The Faithful Preacher/Prophet

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Micaiah The Faithful Preacher

The alliance between Ahab, the king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is the focus of 1 Kings chapter 22. They plan to go to war against Ramoth Gilead, a city controlled by Syria. Ahab consults his prophets, who all predict victory for Israel, but Jehoshaphat suggests that they also consult with a prophet of the Lord.

1 Kings 22, provides the reader with two types of prophets: false and true. The false prophets tell Ahab what he wants to hear, predicting victory in battle. They are more concerned with pleasing the king than with speaking the truth. On the other hand, the true prophet, Micaiah, speaks the word of the Lord, even when it goes against the wishes of the king. He warns that victory is not guaranteed and that Ahab will be defeated. The difference between the false prophets and the true prophet is that the false prophets are more concerned with personal gain and pleasing the king, while the true prophet is faithful to God and speaks the truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous.

The Lord sends a "lying spirit" to the false prophets who are encouraging Ahab to go to battle. This "lying spirit" is under God's sovereign control for His higher purpose. The Lord allowed these false prophets to be deceived and to deceive others because they had already turned away from Him and were not seeking His guidance. This serves as a warning against blindly following those who claim to speak for God without discernment and careful consideration of their message. It emphasizes the importance of seeking the truth and being faithful to God, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Micaiah is summoned, and he tells them that they will be defeated according to the Lord's decree. Ahab is angry and orders Micaiah to be imprisoned, but Jehoshaphat convinces him to let Micaiah speak freely. Micaiah then describes a vision in which he sees the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing around him. The Lord asks who will entice Ahab to go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead, and a spirit volunteers to do so.

The chapter then moves on to the battle itself, in which Ahab disguises himself but is still struck by an arrow and dies. Here irony is on display. As Ahab sought to disquise himself, he was struck by a 'random' arrow. Hence, the irony. 

This is a fascinating account of the interaction between politics and religion in ancient Israel. It emphasizes the importance of consulting with prophets of the Lord before making important decisions. Additionally, it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and overconfidence.

Ultimately, we are to see Christ. He is the righteous King, and the true Prophet of God. Christ Himself is the ultimate contrast of Ahab. Ahab hated the truth, Christ is the truth. Ahab was prideful and narcisstic; whereas Christ, gentle and lowly. Ahab, died triing to save his life, Christ willing gave His life. 

Location: Edmond, OK, USA

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