1 Kings 22:5-12 – Living with integrity

Though Jehoshaphat had agreed to help Ahab in his attempt to take back Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians, he was wise to want to be sure that they had the approval of God. So in 1 Kings 22:5, he said, “Please inquire first for the word of the Lord.” This of course was the right move.  So Ahab had the professional prophets gathered from his court, about 4oo of them. They were asked the question by the king of Israel, “Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle or shall I refrain?” In unison, they all echoed only, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” But can what they said to be trusted? Of course not! Why? it was apparent that they were all pandering to the fancy of Ahab. Even King Jehoshaphat couldn’t trust their words. He suspiciously asked if there was another prophet whose words could be trusted.

Immediately, Ahab said there was one named Micaiah the son of Imlah, whom they could yet inquire of the word of the LORD. But the wicked king was reluctant to use him because this prophet never prophesied anything favorable concerning him. Words from him to Ahab had always been evil. Hence, he hated him intensely. Jehoshaphat however, cautioned the king of Israel to be careful what he said and then requested for Micaiah to be sent. So the only true prophet, Micaiah was asked to be fetched to the court.

Verse 10 tells us that both Ahab, “…the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting each on his throne, arrayed in their robes, at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets were prophesying before them.” Before the arrival of Micaiah, Ahab’s leading professional prophet named Zedekiah, the son of Chenaanah, dramatically prophesied. Equipped with horns of iron he falsely proclaimed, “Thus says the Lord, ‘With these, you will gore the Arameans until they are consumed.’” The other prophets of the court echoed saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and prosper, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.”

Three principles to adopt in life. Firstly, truths that divide are to be preferred over lies that unite. Secondly, truths that hurt but heal are to be preferred to lies that soothe but kill. Thirdly, to speak the truth and be loved by God is to be preferred to lie and be loved by our enemy. The truth will always prevail!