Jehoshaphat
Part 4
The Prophecy
‘So You Want to be a Prophet’
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: (Hebrews 11:32)
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, (Hebrews 11:33)
Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.(Hebrews 11:34)
Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: (Hebrews 11:35)
And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: (Hebrews 11:36)
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Hebrews 11:37)
(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (Hebrews 11:38)
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? (2 Chronicles 18:6)
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. (2 Chronicles 18:7)
So, you want to be a prophet
To be a prophet in the age of the kings of Israel and Judah meant certain dangers. Most all of the prophecy that was given was in opposition to the status in quo. In our section of Scripture from the Book of Hebrews we have a list of examples of men and women of faith. There were many like Micaiah who are not mentioned in this faith chapter of Hebrews. Each person of faith walked in faith, and by faith, and each had different trials, different successes and different failures, but they all walked by faith. There are lessons in each one of their lives that deals with and applies to our walk of faith today. For faith does not change, it is given of God and it is kept by God, and it is powered by God. Faith is given by God’s Sovereign and divine preference and wisdom. I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) When God calls a prophet He gives the heart of a prophet, for His true prophets that have been called by His name know the peril at the moment of their calling. They continue not in their own strength, but in the strength of the divine Being who called. Micaiah was called for an unusual task. He was to stand before an evil and idolatrous king in the name of Jehovah whom Ahab had cast off. Most prophets in the age of the kings were in peril. They lived in caves, they were given places of retreat: such as brook Cherith, mount Sinai, the back side of the desert, a house set apart, and in some cases surrounded by God’s angels, and in other cases like Micaiah and the early Church they were cast into the darkest prisons of men. In the days of the prophets to be a political prisoner meant more than just being locked in a dark room. Many were tortured, and taunted to recant their prophecy, and to agree with, and to accept, and to approve the evils of their day.
In Chapter 11 of the Book of Hebrews, verse 40 we read God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. The Apostle Paul brings us up to date, not only in his age, but into our current age. God has provided a better thing for us, in that the gospel has been revealed to us in the fullest light of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are blessed above the Old Testament prophets, in that we can look back into their age and see their faith and know that all things they suffered only led to the sufferings of Christ. Many take verse 40 as a doing away of suffering, but that is not what this verse tells us, it simply tells us that we have a better hope in that the whole gospel has been revealed to us. Truly, we benefit from Old Testament Scripture from the experiences and trials of Old Testament saints, such as Micaiah. And yet, God has blessed us with so great a vision that our faith gives way to grace, and grace reveals the faith of God in Jesus Christ. We are the result of their prophecy, not that the Church is found in the Old Testament, but their prophecy reveals and foretold of the coming, the suffering, the death, and yes, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Suffering is for each and every child of God who walks by faith. The current church of materialism would tell you that if you are not being blessed financially or with material blessings you are out of the will of God; however, the Word of God tells us that if we love the Lord Jesus we will be guaranteed a life of suffering and rejection, and a life of opposition to the evils of this world. There is no other path of faith, you can take Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; they were all in opposition to this world. When we reach into the New Testament our first prophet, John the Baptist, was jailed for condemning Herod, and then lost his head because of the truth of his testimony against Herod. Stephen was stoned for his stand, and his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He knew exactly what was coming and did not waiver from the cross and his Savior. Paul suffered untold things. Peter suffered, and the last book that is given to man, the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ was given to the Apostle John in exile on the Isle of Patmos. ‘So you want to be a prophet,’ let a man examine himself, let him count the cost, let him prepare for the battle ahead for there is no easy nor comfortable walk of faith.
The Prophet’s Theme
The theme of the prophet is ‘thus saith the Lord.’ These two kings (Ahab and Jehoshaphat) are waiting in their earthly glory. The last prophet to come would be God’s man. He won’t come from the Temple, or from the King’s palace, or from his own plush dwelling, he will be brought up out of prison. While these kings are waiting they are being entertained by the false prophets. You see the false prophets have a prepared program. We must have a program! For the world thrives on programs; whether political or religious, man has a program or ordinances for everything. We see, now, the false prophets and they turn to page one, the two kings are looking on at the show and they are entertained.
