II Chronicles 18: Navigating Alliances, Truth, and Divine Sovereignty
Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth–gilead.
And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramoth–gilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war.
And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord to day.
Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramoth–gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king’s hand.
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him?
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.
And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.
And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the Lord, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed.
And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth–gilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good.
And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.
And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth–gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.
And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the Lord?
Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.
And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?
Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the Lord; I saw the Lord sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.
And the Lord said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth–gilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.
Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will entice him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith?
And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the Lord said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so.
Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil against thee.
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speak unto thee?
And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.
Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s son;
And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace.
And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, then hath not the Lord spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people.
So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth–gilead.
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle.
Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel.
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.
For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him.
And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
And the battle increased that day: howbeit the king of Israel stayed himself up in his chariot against the Syrians until the even: and about the time of the sun going down he died.
II Chronicles 18 recounts a pivotal moment in the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, highlighting the complexities of alliances, the importance of heeding true prophecy, and the overarching sovereignty of God. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of compromising with wickedness and the ultimate triumph of divine will.
Questionable Alliances and a Call for Guidance (II Chronicles 18:1-4)
Jehoshaphat's reign, while generally characterized by righteousness, was marked by a series of questionable alliances. These alliances—marital, military, and commercial—primarily involved the northern kingdom of Israel, a kingdom steeped in idolatry and disobedience. II Chronicles 18:1 reveals a particularly concerning alliance: Jehoshaphat's son married the daughter of Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. This union, detailed further in II Chronicles 21:6, foreshadowed potential spiritual compromise and entanglement with Ahab's ungodly ways.
The chapter opens with Ahab seeking Jehoshaphat's military assistance in reclaiming Ramoth-gilead from the Arameans (Syrians) (II Chronicles 18:2-3). Ramoth-gilead, a strategically important city located about fifty miles northeast of Jerusalem on the east side of the Jordan River, was a point of contention between Israel and Aram. Jehoshaphat initially pledged his support, demonstrating a willingness to stand alongside Israel in battle.
However, to his credit, Jehoshaphat displayed spiritual discernment by insisting on seeking the LORD's will before engaging in war (II Chronicles 18:4). This act highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance, especially when facing significant decisions with potentially far-reaching consequences. It demonstrates that even in the midst of questionable alliances, a desire to align with God's will can still be present.
The Clash of Prophecy: Truth vs. Flattery (II Chronicles 18:5-27)
The ensuing scene presents a stark contrast between true and false prophecy. Ahab assembled four hundred prophets, all of whom predictably prophesied victory, seeking to flatter their king and secure his favor (II Chronicles 18:5, 9-11). They were "yes men," eager to tell Ahab what he wanted to hear, rather than speaking the truth.
Jehoshaphat, perhaps sensing the lack of genuine spiritual authority, inquired if there was another prophet of the LORD (II Chronicles 18:6). Ahab reluctantly admitted the existence of Micaiah, but complained that Micaiah "never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil" (II Chronicles 18:7, 16-17). This reveals Ahab's preference for affirmation over truth, a dangerous trait in a leader.
When Micaiah finally appeared, he initially echoed the positive predictions of the other prophets, likely as a form of ironic commentary (II Chronicles 18:14). However, when pressed by Ahab to speak truthfully, Micaiah boldly declared, "As the LORD lives, I will say whatever my God says" (II Chronicles 18:13). He then revealed a vision of Israel scattered on the mountains like sheep without a shepherd, prophesying Ahab's downfall in battle (II Chronicles 18:16-17).
Micaiah further explained the source of the false prophecies, revealing a divine decree that allowed a lying spirit to deceive Ahab's prophets (II Chronicles 18:18-22). This is a complex theological point. God is not the author of lies, but in his sovereignty, He can permit deception to achieve his purposes of judgment. This is similar to how God would later permit a "messenger of Satan" to torment Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) to keep him humble and dependent on the Lord. The key difference is that Paul learned from his experience, while Ahab stubbornly persisted in his arrogance.
Micaiah's faithfulness came at a cost. He was struck by Zedekiah, one of the false prophets, and imprisoned by Ahab until his return from battle (II Chronicles 18:23-27). Micaiah's unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of persecution, serves as a powerful example for believers today.
The Futility of Deception and the Triumph of Divine Will (II Chronicles 18:28-34)
Despite Micaiah's dire warning, Ahab remained unfazed and proceeded to Ramoth-gilead (II Chronicles 18:28). In a futile attempt to circumvent the prophecy, Ahab disguised himself as a common soldier while urging Jehoshaphat to wear his royal attire (II Chronicles 18:29). This act reveals Ahab's arrogance and his belief that he could outsmart God.
However, Ahab's deception proved futile. An Aramean archer, without specifically targeting Ahab, shot an arrow that struck him in a vulnerable spot in his armor (II Chronicles 18:33). The wound proved fatal, and Ahab died as Micaiah had prophesied (II Chronicles 18:34). This demonstrates that nothing is random in a universe governed by an omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful) God. God orchestrated events to fulfill his word.
Meanwhile, Jehoshaphat escaped death only because God helped him (II Chronicles 18:31). This highlights God's grace and protection, even in the midst of Jehoshaphat's compromised position.
II Chronicles 18 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising with wickedness, the importance of heeding true prophecy, and the ultimate sovereignty of God. It reminds us that alliances should be carefully considered, truth should be valued above flattery, and God's will ultimately prevails, regardless of human attempts to thwart it. The chapter encourages believers to seek God's guidance, stand firm in the truth, and trust in his sovereign control over all things.
Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth–gilead.
And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramoth–gilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war.
And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord to day.
Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramoth–gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king’s hand.
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him?
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.
And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.
And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the Lord, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed.
And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth–gilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good.
And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.
And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth–gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.
And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the Lord?
Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.
And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?
Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the Lord; I saw the Lord sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.
And the Lord said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth–gilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.
Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will entice him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith?
And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the Lord said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so.
Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil against thee.
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speak unto thee?
And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.
Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s son;
And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace.
And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, then hath not the Lord spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people.
So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth–gilead.
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle.
Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel.
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.
For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him.
And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
And the battle increased that day: howbeit the king of Israel stayed himself up in his chariot against the Syrians until the even: and about the time of the sun going down he died.
II Chronicles 18 recounts a pivotal moment in the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, highlighting the complexities of alliances, the importance of heeding true prophecy, and the overarching sovereignty of God. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of compromising with wickedness and the ultimate triumph of divine will.
Questionable Alliances and a Call for Guidance (II Chronicles 18:1-4)
Jehoshaphat's reign, while generally characterized by righteousness, was marked by a series of questionable alliances. These alliances—marital, military, and commercial—primarily involved the northern kingdom of Israel, a kingdom steeped in idolatry and disobedience. II Chronicles 18:1 reveals a particularly concerning alliance: Jehoshaphat's son married the daughter of Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. This union, detailed further in II Chronicles 21:6, foreshadowed potential spiritual compromise and entanglement with Ahab's ungodly ways.
The chapter opens with Ahab seeking Jehoshaphat's military assistance in reclaiming Ramoth-gilead from the Arameans (Syrians) (II Chronicles 18:2-3). Ramoth-gilead, a strategically important city located about fifty miles northeast of Jerusalem on the east side of the Jordan River, was a point of contention between Israel and Aram. Jehoshaphat initially pledged his support, demonstrating a willingness to stand alongside Israel in battle.
However, to his credit, Jehoshaphat displayed spiritual discernment by insisting on seeking the LORD's will before engaging in war (II Chronicles 18:4). This act highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance, especially when facing significant decisions with potentially far-reaching consequences. It demonstrates that even in the midst of questionable alliances, a desire to align with God's will can still be present.
The Clash of Prophecy: Truth vs. Flattery (II Chronicles 18:5-27)
The ensuing scene presents a stark contrast between true and false prophecy. Ahab assembled four hundred prophets, all of whom predictably prophesied victory, seeking to flatter their king and secure his favor (II Chronicles 18:5, 9-11). They were "yes men," eager to tell Ahab what he wanted to hear, rather than speaking the truth.
Jehoshaphat, perhaps sensing the lack of genuine spiritual authority, inquired if there was another prophet of the LORD (II Chronicles 18:6). Ahab reluctantly admitted the existence of Micaiah, but complained that Micaiah "never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil" (II Chronicles 18:7, 16-17). This reveals Ahab's preference for affirmation over truth, a dangerous trait in a leader.
When Micaiah finally appeared, he initially echoed the positive predictions of the other prophets, likely as a form of ironic commentary (II Chronicles 18:14). However, when pressed by Ahab to speak truthfully, Micaiah boldly declared, "As the LORD lives, I will say whatever my God says" (II Chronicles 18:13). He then revealed a vision of Israel scattered on the mountains like sheep without a shepherd, prophesying Ahab's downfall in battle (II Chronicles 18:16-17).
Micaiah further explained the source of the false prophecies, revealing a divine decree that allowed a lying spirit to deceive Ahab's prophets (II Chronicles 18:18-22). This is a complex theological point. God is not the author of lies, but in his sovereignty, He can permit deception to achieve his purposes of judgment. This is similar to how God would later permit a "messenger of Satan" to torment Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) to keep him humble and dependent on the Lord. The key difference is that Paul learned from his experience, while Ahab stubbornly persisted in his arrogance.
Micaiah's faithfulness came at a cost. He was struck by Zedekiah, one of the false prophets, and imprisoned by Ahab until his return from battle (II Chronicles 18:23-27). Micaiah's unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of persecution, serves as a powerful example for believers today.
The Futility of Deception and the Triumph of Divine Will (II Chronicles 18:28-34)
Despite Micaiah's dire warning, Ahab remained unfazed and proceeded to Ramoth-gilead (II Chronicles 18:28). In a futile attempt to circumvent the prophecy, Ahab disguised himself as a common soldier while urging Jehoshaphat to wear his royal attire (II Chronicles 18:29). This act reveals Ahab's arrogance and his belief that he could outsmart God.
However, Ahab's deception proved futile. An Aramean archer, without specifically targeting Ahab, shot an arrow that struck him in a vulnerable spot in his armor (II Chronicles 18:33). The wound proved fatal, and Ahab died as Micaiah had prophesied (II Chronicles 18:34). This demonstrates that nothing is random in a universe governed by an omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful) God. God orchestrated events to fulfill his word.
Meanwhile, Jehoshaphat escaped death only because God helped him (II Chronicles 18:31). This highlights God's grace and protection, even in the midst of Jehoshaphat's compromised position.
II Chronicles 18 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising with wickedness, the importance of heeding true prophecy, and the ultimate sovereignty of God. It reminds us that alliances should be carefully considered, truth should be valued above flattery, and God's will ultimately prevails, regardless of human attempts to thwart it. The chapter encourages believers to seek God's guidance, stand firm in the truth, and trust in his sovereign control over all things.