1 Kings 22:19 And he said, Hear you therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne… We read elsewhere of "war in heaven." The text suggests a different subject, apparently connected with it, namely, "council in heaven." Micaiah describes what he saw as a vision. We are presented with one of the most imposing descriptions of the heavenly conclave which Holy Scripture contains. It is one of those rare occasions when we are permitted to learn how in the councils of heaven the things of our earth are ordered. Men are unwilling to believe a Providence; they trace out cause and effect, and this they deem sufficient. The text shows that "cause and effect" indeed are but the results of God's decree, and it teaches us how He directs also even individual circumstances. In this way it may be a natural effect of a natural cause which shall bring a plague within a certain city or village, and yet God shall direct who shall fall by it, and who escape, The cause of death may be natural; the individual application is providential. You, then, are the subjects of Satan's malignity, of the love of God, and of the wonder and ministrations of angels t It may be, that at this very hour a council is proceeding in heaven which may secure blessings of the highest order for you or for our land. Not impossible but that our arch-enemy too yet presents himself in that blessed assembly, and pointing to the many national sins of our country, or to our individual transgressions, may be prompt with a slander, followed by the suggestion, "I will go and deceive them yet more, and so I will destroy them entirely!" St. Paul meant something when he spake of wrestling not so much "against flesh and blood" as against principalities and powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. (G. Venables.) Parallel Verses KJV: And 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. |
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