A Victim of Selfish Motives
1 Kings 22:1-28
Introduction: Ahab King of Israel after three years of peace between him and the Syrians decided he was going to contend with them for the city Ramoth in Gilead
City facts: It was one of the most chief cities of the tribe of Gad.
The city was about 28 miles east of the Jordan and 15 miles south of the sea of Galilee
Ahab:
See: 1 Kings 16:30-33 He and his wife Jezebel led Israel into idolatry
Jehoshaphat king of Judah: Is a very godly man goes down to visit Ahab and the conversation comes up about Ramoth-Gilead
See: Vs.3-4
Note: Vs.5 Jehoshaphat says to him “Enquire at the word of the LORD today”
Mention: Ahab calls for about 400 prophets in which all agree that the LORD has given the Syrians into the hand of the king.
Jehoshaphat for some reason or another was not at peace with the report of these prophets and asked Vs.7 “Is there not a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?”
Jehoshaphat the godly man he was understood the importance of
the LORD.
See: 2 Kings 3:11 is there not here a prophet of the LORD…
Ahab knows of one man of God but knows he is not going to give a good report as seen in verse 8 Micaiah, for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.
See: Vs.13-14 Micaiah is told to only say that which is good unto Ahab
Then: Vs.15-18 He first does so, but even Ahab knows that this is a put on so then Micaiah speaks the truth according to the LORD.
This story is typical of the lives of many that wanders out of the will of God.
There are several lesson learned principles here that I want to make application to:
1. The Seeking Of Counsel From Selective People
Ahab sought the advice of these 400 ungodly prophets because he knew they would say that which would please him.
Vs.8 Micaiah “For he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil”
Mention: Vs.13 Zedekiah says to Micaiah “Let thy word be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good.
The world is not the place for us to seek godly advice!
See: 1 Kings 22:20-23 That lying spirit is the devil himself
Mention: John 8:44
Mention: Psalms 1:1 blessed is the man that walked not in the counsel of the ungodly
2. To Refuse The Counsel Of The LORD
See: Vs.15-18 Did not I tell you he would prophesy no good concerning me.
Point: Ahab had already decided what he was going to do despite what Micaiah would say!
See: Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart nevertheless the counsel of the LORD that shall stand.
Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
I have learned and have seen this over the years in my life and in the lives of others!
They know what God’s Word says perhaps or told, but they are determine to do what they have decided in their hearts. The end result is refusing the counsel of the LORD.
3. To Think That We Could Prove God Wrong
See: Eccl. 7:29 but they have sought out many inventions
a. Christians Assistance
Point: I believe Ahab knew that he had no favor with God so that why he wanted Jehoshaphat to join him in this battle because he was godly.
I wonder how many think that because they attach themselves to someone that is living a godly life perhaps thay may gain favor with God.
b. To Confine the Word
Mention: Vs.27 By putting Micaiah in prison he perhaps thought he could confine truth.
c. Concealment
See: Vs.29-30 Ahab in disguise
Point: He was not really hiding from the enemy but trying to hide from the LORD. Some do it all the time by avoiding God’s people.
See: Vs.32-37 The death of king Ahab (Our selfish decisions may destroy our life)