And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla. (2 Chronicles 18:8)
And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. (2 Chronicles 18:9)
And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed.(2 Chronicles 18:10)
And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king. (2 Chronicles 18:11)
The Prophets who Steal the Words of God
Out of all the prophets of Baal, the Holy Spirit produces Zedekiah as the prominent prophet. He is the son of Chenaanah (‘traffic ’:as afflicted, ‘broken in pieces’). You would think that with a name like Zedekiah (‘righteousness of Jehovah,’) that he would be a true prophet of God; however, in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament there were deceivers then, as there are deceivers today. It is the heart that deceives, and these men had and have the heart of deceivers. This is why we must have our programs for we do not want to get out of line or misrepresent our own deception. If we are going to tell a lie we must make it believable or even close to the truth. Isn’t it interesting how all these false prophets of Baal came before these kings shamelessly using the name of Jehovah. They will do anything to overthrow the faith that was once delivered to the saints. And in their show they have to have props, it was Zedekiah that made himself a set of iron horns. In the New Testament we have those who steal the name of Christian so that they might promote their religious system, and their iron horns.
Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. (Jeremiah 23:30)
Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. (Jeremiah 23:31)
Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:32)
But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. (Deuteronomy 18:20)
They claim to have power; yet, have not the power of the cross; they are the children of Cain without Christ. They mingle with the sons of God, and pretend to have the authority over God’s Word. We can go all the way back to the days of Cain, and if we follow the names in his genealogy the list comes close to the names used by Seth in his genealogy. In Seth’s line we have the seed of God, and his genealogy in the list of names and the definition or meaning of these names lead us to see the path of faith as they who called on the name of the Lord. In Satan’s line, and his seed Cain, we find the counterfeit, the frauds, the deceivers, and the false prophets. From the beginning to the days of these two kings there was never any lack of false prophets, so much so that at times man did that which was right in his own eyes. And this is where we are today. The greatest false prophet of all is Satan himself. Did he not prophesy to the woman in the garden, and Adam that they would be as gods? (Genesis 3:13) His prophecy did not come true, then why today do so many fall for the lies of this false prophet, Satan?
As by one man sin came into the world, so death has passed upon all men. Is it not obvious that we all exist within the chains of death. If it was not so obvious man would even deny the fact of death, but he can’t hide from it; death is present every day, either in his sight or in his hearing, or by word of mouth. He hears of someone being murdered, or passing out of this world by death. Let the false prophets today deal with truth and the reality of death, and they will see that there is no hope except in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of man.
Zedekiah has a name that proclaims the righteousness of Jehovah; yet Zedekiah is the antithesis of righteousness. His acknowledges Jehovah in word only, he does not believe the words of God. Zedekiah is a dead man, dead in trespasses and sin.. He was a lying false prophet, but he is the first to be named among Baal’s prophets. The world loves preeminence, and predominance over the Lord’s people. We must remember that the show was to convince Jehoshaphat to go to Ramothgilead. The prophets of Baal would have to make Jehoshaphat comfortable; they must prophesy success. Their show would have to show confidence so that Jehoshaphat would believe the words of Zedekiah. The horns of iron was to indicate strength in the military union of the combined armies of Jehoshaphat and Ahab; that together they would be victorious against the Syrians. Iron was the strongest material known in that age; therefore, the iron horns was to promote a feeling of supreme strength. This was a prop used to entertain and to convey a message. Those who were there gathered around the kings and the entertainment began with the strength of iron. The horns themselves were a symbol for Ahab, as they were a symbol of the horns of Baal, and not a symbol of Jehovah. Jehoshaphat had already stated to Ahab that he was as Ahab was, ‘I am as thou art.’ He was swallowing the bait, hook, line and sinker. Ahab had him on the line and was reeling him in. Jehoshaphat said to Ahab that his people were the same as Ahab’s, that his horses were the same as Ahab’s; Oh, Ahab, our doctrines may differ, but we are the same. Our buildings look the same, we both have temples. We worship the same god. We may use different methods, but is it not the same god? If Jehoshaphat believed that his horses, or military was the same as Ahab’s, then was not his chariots the same as Ahab’s? Was not his kingdom the same as Ahab’s? Was not Jerusalem the same as Samaria? If we follow this convoluted thinking we would be just as deceived as Jehoshaphat in believing that everyone who names the name of Christ is the same. We, who love the Lord, are not born of blood, nor the will of the flesh, not the will of man, but of God. That separates us from this ungodly world, and the ungodly false prophets and their religion of this world. Jehoshaphat had capitulated to Ahab, that must have brought a smile from this ungodly king. Jehoshaphat, according to Scriptures, did not realize the depth of the deception of the false prophets. The iron horns of Baal would lead them into battle. It would be Ahab and his new found friend, Jehoshaphat, who would go to war representing Baal, and not Jehovah. Don’t be fooled by Baal wanting to have unilateral control over Christianity. The ungodly will tell you there are many gods, and that they are all the same, and that there are many ways that God accepts worship. In contrast to their lies, God declares of Himself, that He is the only true God and the only Creator of heaven and earth.
I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no saviour. (Isaiah 43:11)
I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: (Isaiah 45:5)
Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. (Isaiah 45:21)
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. (Isaiah 45:22)
The true Christian has the name of His God, and he lives in that name, and by that name, and that name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The Great I AM, the Almighty, the everlasting God and Father, and the Prince of peace for He has made our peace with God. The world will continually bring up the iron horns of Baal; without these symbols their faith would crumble. After all if we don’t have a symbol, or an idol that we can carry around, or wear, or bow down to (I speak as the world) how can we be saved? Remember that these horns of iron went back to the days of Jeroboam. It was Jeroboam who put the golden calves in Bethel and Dan. In the days of Ahab and Jezebel the golden calves of Jeroboam had become the Baal worship of Samaria, and to promote his own dedication to Baal, Ahab built a giant cathedral so that all could see that he worshiped Baal; he expected, and demanded that all his people in his kingdom worshiped Baal. Jehoshaphat and Ahab were sitting in a void place, the Holy Spirit wants us to realize that God had no part in this travesty of lies by deliberately selecting the word ‘void.’ Knowing political leaders and false prophets, Jehoshaphat and his throne were placed so that he could see the enormous temple of Baal. He couldn’t miss the symbol of idolatry, most likely there was an image of a large bull with fierce horns situated in the entrance to the temple that guarded and was watched over by Baal himself. The iron horns was the power of Baal, and once again, I remind you of the false hope that was produced by these false prophets that they would push the Syrians out of Israel. With Zedekiah there were three hundred and ninety-nine (399) additional prophets who agreed. I can almost hear their chants, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king. In this verse notice how smoothly they used the Lord’s name to deceive. Does not Paul tell us that they preach another gospel, they preach another Jesus, and they preach another faith to the detriment of lost souls. How easy it flows off lying lips. There is no difference today. Christianity has been perverted and changed by the false prophets. The true Christian can never be changed, but the doctrines of Baal are ever changing.
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:13)
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14)
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:15)
Paul calls the Church (that is, every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ) to recognize the false apostles, the false prophets, and false preachers that are among them. Paul is very specific when he wrote that these men are after the working of Satan. These men have similar props as the iron horns. And they cry out to the sons of God ‘Let’s go up to Ramothgilead together.’ What fellowship does light have with darkness? Or can the goodness of God abide in the hands of evil?
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7)
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:8)
Thinking through this maze of evil, Jehoshaphat should have been half way home to Jerusalem by now; yet, he remained seated and listening to the false prophets of Baal. He sat still and not even a peep. He had plenty of opportunity to get up and walk away, or to at least speak up on his own behalf, and on the behalf of Jehovah. This is where you end up with political correctness, sitting in the presence of lies and liars when you know the truth. Jehoshaphat was without excuse for he had already proclaimed himself for Ahab, and by doing so, gave himself to Baal. Meanwhile, back at the prison in the cell of Micaiah . . .
