Read: 1 Kings 22:1-53; Acts 13:16-41; Psalm 138:1-8’ {reverbs 17:17-18
It had been three years since the king of Aram had warred with Israel and nineteen years since Elijah had killed all the false prophets. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, came to visit King Ahab to get him to join him in recovering Ramoth-Gilead. Ramoth-Gilead had been one of the cities of refuge now owned by the Syrians. Ahab agreed to help Jehoshaphat but first, Jehoshaphat thought it would be a good idea to ask God about the outcome. Ahab had accumulated 400 new false prophets and he called on them to give him their blessing. With great theatrics, they said that Israel would prevail and win. Jehoshaphat wasn’t convinced and asked for a true prophet of God. Ahab only knew of one and didn’t like him because he never told him what he wanted to hear. Micaiah was sent for and warned on the way to say something good, so he did in a very sarcastic tone. The king saw through his lie and told him to tell him the truth. He told Ahab that he would die and Israel would be scattered on the hills in defeat.
Ahab was angry and Micaiah explained that God had told him he would deceive his prophets to entice Ahab to go to war and die that very day. This only made Ahab madder and he went into war disguised as a plan warrior. One of the Syrians shot a random arrow and it landed in the only place it could get through Ahab’s armor. He was propped up to look like he was leading the war when he was really slowly bleeding to death. His chariot was washed in the pool where prostitutes bathed because he had prostituted his whole life by leaving God and following other gods. His blood was licked up by the dogs which was exactly what Elijah had said would happen in 1 Kings 21:19 because Ahab had killed Naboth. Ahab had ruled 22 years. His son, Ahaziah ruled in his place.
Jehoshaphat came to power in Judah in Ahab’s fourth year and was a good king who loved God and followed him. We will read more about him in the Chronicles of the Kings. I did notice that he didn’t align himself with Israel again when Ahab’s son asked him to. He had learned his lesson with Israel. Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah for 25 years and his son Ahaziah ruled in his place. Sadly, Ahaziah didn’t reign in righteousness but in idolatry.
In Acts, Paul is standing before the men of Antioch both Jew and Gentile. He gave the history of Israel and the fulfillment of God’s promise through Jesus. Jesus came to bring salvation to everyone and through him everyone could be forgiven and justified of their sins. He confirmed this message through the words of David in the Psalms and the words of the prophet, Habakkuk.
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness that even if it is years later, you are true to your word and you fulfill every promise.
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