so Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to join him. (From now on, we'll refer to him as 'Jeh'.) Jeh responded that he would, but first to seek God's counsel.
Ahab summoned 400 prophets and asked them if he should go to war with Ramoth Gilead. They all answered yes, that he would be victorious. Jeh asked if there was a prophet of the Lord that they could talk to. Ahab told him of Micaiah son of Imlah, but that he didn't like Micaiah, because Micaiah always prophesied bad things for Ahab. Jeh told Ahab not to say such things, so Ahab sent his officials to summon Micaiah.
Jeh and Ahab, in their royal robes, sat on their thrones at the threshing floor by the entrance to the gate of Samaria. The prophets were still prophesying. Zedekiah son of Kenaanah had made iron horns. He said that God had told him that Ahab would use them to gore the Arameans. Meanwhile, the messenger to Micaiah told him to agree with the other prophets. Micaiah swore to say only what God told him to say.
Ahab asked Micaiah if he should war with Ramoth Gilead. Micaiah responded by saying what the messenger had told him. Ahab demanded the truth. Micaiah said that he saw Israel scattered, like a sheep without a shepherd. God said that they had no master and to have them all go home in peace. Ahab repeated to Jeh that Micaiah never said anything good about him. Micaiah continued. He said that God's word was this - the Lord was on His throne in heaven, with the host of heaven on each side. God asked who would entice Ahab to attack Ramoth Gilead and go to his death. After several suggestions, a spirit volunteered to be a lying spirit in the mouths of Ahab's prophets. God agreed, so Micaiah said there would be disaster for Ahab.
Zedekiah son of Kenaanah, one of the 400 prophets, slapped Micaiah in the face. He asked Micaiah which way the spirit from God had gone from him to Micaiah. Micaiah responded that Zedekiah would find out when he would hide in an inner room.
Ahab ordered Micaiah imprisoned, with only bread and water, until he returned safely. Micaiah said that if Ahab did return safely, then God hadn't spoken through him. Micaiah told everyone to mark his words.
Ahab Killed at Ramoth Gilead
Verses 28-34
Jehoshaphat and Ahab went up to Ramoth Gilead. Ahab told Jeh that he'd be disguised, but Jeh should wear his royal robes.
The King of Aram told his chariot commanders to fight no one but the king of Israel. They saw Jeh and thought it was him, so they went to attack him. Jeh cried out; God helped him and drew the Arameans away. When they saw that Jeh wasn't the Israelite king, they left him.
Someone randomly shot his bow and hit Ahab between his armor. Ahab told his chariot driver to retreat. The battle raged all day and Ahab watched from his chariot until evening. At sunset, he died.
Lori's Thoughts:
I have mixed feelings about Jehoshaphat. It seems like he was a good king, because he made peace with Israel. Who knows? Maybe some Israelites came back to their faith because of him. Also, he encouraged King Ahab to seek God's counsel before making an important battle decision.
However, I question his wisdom. If God was against Ahab, why did he fight alongside him? God didn't tell him not to, but I would have discouraged Ahab from fighting and encouraged him to get right with God. It seems that God wanted Israel to be at peace, but because Ahab mocked His prophet, Micaiah, Ahab lost that chance.
Despite Jehoshaphat's foolishness, however, God protected him. Jeh was still God's child. Isn't that good to know? Even when we put ourselves into dangerous situations, out of our foolishness, God still comes when we call out to him! That fills me with hope. :)
One thing that amazed me was the patience of Micaiah. If someone slapped me in the face, they'd end up on the floor. Through the power of God, Micaiah restrained his human nature. He knew justice would be served to Zedekiah. Remember, vengeance is the Lord's. (See Deuteronomy 32:35) If it was up to us, we'd easily fall into sin and away from God. Let go. Trust Him.
Lastly, I want to bring up testing the spirits again. Read I John 4:1-6 to see how. II Chronicles 18 shows us why it is important to do so. Satan has legal ground to attack you if you live in sin. Ahab did not serve the Lord, so God allowed a lying spirit to deceive him and his prophets. So, when someone prophesies or performs a miracle, don't get sucked in by the novelty of it all. Find out who they serve before you accept their word or their influence on your life. Ask God to reveal to you if they are His. He'll guide you.
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