But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?" But Jehoshaphat askedThe name "Jehoshaphat" means "Yahweh has judged" in Hebrew. Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah, known for his piety and reforms to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. His inquiry here reflects his desire for divine guidance, a characteristic of his reign. This phrase sets the stage for a contrast between the spiritual discernment of Jehoshaphat and the political maneuvering of Ahab, the king of Israel. Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah, known for his piety and desire to seek God's guidance. He is characterized by his commitment to the LORD and his efforts to bring spiritual reform to Judah. 2. Ahab The king of Israel, notorious for his idolatry and wickedness. He often sought counsel from false prophets who would tell him what he wanted to hear. 3. Prophets of the LORD True prophets who spoke the word of God, as opposed to the false prophets who were often in the service of Ahab. 4. Ramoth-gilead A city of strategic importance, which was the focus of the military campaign discussed in this chapter. 5. Israel and Judah The divided kingdoms of God's chosen people, with Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Their kings often had differing approaches to worship and governance. Teaching Points The Importance of Seeking Godly CounselJehoshaphat's question highlights the necessity of seeking guidance from true prophets of God rather than relying on voices that merely echo our desires. Discernment in Leadership Leaders, like Jehoshaphat, must exercise discernment in whom they choose to listen to, ensuring that their decisions align with God's will. The Danger of False Prophets Ahab's reliance on false prophets serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of surrounding oneself with advisors who do not speak God's truth. Unity in Seeking God's Will The collaboration between Jehoshaphat and Ahab, despite their differences, underscores the potential for unity when seeking God's direction, though it must be grounded in truth. Courage to Stand for Truth Jehoshaphat's insistence on consulting a true prophet demonstrates the courage required to stand for truth, even when it is unpopular or inconvenient. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's insistence on consulting a prophet of the LORD before making a decision? How can this apply to our decision-making processes today?2. How does the presence of false prophets in Ahab's court reflect the challenges we face in discerning truth in our own lives? What steps can we take to ensure we are listening to God's voice? 3. In what ways does the alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahab illustrate the complexities of relationships between believers and non-believers? How should we navigate such relationships? 4. How does the role of a true prophet, as described in Deuteronomy 18, inform our understanding of spiritual leadership and accountability in the church today? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to stand for truth in a difficult situation. How can Jehoshaphat's example encourage you to seek God's guidance and remain steadfast in your convictions? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 18This chapter provides a parallel account of the events in 1 Kings 22, offering additional details about Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab and the subsequent battle. Deuteronomy 18:18-22 These verses outline the role and importance of a true prophet of the LORD, emphasizing the need for discernment in distinguishing true prophecy from false. Jeremiah 23:16-18 This passage warns against listening to false prophets who speak visions from their own minds rather than from the mouth of the LORD.
People Ahab, Ahaziah, Amon, Aram, Asa, Azubah, Chenaanah, David, Geber, Imlah, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Joash, Micah, Micaiah, Nebat, Ophir, Shilhi, Sodomites, Syrians, Tarshish, Tharshish, ZedekiahPlaces Edom, Ezion-geber, Jerusalem, Ophir, Ramoth-gilead, Samaria, Syria, TarshishTopics Besides, Directions, Enquire, Inquire, Isn't, Jehoshaphat, Jehosh'aphat, Prophet, Seek, YetDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 22:1-28Library Unpossessed Possessions'And 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?'--1 KINGS xxii. 3. This city of Ramoth in Gilead was an important fortified place on the eastern side of the Jordan, and had, many years before the date of our text, been captured by its northern neighbours in the kingdom of Syria. A treaty had subsequently been concluded and broken a war followed thereafter, in which Ben-hadad, King of Syria, … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ahab and Micaiah The Prophet Micah. The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles). The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence. The Shepherd of Our Souls. Of Councils and their Authority. That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful. Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha, which are Quoted, or Incidentally Illustrated, in the Institutes. He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church. Sovereignty of God in Administration Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses Men in Human Language... Commerce The Figurative Language of Scripture. Instruction for the Ignorant: Kings Links 1 Kings 22:7 NIV1 Kings 22:7 NLT 1 Kings 22:7 ESV 1 Kings 22:7 NASB 1 Kings 22:7 KJV 1 Kings 22:7 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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