Basic HTML Version
Jehoshaphat, the King Who Believed God
91
For many years the surrounding nations did not threaten Je-
hoshaphat. “The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the
lands that were around Judah.” “Jehoshaphat became increasingly
[69]
powerful, and he built fortresses and storage cities in Judah. ... Men
of war, mighty men of valor ... served the king.”
2 Chronicles 17:10,
12-19
. Blessed with “riches and honor” (
2 Chronicles 18:1
), he was
able to exert a mighty influence for truth and righteousness. But at
the height of his prosperity Jehoshaphat consented to the marriage
of his son Jehoram to Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. This
union formed an alliance between Judah and Israel that in a time of
crisis brought disaster to the king and to many of his subjects.
On one occasion Jehoshaphat visited the king of Israel at
Samaria. The royal guest from Jerusalem was shown special honor,
and Ahab persuaded him to unite with Israel in war against the Syr-
ians. Ahab hoped that by joining with Judah he might recapture
Ramoth Gilead, one of the old cities of refuge, which, he claimed,
rightfully belonged to Israel.
In a moment of weakness Jehoshaphat rashly promised to join
him against the Syrians. His better judgment, however, led him to
seek the will of God concerning the matter. “Please inquire for the
word of the Lord today,” he asked Ahab. In response, Ahab called
four hundred false prophets, and said, “Shall we go to war against
Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?” They answered, “Go up, for God
will deliver it into the king’s hand.”
Verses 4, 5
.
Unsatisfied, Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of
the Lord here, that we may inquire of him?”
Verse 6
. “There is still
one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the
Lord,” Ahab answered, “but I hate him, because he never prophesies
good concerning me, but evil.”
1 Kings 22:8
. Jehoshaphat was firm
in his request that they call the man of God. Micaiah said, “I saw all
Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd.
And the Lord said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his
house in peace. ’”
Verse 17
.
Jehoshaphat Makes a Mistake
Neither ruler felt like obeying the warning. Ahab had planned
his course and was determined to follow it. Jehoshaphat had given