why did jehoshaphat ally himself with ahab

So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle. For the battle is not yours, but Gods." King Jehoshaphat led a mostly prosperous life. They prophesied favorably, saying: "Go up, and Jehovah will give it into the king's hand." i. c. Who will persuade Ahab king of Israel to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead? This suggests that Jehoshaphat was a strong and effective leader, who worked hard to consolidate his power and improve Judah's position. They told Ahab to go into battle because God would give him victory. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. "Please, inquire of the LORD today.". Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, takes the throne about halfway through his life. He was rescued on the battlefield and was allowed to continue as king. 46 views, 7 likes, 0 loves, 3 comments, 1 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Eubank Church of Christ: The Minor Prophets (22) Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. One of these rulers, King Jehoshaphat, is a great example to learn from. i. Or what fellowship has light with darkness? For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? q. We are first introduced to him in 1 Kings 15:24 but are told nothing more than that he succeeded Asa. He was the son of Ahab and Jezebel, who were among the most wicked rulers Israel ever had. These partnerships pressure us to sacrifice our faithfulness to God. Thankfully, Jehoshaphat repented and returned to his true love: God. Our Price: $5.99. Week 39. i. According to tradition, Jehoshaphat was buried in a magnificent manner to mimic the actions of King David. But he himself has decreed that you will meet with disaster!, 23 Then the prophet Zedekiah went up to Micaiah, slapped his face, and asked, Since when did the Lord's spirit leave me and speak to you?. Because this king had God's interests at heart, for the most part, his reign was prosperous. 5 He appointed judges in each of the fortified cities of Judah 6 and instructed them: Be careful in pronouncing judgment; you are not acting on human authority, but on the authority of the Lord, and he is with you when you pass sentence. God will give you victory., 6 But Jehoshaphat asked, Isn't there another prophet through whom we can consult the Lord?, 7 Ahab answered, There is one more, Micaiah son of Imlah. Instead, Jehoshaphat removes places of worship to foreign gods such as Asherah poles, and he fortifies Israels defenses against their enemies. After Jehus rebuke, Jehoshaphat got back on track. Some other examples include a recorder for both king David and Solomon (2 Samuel 8:16) and a purveyor for Solomon (1 Kings 4:17). You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. This king of Judah dared to do the right thing. We should stay true to God. Then Ahab enticed Jehoshaphat to join forces with . Jehoshaphat responded as if the kings were of one mind and heritage. The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah, clothed in their robes, sat each on his throne; and they sat at a threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. Ahab. But what about King Jehoshaphat? All rights reserved. This is a stark change in policy from 17:1, where Jehoshaphat had strengthened himself against Israel. Jehoshaphat prayed to God, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who prophesied that the battle was the Lord's. We can learn a great deal from this Old Testament king who we sadly do not learn enough about in Sunday school classes or in sermons. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. Jehoshaphat solidified peace between Israel and Judah. Not only that, but Ahab decides that he can get around all of this by dressing Jehoshaphat up in his robes and putting him at the front and disguising himself as a soldier. Last week I said Jehoshaphat was Ahab's son-in-law, that is wrong. If there's one mistake Jehoshaphat made, it's the time he decided to ally himself with King Ahab of Israel, the devious Jezebel's husband. The Bible presents to us various rulers and persons of authority, and all of them serve as examples of what Godly and ungodly leadership produces. And persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth Gilead: Previously, the king of Syria promised to return certain cities to Israel (1 Kings 20:34) in exchange for leniency after defeat in battle. God gave the evil spirit permission to entice Ahab, and the evil spirit . It is more difficult to explain why Jehoshaphat agreed to go into the battle as the only clearly identified king. And the Lord said, These men have no leader; let them go home in peace., 17 Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, I told you that he never prophesies anything good for me; it's always something bad!, 18 Micaiah went on: Now listen to what the Lord says! But Jehoshaphat gave a shout, and the Lord God rescued him and turned the attack away from him. We also should not go about longing for what the world has. In order to succeed, he solicited the help of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Similarly, John tells us Do not love the world or the things in the world. It was a certain man, and he pulled his bow at random but it struck as if it were a sin-seeking missile, hitting right between the joints of his armor. 16 In the fifth year of Joram son of Ahab king of Israel, when Jehoshaphat was king of Judah, Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat began his reign as king of Judah. 24 You will find out when you go into some back room to hide, Micaiah replied. This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. Christian family to appeal after court dismisses school Pride parade complaint, British public don't want a secular coronation, poll finds, Relic of crucifixion cross to be used in King Charles' coronation, Challenged by the faith of those who suffer. Recognized as perhaps the best king that the southern kingdom of Judah ever had, King Jehoshaphat did right in the sight of God with his intense desire to pursue God in his leadership. Considering Jehoshaphat lived for a long time, according to the standards of his day, this meant that God really wanted him to rule for a long period of time. This is significant if we compare this with how many other Israelite kings passed away. But wait, it gets worse. Wicked men have the advantage of the way, godly men of the end. (Trapp). Yet they clearly prophesied in the name of the LORD. What agreement has the temple of God with idols? 