And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. (1 Kings 22:13)
And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak. (1 Kings 22:14)
We are presented with a scene of evil against good. Ahab had sent one of his officers, a messenger of Satan, to bring Micaiah to the show. He is called ‘the messenger,’ I cannot count how many of these messenger’s I have met in this walk of faith of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They try to tell you what you can and cannot say, what you should or should not say. They are truly the messengers of Satan to hinder and betray the righteous. When Christ is by your side you have the Captain of the Lord’s host, you can only speak what the Holy Spirit expresses in your own heart. It is not man who you please, it is the God of heaven and earth who calls you and gives you the words to speak. Micaiah could not be persuaded otherwise. Remember, if you bow to the king you are bowing to Baal, and you are bowing to the prophets of Baal, and you are condoning their false prophecies, or doctrines, and you are acknowledging them when you agree with the precepts and doctrines of Baal. The messenger tells Micaiah (‘who is like Jehovah’) that the prophets had prophesied good to the king. The Holy Spirit does not give all the words that the messenger relaid to Micaiah, he probably had a copy of the program, or as we might say today, ‘a canned message.’ The prophets of Baal, whether in the age of Ahab or in our age, definitely do not want to hear what the Holy Spirit has to say. As in the day of Hosea the Word of God declares: like priests, like people.
And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings. (Hosea 4:9)
Hear ye this, O priests; and hearken, ye house of Israel; and give ye ear, O house of the king; for judgment is toward you, because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor. (Hosea 5:1)
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? (Jeremiah 5:31)
Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. (Isaiah 24:1)
And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him. (Isaiah 24:2)
God’s Man and God’s Message
Micaiah had been in the presence of the Lord. He had witnessed God’s glory. He had seen God sitting on His throne. It was God’s message and not Micaiah’s. He was but a channel of God’s righteousness and Sovereignty to an ungodly king. When you speak to an evil world it must always be, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ This prophet of Jehovah will go forth and openly declare what God had privately given to him. What articles did Micaiah have to take with him? They must have cleaned him up, and given him a change of garment for Ahab would not want Jehoshaphat to see the prophet of God in filthy rags. This was a prophet who never spoke well of the political leader, he had nothing good to say about king Ahab; and for this, Micaiah knew the prison well, for Ahab kept him under lock and key.
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? (2 Chronicles 18:6)
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. (2 Chronicles 18:7)
And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla. (2 Chronicles 18:8)
It must have been the Holy Spirit of God who whispered in Jehoshaphat’s heart, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? This was that Micaiah who appeared only once in the Word of God, and what an appearance (we never read about him again). There were no smooth words in his vocabulary. He was not looking for the praise of man, or the praise from a king. He had the Word of God, and this was the language of his heart. If you tell the world the truth of God, the world will reject you and hate you. This is why the Holy Spirit of God in the 18th Chapter of 2 Chronicles gives us a man like Micaiah. The Spirit of God wants to show us the difference between God’s man and Baal’s man. The odds were in Micaiah’s favor, for there were four hundred (400) false prophets against one man with the Word of God. I always believe that one man with the words of Christ, which are the words of God, is always a majority. You speak from heaven’s lips to a world that is perishing, and only truth can snatch the dying sinner from the pit of hell. These were odds that would bring a smile to the face of the world. One man? Oh, he’ll cave in! He’ll change his words and his tune to please the king! He’ll be just like us. After all the king of Israel believes us, so it should be nothing for Micaiah to lie. How wrong they were! Remember, the messenger had told Micaiah what the false prophets had said, and it would be in Micaiah’s best interest (if he ever wanted to be approved by the brethren) to agree with the false prophets. But how can a man who is called of God turn his back on the throngs who are going to hell? The gospel is not about my life, but about your life.
