May 1, 2024

Ahab, king of Israel, got together with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to go and fight against Syria to regain control over Ramoth-Gilead. Before they ventured off to war, Jehoshaphat wanted to ask the Lord to ensure it was the right thing to do. So Ahab called all his “prophets” together, who always told him what his itchy ears wanted to hear, and they said to him to go up to Ramoth-Gilead and prosper. Knowing they were not prophets of the Lord, Jehoshaphat asked him if there were any of the Lord’s prophets to enquire of. Jehoshaphat told him there was one, but he always prophesied against him. So they called for Micaiah, and he came. Michaiah told them to go to Ramoth-Gilead and prosper, but the king knew he was lying. So, Michaiah told him the truth and shared his vision. In his vision, he saw all the people of Israel scattered about with no leader. He continued saying that he saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the hosts of heaven on his right and left, and the Lord said, “Who shall persuade Ahab that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead?” And a lying spirit came forward and said he could do it. Michaiah told the king that the Lord had put a lying spirit in these prophets. Zedekiah, one of the “prophets,” smacked him on the cheek, and the king had Michaiah sent to prison.  There is so much more to this story, but Ahab ended up getting injured, bleeding all over his chariot, and dying in battle. When they brought him back to Samaria in his chariot, the dogs licked up his blood while they were cleaning it. All the prophecies of the Lord came true. 

What struck me the most about this scripture is the lying spirit that came before the throne of God, volunteering to enter into the “prophets” to cause Ahab to believe them. Then God tells him the truth through Michaiah, and he assaults him and throws him in jail. They didn’t want to hear the truth back then, much like today. The people telling the truth get called conspiracy theorists and get abused by everyone. You must learn how God works and listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit so you don’t die on the battlefield like Ahab. The only absolute truth you will hear is the Word of God. Pay close attention. 

And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. 1 Kings 22:20-21