Read: 1
Kings 22
1 Kings 22 retells the end of Ahab’s reign and
shows us the succession of kings that followed him. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah
approaches Ahab to make a peace settlement. Ahab wants to use this new
partnership strategically. Ramoth-Gilead was one of the cities east of the
Jordan River that had been one during Israel’s conquest of the land (Deut 4:43,
Josh 20:8). Ahab asks Jehoshaphat to join forces and reclaim the city.
Jehoshaphat asks only that they first inquire of the Lord. When Ahab tries to
assemble his pagan prophets, Jehoshaphat insists the answer must come from a
prophet of the true God. Ahab relents and calls Michaiah. However, Ahab
specifically states that he dislikes Michaiah because he is a true prophet of
the Lord. Michaiah will proclaim whatever the Lord says, whether it is positive
or negative. Ahab would prefer to surround himself with false prophets who
speak positive affirmations, whether or not they are true. Ahab’s messenger
tries to sway Michaiah to do the same (v 13), but Michaiah refuses (v 14).
Michaiah prophesies that the Lord has allowed a deceiving spirit to lead Ahab’s
prophets, that they may direct him to go to war where he will die. For this,
Michaiah is sent to jail (v 27-28). We must note that God Himself is not
deceptive. He does not send spirits out on deceptive assignments. However, in
His sovereignty He can turn even the work of deceptive, evil spirits around for
His purposes (see also 1 Samuel 16:14-16, Job 1:6-8, Jeremiah 14:15).
Jehoshaphat, who insisted on hearing from a prophet
of the Lord, disregards Michaiah’s words and agrees to go into battle. The king
of Aram specifically directs his soldiers to only kill Ahab. Ahab enters into
battle disguised. In a moment that can only be described as God sovereignly
accomplishing His purposes, a soldier randomly shoots an arrow into the battle
and it pierces the joint of Ahab’s armour. This was the fatal blow that ended
Ahab’s life. Elijah’s prophecy (21:19) is fulfilled.
The chapter closes with a brief mention of two
other kings. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, reigned over the same time that Ahab
ruled over Israel. In contrast to Ahab’s wickedness, Jehoshaphat was a godly
king (v 43). The author notes that Jehoshaphat’s reign, while good overall, was
marked by some compromise. The high places were not torn down. Ahaziah, Ahab’s
son, took the throne of the northern kingdom when Ahab died. He was evil like
his father. “He served Baal and worshipped him and provoked the Lord God of
Israel to anger according to all his father had done.”
Prayer and
Journaling
1. Are you willing to listen to God, whether He
speaks blessing or rebuke to you? Do you love all parts of the Bible equally –
both the promises and the warnings? Confess as necessary. Ask God to give you a
heart that is willing to listen to Him and obey, regardless of what He asks
you.
2. Some of Israel’s kings influenced the nation for
good, others influenced them for evil. How do you influence those around you?
Ask God for specific, practical ways you can influence those around you for
God’s kingdom today. Pray for grace to carry out what He shows you.
3. Pray for our national, provincial and local
governments today. Pray that God would soften the hearts of our leaders so they
would be eager to listen to Him. Pray that He would humble them so they would
seek His will. Ask Him to give them hearts that are ready to obey, regardless
of the consequences. God is sovereign. He will accomplish His purposes
regardless of whether or not our leaders choose to align themselves with Him.
Pray that our government would long to be found faithful on the day Jesus
returns and asks them how they have stewarded the resources and power He gave
them.
