Is There No God In Israel? Series

IS THERE NO GOD IN ISRAEL?

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 22:1-8, 2 Kings 1:1-3

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5-7; Jeremiah 2:13; Isaiah 30:1-2; James 1:5; Psalm 20:7

INTRODUCTION:

In the days of Israel’s monarchy, God made Himself available to guide, instruct, and protect His people through prophets, His Word, and divine revelation. Yet despite the clarity of God's presence, many leaders chose to seek advice and counsel from sources that had nothing to do with God. This dangerous pattern of ignoring God and consulting falsehood is powerfully illustrated in the lives of King Ahab and his son Ahaziah.

In 1 Kings 22:1–8, King Ahab desires to recover Ramoth-Gilead from the Syrians and consults 400 prophets who tell him what he wants to hear. However, when King Jehoshaphat requests a genuine prophet of the Lord, Ahab reluctantly mentions Micaiah—whom he hates because he speaks the truth. Similarly, in 2 Kings 1:1–3, when King Ahaziah is injured, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, rather than seek God. The angel of the Lord confronts this act, asking, "Is it because there is no God in Israel...?"

This haunting question challenges us today. When believers, leaders, and entire nations ignore God’s counsel and run to ungodly alternatives, they declare, consciously or unconsciously, that God is not enough. But the truth remains: God is still present, still speaking, and still waiting for His people to seek Him first.

1. MANY SEEK COUNSEL, BUT FEW SEEK GOD

In times of crisis or decision-making, people often look for quick solutions rather than divine direction.

a) Ahab gathered 400 prophets, but not one could speak the mind of God (1 Kings 22:6)

He sought confirmation, not revelation. It was a consultation rooted in convenience, not conviction.

b) False counsel will always align with personal desires, not God’s truth

Ahab hated Micaiah because truth made him uncomfortable (v. 8).

c) Consulting without God is like walking in darkness with no lamp

When God is ignored, deception thrives.

d) Jehoshaphat's insistence on a true prophet shows the importance of spiritual discernment

Not every voice is God's voice. We must test every counsel by the Word of God.

Biblical Example: King Rehoboam ignored the counsel of the elders and listened to his peers, resulting in division (1 Kings 12:6-16).

2. REJECTING GOD INVITES DISASTER

Ignoring divine instruction does not remove its consequences.

a) Ahaziah sent messengers to Baal-Zebub for answers instead of seeking God (2 Kings 1:2)

This was a clear act of rebellion and insult to the living God.

b) The angel of the Lord interrupted the messengers and confronted the king's choice (v. 3)

God takes it personally when His counsel is disregarded.

c) Seeking help from idols, occult practices, or worldly systems invites judgment

What we trust in times of trouble reveals who our real god is.

d) God is jealous for His honour—He will not share His glory with another

Ahaziah’s story ended in death, not recovery, because he refused to seek the true Source.

Biblical Example: King Asa trusted physicians more than God and died of his disease (2 Chronicles 16:12-13).

3. GOD ALWAYS HAS A VOICE—IF WE ARE WILLING TO HEAR IT

God never leaves His people without direction; the issue is often our willingness to listen.

a) “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord…” (1 Kings 22:8)

Even when ignored, God still has prophets who speak His truth.

b) Truth tellers are often hated because they confront, not comfort

Micaiah was imprisoned for declaring what God actually said, not what the king wanted to hear.

c) God’s voice will not always tell us what we want—but it will always tell us what we need

True counsel may be bitter to swallow but leads to life and safety.

d) Ignoring God's voice delays your destiny and opens doors to destruction

Listening to lies cost Ahab his life.

Biblical Example: Nathan confronted David with truth, and David repented, avoiding further destruction (2 Samuel 12:1-13).

CONCLUSION:

The question asked of Ahaziah is one God is still asking His people today: “Is there no God in Israel?” Is there no God in your family? In your decision-making? In your ministry? In your crisis? Many seek human wisdom, false prophecies, or carnal methods because their hearts are hardened to the voice of God. But when God is truly sought, He responds with direction, mercy, and deliverance.

God still speaks. His prophets are still available. His Spirit still leads. But will we listen? Or will we, like Ahab and Ahaziah, choose voices that entertain but cannot save? Let us always remember—there IS a God in Israel. The living God still reigns and still speaks. May we never seek elsewhere what only He can provide.

PRAYER POINTS: