Journal Through the Bible: Week 95 Tuesday

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II Chronicles chapter 18

The godly Jehoshaphat allied himself and his kingdom to the ungodly Ahab. Nothing good came of their alliance. There are reasons why scriptures tell believers not to yoke themselves to unbelievers.

Does God issue any commands?

• The 400 false prophets of Ahab claimed to speak for God by saying that he and Jehoshaphat should go and besiege Ramoth-gilead to return it to Israel from the Syrians but God had not spoken through them. One prophet, Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had even made iron horns that he said God said would be used to push Syria out of the city. Horns remind me more of the idolatrous cattle gods that the nation of Israel worshiped. Like Aaron of old this prophet seemed to be purposely confusing Jehovah with the local idol.
• The prophet Micaiah told them that God had said that the people of Israel would be as sheep that have no shepherd following the battle with Ramoth-gilead signifying that Ahab would die in the battle. Micaiah also stated that he had seen the LORD sitting on His throne and spirits before Him including a lying spirit which God allowed to speak through the 400 false prophets.
• After Zedekiah struck Micaiah on the cheek Micaiah told Zedekiah that he would soon be hiding within an inner chamber.
• The Syrian army had been told to fight with no one but the king of Israel but they mistakenly thought Jehoshaphat was Ahab. When Jehoshaphat cried out the LORD moved the men to depart from him.

Does God make any promises?

• God said through Micaiah that Ahab would die and Israel would be scattered as sheep without a shepherd.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the LORD that Micaiah saw sitting upon His throne.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

Not that I identified.