The book of 2 Chronicles tells us about two kings who ruled at the same time. King Ahab was ruling in Israel, while King Jehoshaphat was ruling in Judah. King Ahab was an evil king in the eyes of the LORD, while King Jehoshaphat was considered a good king. Ahab worshiped all sorts of idols and false gods, as we know from other accounts of him in the Bible. Jehoshaphat had been intentional about worshiping only God and actually destroying the idols and teaching the people about God in the land he ruled.
Likely in an effort to cut some sort of peace agreement, King Jehoshaphat and King Ahab arrange a marriage between their children. (Frankly, reading stories about Ahab’s choice of a queen would have been enough to discourage or avoid any sort of alliance with Israel, but such was not the case.)
At some point after this alliance, King Ahab asks King Jehoshaphat to come for a visit and requests his help in fighting against the King of Aram. King Jehoshaphat responds saying something like, “Of course, we are like brothers… BUT FIRST, let us check with the LORD.” King Jehoshaphat feels compelled to help, but also feels compelled to check with God.
Ahab calls in several hundred prophets. Guess what? All the prophets are prophesying the same thing. “Yes! Go, fight! You shall have victory over King Aram.” That seems very encouraging. When something like 300 religious leaders are telling you what you want to hear, that victory is guaranteed, who wouldn’t like that? The problem was, while those religious leaders were “prophets” they were prophesying words that were not from God.
Ahab is ready. He is supported in his endeavor. Jehoshaphat is not so content. He asks, “Is there not a prophet of the LORD we could ask here?” Jehoshaphat knows in his mind that only God holds the truth and determines the outcome.
King Ahab’s response? “The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, “There is one more man who could consult the LORD for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.” (2 Chronicles 18:7)
Does this not reveal the relationship that Ahab has with the LORD?
Jehoshaphat doesn’t back down. He wants to hear from the LORD regarding this endeavor. So Micaiah is sent for. “Meanwhile the messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success.” But Micaiah replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will say only what my god says.” (v. 12-13)
I want to pause here for just a bit.
Why do you think Ahab asked 300 prophets their advice on the matter of his going to war? Was he just seeking affirmation for whatever he wanted to do? Did he really want wise advice? Not likely. If he had wanted objective truth, he would have skipped the 300 agreers and called for Micaiah, right? He didn’t call for him, until Jehoshaphat insisted upon it. He didn’t want him to come because he “never prophesies anything but trouble for me…” Well, how could a God-follower do anything less regarding an idol-worshipping evil king? Did Ahab believe God would have blessings for him? Did Ahab remember how the One true God had already shown himself?
Ahab wasn’t seeking truth. Ahab was seeking affirmation.
Let that sink in.
I realize we are not “kings” per se, but I cannot help but wonder if we are more like King Ahab than we’d like to admit. We want affirmation for our plans, choices, and lifestyles – even when we know that they go against what God says. We get irritated or annoyed – sometimes even angry and bitter towards those who may challenge us or who are questioning what we want to do… even when those people are speaking on behalf of the LORD.
Micaiah tells the kings what God has shown him. Israel will be scattered like sheep without a shepherd, and that King Ahab will be killed in battle. Ahab gets angry. He has Micaiah thrown into prison (for speaking the Word of God, mind you). And in an interesting and somewhat unpredictable fashion, King Jehoshaphat agrees to go with Ahab into battle against the King of Aram.
It is here that we see Ahab doesn’t fully trust that the 300 prophets are telling the truth – or that Micaiah, the prophet of God was lying. He somehow convinces Jehoshaphat to stay dressed up in his kingly attire, while he disguises himself so as not to stick out. My guess is that he thought he could outsmart the Word of God, if he was hidden.
The King of Aram gave directions to his warriors to kill King Ahab. His men mistakenly pursue the king who is still dressed like a king – Jehoshaphat – and it isn’t until Jehoshaphat calls out to God for help that the men realize that this is indeed NOT King Ahab and cease to chase him. Then, in fulfillment to His Word, God takes down Ahab with a stray/random arrow. Ahab’s life is taken from him just as God had declared through the lone prophet, Micaiah.
Again, let’s pause.
Was there a cost to Micaiah for speaking God’s truth? Why did Micaiah speak it, if he already knew neither King Ahab nor King Jehoshaphat would listen? Why follow God if it only led to hatred and prison?
Are we willing to do the same? Are we willing to stand against the crowd? Are we willing to be a voice of truth – God’s truth – even when we are surrounded by others telling us to say something that doesn’t align with it? Are we more interested in speaking and seeking truth than we are in affirming?
The battle ends. King Jehoshaphat’s life is spared. He returns back to Judah. Now keep in mind, this King has been obedient to God in so many ways prior to this. He was even the one who insisted on hearing from one of God’s prophets, remember? But when given the word – he ignored it – and went along with King Ahab. Here’s the next part of the account: “Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him. “Why should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD?” he asked the king. “Because of what you have done, the LORD is very angry with you.” (chapter 19:2)
Jehoshaphat blew it. God is using a prophet to call him out for his sin behavior. I love that the following verses show what appears to be a repentant king. He goes out among the people and appoints righteous judges and teachers to help the people follow God and his law. He accepts God’s correction, knowing it is true.
Let’s not pass by this declaration of Jehu, however. “Why should you help with wicked and those who hate the LORD?” This behavior makes him very angry. This is insight into a part of God’s character. This helps us understand some of the things we as humans do that angers our holy and righteous God. He hates evil. He wants us to as well. Why would we support and help those who blatantly do what is evil in the sight of the LORD? Does this please God?
I don’t want to live that way. I will let you wrestle with what that means for you, but understand that God wants us to love what he loves, and hate what he hates. He wants us to care more about being holy than happy. He wants us to be speakers of what is true, and what he tells us, rather to be affirmers of what isn’t. He wants us to seek him, and promises that when we do we will find him. He wants us to be obedient to his Word, and not stupidly choose our own path or desires.
Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times we desire affirmation over truth. Forgive us for the times when we have known your truth and deliberately disobeyed it. LORD, we do ask that you would give us ears to hear your word, and the wisdom and discernment to recognize it when you speak as opposed to the false prophets who speak against you. We know your way is right. We know you speak truth, and your truth never changes. Lead us. Guide us. Protect us. Grant us the courage to stand for you, even if we must stand alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings.