Macaiah Warns Ahab

I Kings 22:1–29
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There had been three years without any war between Israel and Syria (v. 1). Ahab decided to regain Israel’s lost territory of Ramoth-gilead, 28 miles east of the Jordan River and l5 miles south of the Sea of Galilee (vv. 2-3). In order to have an army large enough to defeat the Arameans Ahab asked Jehosaphat, the king of Judah, to join him (vv. 4-5). Jehosaphat agreed to compromise for political reasons even though he should not have done so for spiritual reasons, he was a godly king, faithful to the Lord.

However, Jehosaphat wanted divine counsel from the Lord before they went to war. Ahab didn’t seem to be concerned about God’s approval but in order to satisfy Jehosaphat he called in 400 prophets (v. 6). These were evidently apostate prophets of the Lord. They were not concerned about relating the true Word of the Lord but wanted to give their king the kind of advice they thought he wanted to hear which is what often happens when we agree to compromise (vv. 7-13). They all agreed that he should go to battle for Ramoth-gilead and that the Lord would give him great success. 

Jehosaphat was not convinced and so he requested a true prophet of the Lord (v. 7). Against Ahab’s wishes  Micaiah was asked for his counsel. He did not speak of military success but predicted the death of Ahab and the scattering of Israel’s army (vv. 14-23). Because of this prediction Micaiah was imprisoned and Ahab and Jehosaphat went off to battle (vv. 24-29). But Micaiah said, “If you ever return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Take heed, all you people!”

Application

Although Ahab compromised temporarily he still maintained the system of false prophets and these prophets eventually led him to his own ruin. If I am tempted to compromise I need to remove myself from the thing that has caused me to waver and avoid even the appearance of evil (l Thess. 5:22).