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Lesson 9

1Ki 22:1-40; 2 Chron 18

In Judah

Jehoshaphat, a good king Reigned 25 years

Riches and honor Allied with Ahab, king of Israel Goes to visit Ahab

In Israel

Ahab is king Wife Jezebel Reigned 22 years

Had peace treaty with Ben-hadad, king of Syria

Jehoshaphat came to visit Ahab Ahab wants help to capture Ramoth

Gilead

Inquire of the Lord

Ramoth Gilead was in territory of Israel on east side of Jordan Former city of refuge

Syria controlled Ramoth Gilead On King’s Highway – trade route Jehoshaphat tells Ahab to inquire of

the Lord before they go into battle

Prophets of Baal

Ahab calls his 400 prophets “Shall I go to fight or not?” “Go up, for the Lord will deliver it into

your hands” Jehoshaphat is not satisfied

Where is a prophet of the Lord?

Micaiah

Ahab doesn’t want Micaiah “He always prophesies evil for me” While waiting for Micaiah

The kings are dressed in royal robes; sitting on thrones

Prophets of Baal continue before them Zedekiah – you will gore the Syrians until

they are dead

Micaiah

“Whatever the Lord says to me, I will speak”

Comes before Ahab “Go and prosper” Ahab knew better

Tell me the truth “Israel will be scattered”

defeat

1 Kings 22:19-23 1 Ki 22:19 Then Micaiah said, "Therefore

hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by, on His right hand and on His left. "And the LORD said, 'Who will persuade Ahab to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead?' So one spoke in this manner, and another spoke in that manner. "Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, and said, 'I will persuade him.'

1 Kings 22:19-23 22 "The LORD said to him, 'In what

way?' So he said, 'I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.' And the LORD said, 'You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go out and do so.' "Therefore look! The LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has declared disaster against you."

Reaction

Zedekiah strikes Micaiah Ahab sends Micaiah to prison

Feed him bread and water Hold him until I return from battle

Micaiah—if you return at all, the Lord has not spoken through me

Micaiah warns the people

On to Battle

Ahab and Jehoshaphat go to battle against Syria

Ahab is worried He tells Jehoshaphat to wear his royal robes Ahab disguises himself as a normal soldier

King of Syria commands Fight with no one, but only with the king of

Israel

The Battle Seeing the royal attire they pursue

Jehoshaphat They realize it is not Ahab and turn

aside A random shot wounds Ahab Blood runs onto the floor of the chariot He dies at evening Israel’s army goes home

Ahab’s Death

Ahab is buried in Samaria His chariot is washed Dogs lick the blood Ahaziah, Ahab’s son, reigned in his

place

Lessons

Inquire of the Lord Others may attempt to deceive

As if telling the truth Who we believe is up to us We can reject what God tells us

Make our choice (to go or to refrain) God’s prophecies are accurate and

will be fulfilled

Kingdom Relationships

JUDAH Jehoshaphat Jehoram Ahaziah Athaliah

ISRAEL Ahab – Jezebel

Ahaziah Jehoram Athaliah

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