The Biblical Age of Kings #7: A Lying Spirit
Micaiah (of 1 Kings 22) is not a well-known Jewish prophet. But unlike the 400 prophets who come and prophesy at King Ahab's beckon call, Micaiah is not on retainer with the king. He is not one of the yes-men who rubber stamp Ahab's plans. Micaiah speaks for God, not at the behest of an evil ruler. King Ahab of North Israel wants to go to war with Syria to recapture Ramoth-gilead. He calls on his apparent lackey, Jehoshaphat king of Judah, to aid his war effort. Jehoshaphat makes himself and his army available. It turns out, however, that Jehoshaphat is no pushover. He retains the faith of his ancestor King David. Unlike Ahab who has sold out to Baal, Jehoshaphat is a Yahwist who believes in worshiping the one true God. Of course, the narrators also criticize Jehoshaphat for being a pragmatist who makes peace with Ahab and lets his people worship other gods (1 Kgs 22:43-44). Still, Jehoshaphat believes in the Lord, and he throws a small wrench into the plans. He sa...