Ahab entices Jehoshaphat into a war

2 Chronicles Chapter 18

Jehoshaphat had great riches and esteem and arranged to marry the daughter of King Ahab of Israel. When he went to visit Ahab later, Ahab enticed Jehoshaphat to join forces with him to attack Ramoth-gilead. But first, Jehoshaphat wanted to pray to the Lord for guidance. Ahab got his advice from his four hundred prophets who said to go ahead with the war. But Jehoshaphat asked for a prophet of the Lord to question.

King Ahab replied that there was only one prophet of the Lord around named Micaiah, but Ahab disliked him because he prophesied bad news. But Jehoshaphat insisted they should hear what this prophet had to say. When Micaiah was questioned, he said he saw a vision of all Israel scattered on the mountains like sheep and the Lord said their master had been killed so he told them to go home in peace. Then Micaiah said he saw the Lord sitting on his throne with the armies of heaven on his right and left. And the Lord asked who could entice Ahab to go into battle so he could be killed and a spirit volunteered.

The spirit told the Lord he would go inspire all Ahab's prophets to speak lies. So Micaiah told Jehoshaphat that the Lord put lies into the mouths of Ahab's prophets. Then Zedekiah slapped Michaiah across the face and Micaiah told him he would soon be hiding in a secret room. King Ahab ordered Micaiah arrested and taken back to Amon.

So the king of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah went into battle with Ahab disguised. The Aramean's saw Jehoshaphat in his robes and thought he was Ahab. But Jehoshaphat called out to the Lord and God turned the attack away. One soldier shot an arrow at the Israelite troops and hit Ahab between the joints of his armor and he died at sunset.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Jehoshaphat's troubles began when he joined forces with Ahab. The bible warns us against teaming up with unbelievers in 2 Corinthians 6:14. Marriage to Ahab' daughter made possible a military alliance between the two countries and was a common procedure.


HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? There are so many lessons in this chapter, so I will choose to relate to the prophet Micaiah. Micaiah always told the truth and because of that, he was arrested and probably died in prison. So we must realize today, that obeying God doesn't always protect us from evil consequences. Obedience may provoke evil consequences. But remember it is better to suffer from man's displeasure than from God's wrath. If you are ridiculed in today's world because you are honest, it might be a sign that your are indeed doing what is right in God's eyes.
Praise to our Lord!

Yours in Christ,
Mary


Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
Pray for John recovery from a heart attack and pray he can stop smoking.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.