Journal Through the Bible: Week 51 Tuesday

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I Kings chapter 22

Three years had passed since Elijah had delivered his prophecy to Ahab concerning his violent death. Now the kings of Israel and Judah were united to fight against the king of Syria so that Israel might take back possession of Ramoth-gilead. But when it came to calling upon God it became obvious that the kings of Israel and Judah did not serve the same One. Ahab's god had horns. Literally. Israel could not get away from the Golden Calf  that Jeroboam had made them to worship. Jehoshaphat asked for a true prophet of the LORD to be called. There was one named Micaiah. This prophet had a vision of the LORD upon His throne accepting the offer of a lying spirit to lead Ahab to his death at Ramoth-gilead using the bull horns. This would fulfill the promise that God had Elijah deliver to Ahab three years prior.

Ahab's battle plan seems duplicitous. His plan was to go into battle in disguise but send Jehoshaphat into battle in full royal attire. What was the purpose of that? And why did Jehoshaphat agree to this? Going into battle so robed made King Jehoshaphat an easy target. Maybe that was Ahab's plan. If he really believed the message delivered by his prophets he would be victorious over the Syrian king. Perhaps he thought the Syrians would kill the king of Judah so that Ahab would take control of the army of Judah, too. They were already there fighting beside Ahab's troops!

Does God issue any commands?

• God put the words of prophecy in Micaiah's mouth and told him to deliver them to Ahab and Jehoshaphat.

Does God make any promises?

• The prophet Micaiah prophesied that Israel would be scattered without a shepherd after the battle and that every man would return to his own home. 
• The former promised concerning the dogs licking Ahab's blood in Samaria came to pass.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is God in the flesh. Micaiah has a vision of the Lord on His heavenly throne. This is Jesus.
• When Jehoshaphat cried out he most likely offered a prayer requesting deliverance. Jesus, who is God, answered his prayer.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• The servants of God work beside the servants of the gods of this world today but one day their cries for deliverance will be answered and they will be taken to reign once more in the kingdom promised to them by God. That is the lesson learned from Jehoshaphat.