Two kings were close friends. There was intermarriage between their young ones. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, went down to visit Ahab, the king of Israel. Their countries, Syria and Israel, had been at peace for three years.
Ahab began thinking things over and, in his reflection, became dissatisfied. He started talking to his servants, saying, “Remember, Ramoth-Gilead is ours, and we’re just sitting here quietly. What do you think about going to take it back from the king of Syria?”
That question was also posed to Jehoshaphat: “Will you go with me?”
Jehoshaphat, a cautious and levelheaded king, answered, “If that’s what you want me to do, I will do it. Your people are as my people, and my horses as your horses.” However, he added, “But first, let’s consult the word of the Lord.”
The king of Israel gathered 400 prophets to get their opinions about taking back Ramoth-Gilead. He asked them, “Shall we go and reclaim Ramoth-Gilead?”
They all agreed, saying, “Go up! The Lord will deliver the Syrians into your hands.”
These 400 so-called prophets did what they always did—offering false prophetic military support to Ahab. The king of Israel was accustomed to them agreeing with him, regardless of the truth, to save their own skins.
Jehoshaphat, however, believed in the one true God. Rationally and wisely, he understood that there was no guarantee Israel would be successful. So, he asked for another opinion on this very important but dangerous mission to battle.
The king of Israel replied, “There is another prophet we can call, but he never predicts good fortune for me.”
Jehoshaphat insisted, “Well, let’s call him anyway.”
Ahab and Jehoshaphat held a royal conference, dressed in royal attire. All the prophets prophesied before them. One was so confident in Ahab’s success that he made horns, declaring total victory and the destruction of their enemies.
Meanwhile, Ahab grumbled about the other prophet, Micaiah, saying, “He never says anything good about me. I hate him.”
Ahab wanted to hear only what pleased him, even if it meant risking lives in battle. Jehoshaphat was astonished by this attitude—Ahab’s unwillingness to hear the truth, preferring instead the lies of false prophets, no matter the consequences.
A messenger was sent to bring Micaiah. He was warned in advance: “You have to say what all the other prophets said, even though it’s false.”
Micaiah replied, “Okay. If that’s what the Lord says, I will speak what the Lord says.”
When Micaiah arrived, Ahab asked him, “What do you say, Micaiah? Should I go to battle? Will I prosper?”
Micaiah, wise to their schemes, answered, “Yes, go ahead. You will prosper.”
In the background, the 400 prophets remained fearful for their lives. It was no big deal for Ahab to kill or imprison anyone who did not satisfy his wishes.
But the king demanded, “Tell nothing but the truth.”
And so, Micaiah did.
Sometimes, even your best friends will give bad advice. Be a better listener. Listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd.
Next time: Find out what’s next.
Thanks for reading!
Jeanette Grattan Parker is the founder-superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, L.A. 90043. For information, call 323-293-9826 or visit www.todaysfreshstart.org, Ask Dr. Jeanette TM “Inquiring Minds Want to Know.” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © Questions? Errors? Let me know. Join Sundays for music and message at 11:30 a.m. by calling (712) 775-8971, code 266751. References: The Holy Bible, I Kings 22 Don’t stop praying and hoping. “Today is another great day to do good and to be successful.”
