Summary of 1Kings 22:1-40
Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, visits Ahab, the King of Israel. Ahab informs Jehoshaphat that following the last conflict three years prior, Ramoth-Gilead now belongs to Israel. Ahab, however, has yet to reclaim the country due to distractions from the Assyrians. Ahab asks Jehoshaphat to go with him to battle but Jehoshaphat instructs Ahab to consult with the Lord before fully committing to the fight. Ahab collected about 400 prophets and asked them if they should go to war against Ramoth-Gilead, and all the seers agreed.
Micaiah prophesies Ahab’s death in the battle and is consequently prisoned. Ahab goes with Jehoshaphat into the fight, disguises himself, and lets Jehoshaphat wear royal garments so the enemies may not recognize him. At the battle, Jehoshaphat screams about the attack, and his enemies realize that he is not the King of Israel. A soldier from Seria shoots an arrow at Ahab and Kills him. Later Ahab’s soldiers are sent back homeland. Ahab’s body is taken to Samaria and buried. His Chariot is licked by the dogs and prophets wash as said by the Lord, and then his son Ahaziah succeeds him.
The Character of King Ahab
Ahab was the king of Israel, and he was a bad character. He is also a dictator; he ordered one of his officers to arrest Micaiah, claiming that Micaiah was a false prophet. Ahab is ignorant of God’s voice- Micaiah tells Ahab that he should not go to battle because he will die if he does, but Ahab fails to listen to the voice of the Lord. Ahab also intends to betray Jehoshaphat to secure himself in the battle.
Micaiah’s Character
Micaiah is being sarcastic since Micaiah seems to be questioning Ahab about his readiness and sincerity in wanting to hear the word of the Lord. He is a servant of God since he declares that he will only speak what the Lord commands. He is courageous since he prophesies King Ahab’s death in the battle. He is fearful because, at first, he does not want to tell King Ahab about his death.
Character of Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat is respectful even towards wicked people and takes the time to hear them out. He does not automatically assume that he knows everything and is humble enough to learn from others. Jehoshaphat was naive, and he paid the price for it. Christians must be careful not to be taken in by appearances because people can be very good at hiding their true intentions. He is a believer who insists that they should consult the prophet of God before they go to war.
Lessons About God’s Character from This Story
God is merciful and just. Ahab got what he deserved in the end, even though Jehoshaphat tried to intervene on his behalf. For example, in the story Ahab who is a wicked king has done terrible things and is not interested in repenting or turning to God. But then we see the character Jehoshaphat, who is a good king and a godly man. We can learn that it is essential to be open-minded and humble, even when we do not agree with someone. It is evident that God is a God of justice and that He will punish those who sin.
Lessons Learnt from the Story That Can Be Applied to Our Christian Life
1Kings 22 teaches Christians the need to be careful about whom to trust. Ahab was a wicked king, yet he managed to fool Jehoshaphat into thinking he was decent. Christians must remember that God is always watching and will judge us based on our actions. Christians learn that it is essential to be open-minded and humble, even when they do not agree with someone’s argument.