2 Chronicles 18:5

So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, "Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?" "Go up," they replied, "and God will deliver it into the hand of the king."

Study Bible

So the king of Israel assembled the prophets
This phrase introduces us to the political and religious dynamics of ancient Israel. The "king of Israel" at this time is Ahab, a ruler known for his idolatry and opposition to the worship of Yahweh. The act of assembling "the prophets" suggests a formal gathering, likely in a royal court setting. Historically, prophets were seen as intermediaries between God and the people, but Ahab's prophets were not true prophets of Yahweh. The Hebrew word for "prophets" is "נביאים" (nevi'im), which traditionally refers to those who speak on behalf of God. However, in this context, these prophets are likely false prophets, aligned with Ahab's idolatrous practices.

four hundred men
The number "four hundred" is significant and symbolic in the biblical narrative. It suggests a large, impressive assembly, meant to convey authority and consensus. However, the sheer number also implies a lack of genuine divine inspiration, as true prophecy is not determined by majority but by fidelity to God's word. This echoes the earlier confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, where numbers did not equate to truth.

and asked them, 'Shall we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?'
The king's inquiry reflects a common practice of seeking divine guidance before military campaigns. "Ramoth-gilead" was a strategically important city, often contested between Israel and Aram. The question posed by Ahab is not just a military one but also a spiritual inquiry, though it is directed to prophets who do not truly represent Yahweh. The Hebrew root for "refrain" (חָדַל, chadal) implies a cessation or holding back, indicating Ahab's awareness of the potential consequences of his actions.

'Go up,' they replied, 'and God will give it into the hand of the king.'
The response of the prophets is unanimous and affirmative, "Go up," suggesting a divine endorsement of the king's plans. However, the phrase "God will give it into the hand of the king" is misleading. The Hebrew word for "God" here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a term that can refer to the true God or, in a broader sense, to gods or divine beings. The assurance given by these prophets is false, as it does not come from Yahweh. This highlights the danger of relying on voices that claim divine authority without true allegiance to God. The phrase serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of discerning true prophecy from false assurances.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King of Israel
Refers to King Ahab, who was known for his idolatry and opposition to the prophets of the Lord.

2. Prophets
Four hundred men who claimed to speak for God but were likely false prophets, as they unanimously agreed without seeking the true will of God.

3. Ramoth-gilead
A city of strategic importance, located in the territory of Gilead, which was contested between Israel and Aram.

4. Jehoshaphat
The King of Judah, who was allied with Ahab through marriage and was present during this consultation.

5. God
The true God of Israel, whose will was not genuinely sought by Ahab's prophets.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Seeking Counsel
It is crucial to seek counsel from those who genuinely know and follow God. Ahab's reliance on false prophets led to disastrous consequences.

The Danger of Consensus Without Truth
A unanimous agreement does not necessarily indicate truth. The four hundred prophets agreed, but their message was not from God.

The Importance of Godly Alliances
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab serves as a cautionary tale about the influence of ungodly partnerships.

Testing the Spirits
Believers are called to test the spirits and ensure that the counsel they receive aligns with God's Word.

The Consequences of Ignoring God's True Voice
Ignoring the true voice of God, as Ahab did, can lead to dire consequences. It is vital to prioritize God's guidance over human opinions.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Ahab's decision to consult four hundred prophets instead of seeking a true prophet of the Lord?

2. How does the account of Ahab and the prophets challenge us to evaluate the sources of our own counsel and advice?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our alliances and partnerships are aligned with God's will, as seen in the relationship between Ahab and Jehoshaphat?

4. How can we apply the principle of testing the spirits in our daily lives to discern truth from falsehood?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision and had to choose between popular opinion and God's guidance. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from it?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 22
This parallel account provides additional context and details about the events surrounding Ahab's consultation with the prophets.

Jeremiah 23
Discusses false prophets and the danger of listening to those who do not truly speak for God.

Matthew 7
Jesus warns about false prophets and the importance of discerning true from false teachings.

1 John 4
Encourages believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, highlighting the need for discernment.