Jehoshaphat’s Alliance With Ahab

II Chronicles 18:1–34
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Jehoshaphat became care­less in his diplomatic relations and joined in an unholy alliance with king Ahab. A sad result of this alliance was the marriage of his son Jehoram to Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah (v. 21:6). One day Jehoshaphat went to visit Ahab in Samaria (v. 2) and Ahab put on a feast in his honor. Ahab talked about attacking the city of Ramoth and asked Jehoshaphat to join him (v. 3). Jehoshaphat agreed if first they could ask the Lord what to do (v. 4). Ahab gathered his 400 false prophets who gave their blessing to his plans (v. 5). Jehoshaphat asked for a true prophet of the Lord. Micaiah was the only one available and he was summoned (v. 6). Ahab hated Micaiah because he wouldn’t compromiseand prophesy good for him but rather evil. Micaiah had a message of the Lord in predicting a defeat for Israel. He compared Israel to sheep whose shepherd, who was Ahab, is taken away (v. 16).  The vision of Micaiah troubles some because it seems to suggest that God is the author of deceit, however it does show that sometimes God does allow for His purpose. Ahab wanted to arrest Micaiah and put him in prison with nothing but bread and water to eat (vv. 25-26). Micaiah told the crowd to not to forget what he has said (v. 27). 

Ahab and Jehoshaphat went forth into battle against Syria. Even though Ahab was in disguise he was struck by the enemy arrow and died at the end of the day. Jehoshaphat was spared by the goodness of God and managed to escape.  When Jehoshaphat got back to Jerusalem, he was met by the Prophet Jehu who was the son of the prophet Hanani. Jehu rebuked Jehoshaphat for his ungodly alliance with Ahab (19:1-2).  Then the prophet Jehu praised him for his removal of paganism in Judah (17:6) and he prepared his heart to seek God. (19:3).

Application

Anytime we compromise with the enemies of God there is a price to pay. We don’t have to make an announcement as to what we have done because our actions speak louder than words to our family and friends. For instance, what enemies of God do you allow into your home by way of television?