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. The King of Syria had instructed his men that the 2 Kings 18:6He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses. Together they built a fleet of trading ships to go to Ophir to collect gold, but God disapproved and the ships were wrecked before they could set sail. Probably this man already had shot many arrows, and he went on in his simplicity, little knowing that this particular arrow was to be guided through all the confusion straight to its mark by the unerring knowledge and power of God. Scripture tells us to exercise discernment, especially with those in whom we place our trust. Answer. He had a total of more than 1.1 million fighting men in his core force, in addition to those he had placed in different areas (see 2 Chronicles 17:14-19). Saying "no" at this point would look His love for God greatly benefited the kingdom of Judah. Micaiah was brought out from prison (1 Kings 22:26 indicates that he came from prison). He walked in God's ways - "The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. Why did Ahab hate Micaiah? . Ahab determined that he should take the city of Ramoth-Gilead back from the Syrians. But their joint ventures would not prosper, since God does not generally bless such dealings (compare 2 Chronicles 20:35-37). We will join you. 4 Then he added, But first let's consult the Lord., 5 So Ahab called in the prophets, about four hundred of them, and asked them, Should I go and attack Ramoth, or not?, Attack it, they answered. Unsurprisingly, Ahab throws Micaiah in prison on bread and water rations. Believers and unbelievers have different values and commitments. Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 1. Asa, his father, followed in the footsteps of God until the end of his reign. This strategy of the Syrian army made Ahabs counterstrategy of disguising himself in battle seem very wise. a. Sin never pays! In the process he killed both the reigning King of Israel, Joram, and the King of Judah, Ahaziah, at the same time. Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, Now listen, the words of the prophets with one accord encourage the king. Hatred of the messenger of God is clear evidence of willful wickedness. (Morgan), Then Micaiah said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and His left. He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges.". 7 Honor the Lord and act carefully, because the Lord our God does not tolerate fraud or partiality or the taking of bribes., 8 In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed Levites, priests, and some of the leading citizens as judges in cases involving a violation of the Law of the Lord or legal disputes between inhabitants of the city. He repented when he did wrong. Paul says about this, Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. He prioritized the worship of Yahweh, the true God of Israel. Ungodly partners can lead to spiritual compromise (see 1 Corinthians 15:33). Article Images Copyright , Lessons From the Bible Story of King Jehoshaphat. Meet King Pharaoh: Arrogant Egyptian Ruler, Biography of King Solomon: The Wisest Man Who Ever Lived, Battle of Jericho Bible Story Study Guide, Scripture Readings for the Fourth Week of Lent, Crossing of the Jordan River Bible Study Guide, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. a. Jehoshaphat believed prayer is a Rapid Response. . God's wrath in response to Jehoshaphat's unequal alliance with Ahab seems to be the connection. THEN he made another disastrous treaty with wicked King Ahaziah which resulted in all their ships wrecked. i. a. Perhaps he was either not very smart or he had very great faith. But the one we want to focus on today reigns a little after the time of Solomon and David, long after the kingdom splits into two. Three years later they were willing to prophesy lies to Ahab if that was what he wanted to hear. How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? That is, he gave his son in marriage to Ahabs daughter. You will succeed., 22 And Micaiah concluded: This is what has happened. Here Micaiah explained the message of the 400 prophets. Ahab induced or enticed him to form a league with him to retake a disputed city in northern Israel Ramoth-gilead. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. The LORD said to him, In what way? So he said, I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the Lord said, You shall persuade him and also prevail; go out and do so. Therefore look! But any that are considered must be given close scrutiny without glossing over potential difficulties. It was certainly persuasive to have 400 prophets speak in agreement on one issue. A bold and faithful follower of Yahweh, Jehoshaphat consulted God's prophets before making decisions and credited God for every victory. (see 2 Chronicles 19). A Chronological Daily Bible Study of the Old Testament 7-Day Sections with a Summary-Commentary, Discussion Questions, and a Practical Daily Application. (see 2 Chronicles 19). Jehoshaphat did so because he did not want to offend Ahab. The great battle at Ramoth Gilead was a catastrophe. Micaiah assured him that he would simply repeat what God said to him. But he also received a word of judgment: Jehu says, Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord 19:2. (NIV), 2 Chronicles 20:32-33He walked in the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. The Lord will give you victory., 12 Meanwhile, the official who had gone to get Micaiah said to him, All the other prophets have prophesied success for the king, and you had better do the same., 13 But Micaiah answered, By the living Lord I will say what my God tells me to!, 14 When he appeared before King Ahab, the king asked him, Micaiah, should King Jehoshaphat and I go and attack Ramoth, or not?, Attack! Micaiah answered. 7-27) should have alerted Jehoshaphat to the true character of the man he had befriended. He set up a group of priests and qualified people to go around, teaching the people from God's laws (see 2 Chronicles 17:7-9). He was buried at age 60 in the City of David in Jerusalem. 2 A number of years later Jehoshaphat went to the city of Samaria to visit Ahab. Jehoshaphat still wanted to hear from a prophet of Yahweh, the LORD (Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of Him?). Jehoshaphat was an ancient king, but he is not so different than us, for we do similar things in our lives. He drove out the male cult prostitutes and destroyed the Asherah poles where the people had worshiped false gods.

John Kerr Rugby League Coach, Truman Lake Lots For Sale By Owner, Navy Hca Direct Commission, Articles W