1 Kings
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1 Kings 22
1 Kings 22
1And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.
2And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel.
1And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.
2And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel.
Commentary · verses 1-2
3And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth-gilead is ours, and we are still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?
4And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramoth-gilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses.
5And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire first, I pray thee, for the word of Jehovah.
3And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?
4And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramoth–gilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses.
5And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.
Commentary · verses 3-5
Ahab asked Jehoshaphat if he would war with him. Jehoshaphat said yes. However, Jehoshaphat wanted Ahab to ask God first.
6Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.
7But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of Jehovah besides, that we may inquire of him?
6Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramoth–gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
7And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?
Commentary · verses 6-7
Ahab consulted his prophets and they said for him to go to war. Jehoshaphat was contrastive. He asked if there were any other prophets that could hear from God about this matter. Even Jehoshaphat realized Ahab's prophets did not hear from God.
8And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of Jehovah, Micaiah the son of Imlah: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
8And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
Commentary · verse 8
Micaiah was a prophet but Ahab hated him because his prophecies were always negative concerning Ahab. Was Ahab trying to find truth from the prophets or was he trying to be affirmed?
9Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imlah.
10Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting each on his throne, arrayed in their robes, in an open place at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets were prophesying before them.
9Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah.
10And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.
Commentary · verses 9-10
These were the two kings that were over Judah and Israel. What a scene! Each king had a throne and the prophets were all prophesying!
11And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith Jehovah, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until they be consumed.
12And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and prosper; for Jehovah will deliver it into the hand of the king.
13And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak thou good.
14And Micaiah said, As Jehovah liveth, what Jehovah saith unto me, that will I speak.
11And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them.
12And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth–gilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the king’s hand.
13And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good.
14And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.
Commentary · verses 11-14
Micaiah was told that all the other prophets had positive messages. Micaiah said he would say what the Lord told him, regardless of whether it was positive or negative.
15And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go up and prosper; and Jehovah will deliver it into the hand of the king.
15So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramoth–gilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
Commentary · verse 15
Micaiah prophesied positively towards Ahab.
16And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou speak unto me nothing but the truth in the name of Jehovah?
16And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD?
Commentary · verse 16
Ahab did not believe him.
17And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and Jehovah said, These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace.
17And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.
Commentary · verse 17
Micaiah saw Israel as sheep without a shepherd.
18And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?
18And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?
Commentary · verse 18
Ahab basically said, "I told you so."
19And Micaiah said, Therefore hear thou the word of Jehovah: I saw Jehovah sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
20And Jehovah said, Who shall entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one said on this manner; and another said on that manner.
21And there came forth a spirit, and stood before Jehovah, and said, I will entice him.
22And Jehovah said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt entice him, and shalt prevail also: go forth, and do so.
23Now therefore, behold, Jehovah hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets; and Jehovah hath spoken evil concerning thee.
19And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
20And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth–gilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.
21And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.
22And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.
23Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.
Commentary · verses 19-23
God wanted to entice Ahab to his death. However, God, Himself, could not make this happen. That would be unjust. If God was able to initiate His Will on people, not only would He have been able to cause Ahab to go to battle, God would be able to make everyone worship Him.
Spirits were different than souls. In the Book of Job, the devil attended a meeting between God and His angels. It looked as if an unclean lying spirit offered to deceive Ahab. This spirit would be able to state a plan within its nature and not be able to state a will for itself. It would need God to tell it to go. God told it to go.
Notice also, this still did not mean that Ahab had no choice to be deceived. It was still Ahab's choice to be deceived, to choose to believe not the truth and pleasure in unrighteousness. Finally, if anyone thinks this story contradicts Biblical Doctrine, take a look at 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 -
24Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of Jehovah from me to speak unto thee?
25And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.
26And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s son; 27and say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.
28And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, Jehovah hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hear, ye peoples, all of you.
24But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?
25And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.
26And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s son;
27And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.
28And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.
Commentary · verses 24-28
Ahab chose not to believe the truth that Micaiah had presented. God actually gave Ahab all the information, which was Right and Just.
29So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead.
30And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and go into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle.
29So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth–gilead.
30And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle.
Commentary · verses 29-30
Ahab's plan to outsmart God and Micaiah was to put on a disguise when he went to battle.
31Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty and two captains of his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.
31But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.
Commentary · verse 31
The Syrians were not going to recognize Ahab in his disguise, and they were only trying to kill Ahab.
32And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, Surely it is the king of Israel; and they turned aside to fight against him: and Jehoshaphat cried out.
32And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, Surely it is the king of Israel. And they turned aside to fight against him: and Jehoshaphat cried out.
Commentary · verse 32
This is what happens when godly people spend time with the ungodly.
33And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.
34And a certain man drew his bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the armor: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thy hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am sore wounded.
35And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even; and the blood ran out of the wound into the bottom of the chariot.
36And there went a cry throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his country.
37So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Samaria.
38And they washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood (now the harlots washed themselves there); according unto the word of Jehovah which he spake.
33And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.
34And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
35And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot.
36And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.
37So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Samaria.
38And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the LORD which he spake.
Commentary · verses 33-38
Ahab died in battle and the dogs licked up his blood as God said would happen in 1 Kings 21:19.
39Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he built, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
40So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.
39Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
40So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.
Commentary · verses 39-40
Ahaziah replaced his father Ahab as king of Israel.
41And Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel.
42Jehoshaphat was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
43And he walked in all the way of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah: howbeit the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.
41And Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel.
42Jehoshaphat was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
43And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; for the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.
Commentary · verses 41-43
Jehoshaphat was similar to Asa: he did right before God but did not take down the high places.
44And Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel.
45Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he showed, and how he warred, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
46And the remnant of the sodomites, that remained in the days of his father Asa, he put away out of the land.
47And there was no king in Edom: a deputy was king.
44And Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel.
45Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he shewed, and how he warred, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
46And the remnant of the sodomites, which remained in the days of his father Asa, he took out of the land.
47There was then no king in Edom: a deputy was king.
Commentary · verses 44-47
Jehoshaphat put away the sodomites that Asa failed to deal with.
48Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.
49Then said Ahaziah the son of Ahab unto Jehoshaphat, Let my servants go with thy servants in the ships. But Jehoshaphat would not.
50And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father; And Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.
48Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Ezion–geber.
49Then said Ahaziah the son of Ahab unto Jehoshaphat, Let my servants go with thy servants in the ships. But Jehoshaphat would not.
50And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.
Commentary · verses 48-50
Jehoram, Asa's grandson, became king of Judah.
51Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned two years over Israel.
52And he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, wherein he made Israel to sin.
51Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over Israel.
52And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin:
Commentary · verses 51-52
Ahaziah did evil before God, as his father (Ahab) and mother (Jezebel) did.
53And he served Baal, and worshipped him, and provoked to anger Jehovah, the God of Israel, according to all that his father had done.
53For he served Baal, and worshipped him, and provoked to anger the LORD God of Israel, according to all that his father had done.
Commentary · verse 53
1 Kings was the sixth of the twelve books that made up the portion of the Old Testament known as the historical section. This book documented the transition of the kingdom from David to Solomon and the subsequent division of the kingdom after Solomon's death. It was believed that Isaiah and Jeremiah compiled the Book of 1 Kings and the Book of 2 Kings from what was recorded by scribes and/or prophets between 1046-616 BC.
At the end of 1 Kings, Judah and Benjamin were ruled by two kings whose hearts were towards God like David's: Asa (fourth from David) and Jehoshaphat (fifth from David). Israel (ten tribes) was ruled by a succession of progressively worse kings. As this book concluded, Israel was ruled by Ahaziah, a king who continued the pattern of being an evil ruler. Judah was ruled by the son of Jehoshaphat, and grandson of Asa. Was he good or evil?
Jehoshaphat was Asa's son. He was the fifth from David in the lineage of Christ. He went to see Ahab, king of Israel.