READ: 1 Kin. 22:1–28: … But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?” … I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd … The LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours, and … declared disaster against you …
Jehoshaphat is warmly received by King Ahab (see also 2 Chr. 18). This is a new development, for the relationship between the two- and ten-tribe kingdoms had historically been strained. The marriage of Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram with Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, will have contributed to making closer relations now possible.
The reason for Jehoshaphat’s invitation is the political situation. For three years there had been good relations between Ahab and Ben-Hadad, who had promised to return the captured cities of Israel to Ahab (1 Kin. 20:34,35). But Ramoth in Gilead is still in the hands of Syria. Ahab wants to correct this. He intends to go up to Ramoth to retake it with the cooperation of Jehoshaphat and his army.
It seems a just cause, yet Jehoshaphat wants to know whether the LORD stands behind it. Then Ahab stages a sham by gathering four hundred so-called prophets, who as with one voice cry out: “Go up, for the LORD will deliver them into the hand of the king.” It is striking that they use Adonai and not Yahweh.
Jehoshaphat, however, is not convinced. He desires an honest answer from a true prophet of Yahweh. His request is granted: Micaiah is summoned, though he had aroused Ahab’s hatred as a prophet of doom. Still Jehoshaphat persists in his request.
Micaiah is first manipulated to join the charade, but then ridicules it. When pressed further, Micaiah conveys the words of the LORD, and they are shocking! The outcome is that the king will die in battle and the army will be scattered.
Also, it is revealed that the LORD Himself has caused a lying spirit to speak in all the assembled prophets, including Zedekiah.
Is justified criticism of ecclesiastical developments always welcome?
Singing: Ps. 119:3,24