God’s Men in their Hour of Trial
In the center of our hearts when we are faced with the truth of God do we not see the three (3) Hebrew men: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? Before them was Nebuchadenzzar’s golden image, like the entertainment in Samaria on this day; the music played, all types of instruments and musicians, and all that these three young men had to do was bow down to the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar. They refused. their motives were true, for they loved Jehovah with all their heart. But the world does not give up, since they refused to bow to this image, Nebuchadnezzar generously gives them another chance. I guarantee that the world will never stop trying to overthrow your faith. Nebuchadnezzar repeats his demand, his forgiveness is assured if they would only comply with his demand, and then reminds them of the dire consequences if they again refuse to bow. How many have taken the world’s path of forgiveness and comprise, and ended up on the wrong side of Almighty God. (Daniel
Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. (Daniel 3:13)
Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? (Daniel 3:14)
Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? (Daniel 3:15)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. (Daniel 3:16)
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. (Daniel 3:17)
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. (Daniel 3:18)
The fiery furnace was made seven times hotter, and they still would not bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image. They would stand for the Lord, even in the fire. These three Hebrews and Micaiah are examples for us to day. We live in an evil world, with evil all around us. We have both Ahab, and the evil prophets of Baal. We have whole government systems denying our God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. World governments creat their own religions within their own governments. They want us to bow down to their traditions, and to their anthems, and to their programs, and to their religious doctrines of twisted patriotism. Few Christians realize that we do not belong to this world, we are heavenly beings and serve a heavenly God. We, like Micaiah, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego must not bow down to their golden images. We speak that which is truth, that which is of God for we serve the everlasting Father, and the Prince of peace; and like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego God will deliver us.
When we think of wicked governments, we have all kinds of comparisons in the Old Testament. The world before the flood had government, we see this by Cain establishing the first city, and naming it after his son. Government and cities go together, you can’t have one without the other. The issue is not the concept of government in service and protection, but unrighteous and corrupt government in serving themselves and not serving those they rule over; and refusing to secure the safety of their nation, and removing the means by which their citizens can protect themselves. One day the world will finally be under the total rule of a righteous ruler, the Lord Jesus Christ. In the days of Noah, government had reached it’s height of evil, and God dealt with this evil world of Genesis 6:5. And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; (Revelation 6:12)
And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. (Revelation 6:13)
And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. (Revelation 6:14)
And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; (Revelation 6:15)
And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: (Revelation 6:16)
For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? (Revelation 6:17)
In the days of Noah, the heart of man had become so corrupt that there was no hope. Only Noah found grace in God’s sight. All would perish in the flood to come. When we travel through time and history, we come to the prophecy of Revelation 6, the world once again has reached the stage as it was in the days of Noah, and judgment begins once more because of the evil heart of man. Continual evil, evil of all kinds, evil that one cannot even express. ‘Oh, earth, oh earth, hear the word of the Lord, repent, and be ye saved by the blood of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, for judgment is at hand.’ All around us the world is beginning to shake. We are approaching the day when man will cry out to hide from the face of God.
The Prophet Speaks
Well, Micaiah, what do you have to say? You’re standing before the king who put you in the prison house. What are you going to tell him? Micaiah speaks . . .
And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak. (2 Chronicles 18:13)
And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand. (2 Chronicles 18:14)
I always found the first address of Micaiah very interesting, for God relates to Ahab the desire of his own heart. He should go to Ramothgilead and prosper, almost a tease. When Ahab heard the words of Micaiah, he rebuked Micaiah for being insincere; it must have be quite obvious. No doubt that Micaiah had been given a gift of prophecy. These gifts are given to the children of God. Micaiah, although in the world, was not of the world. He had seen the visions of God, the glories of God, and now he was about to reveal to Ahab his exact vision.
And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD? (2 Chronicles 18:15)
Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace. (2 Chronicles 18:16)
And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil? (2 Chronicles 18:17)
The Prophet Speaks the Words from God
But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. (Mark 13:11)
Ahab tells Micaiah that he wants the truth, and only the truth. Wanting the truth, and abiding by the truth are two different things. Many a king has heard the truth of God, yet, turned their backs because they could not handle the truth. Ahab was about to be told that his kingdom was coming to an end, and the end of his life, for Israel would be scattered upon the mountains and their shepherd, the king, would be taken away. Ahab knew exactly what Micaiah prophecy was about; when he turned to Jehoshaphat, he said that he was right, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil? Micaiah was not through, he cried out, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. (2 Chronicles 18:18) The first time Micaiah spoke he simply said, ‘Go ye up and prosper,’ notice, he didn’t say, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ In verse 18, Micaiah defines his message with hear the word of the LORD. He relates his vision to both Ahab and Jehoshaphat, the Holy Spirit of God gives Micaiah specific words, I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne. This throne was above Ahab’s throne and Jehoshaphat’s throne. This should have caused both of them great concern, for they were mere subjects of the throne in heaven. They had no power, or sway in this earth except it be given them from above; yet, both were in direct rebellion against His throne in heaven. Micaiah continues to reveal unto Ahab, not only the throne of God, but what surrounded His throne, all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. This message has taken us from the evils of earth into the presence of God. Should not this have convinced these two kings of their plight. The Lord revealed his whole plan to Ahab, how the lying tongues of his prophets are going to deceive him. That God would make sure that there was a lying spirit in the mouth of all Ahab’s prophets.
Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? (2 Chronicles 18:20)
And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the LORD said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so. (2 Chronicles 18:21)
Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil against thee. (2 Chronicles 18:22)
We should realize that it was Ahab’s original plan to persuade Jehoshaphat to go with him to Ramothgilead to battle. God, in turn, in Micaiah’s prophecy is giving Ahab the desires of his heart to his own hurt for he will perish at Ramothgilead. Is there a deception from God? Is not Ahab already deceived by his own heart? If you were to have a similar prophecy given to you, what would be your decision? Should not Ahab call the whole thing off and live? This prophecy is about his doom; yet, his evil heart would not let him turn. Ahab, like a wild horse without a bridle, is going to do his own will despite what God’s prophet has to say. In Micaiah’s prophecy he is not only condemning the king to death, but he is revealing all four hundred false prophets that not only Micaiah is calling them liars, but God has put a lying spirit in their mouths. They were already deceivers, they already had lying hearts, now God fulfills the desires of their hearts by sending a lying spirit. This spirit is condemning them for their own lies. God’s Sovereignty will prevail. Zedekiah, the leader, does not take the prophecy silently, he is going to fix this prophet of God so he draws near and strikes Micaiah on the cheek.
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee? (2 Chronicles 18:23)
And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself. (2 Chronicles 18:24)
But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. (Matthew 26:63)
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. (Matthew 26:64)
Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.(Matthew 26:65)
What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. (Matthew 26:66)
Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, (Matthew 26:67)　
Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee? (Matthew 26:68)
We have two scenes: one with Zedekiah, and the other with the high priest and the Jews before the Lord Jesus Christ. Both Zedekiah and the Jews know without a shadow of a doubt that their judgment has been set. God has judged in the darkness of that inner chamber those false prophets in 2 Chronicles, and the false priests, and high priest in the days of Christ.
The Unique Messenger Sent to Men
If Micaiah was here today in New Testament Christianity, He would tell us that only God’s Anointed One, the Holy one of Israel, the Messiah, the Christ could set you free from death and hell. Only the blood of Christ can atone for your sin, but like Ahab the world gathers around the sting of death. Day after day, they would rather go to Ramothgilead, then come to the Life and Light of our Lord Jesus Christ. Every day we see long lines following death with tears. Their eyes are red with sadness for who they have lost. They also have the awareness in their own darkened hearts that one day, one hour, one minute will be their turn to face death; yet, like Ahab they will not repent, they will not change their course. They would rather have death and hell then Life and Light in Jesus Christ. Again, it is so surprising that Jehoshaphat remained silent to this judgment. He not only was quiet, but did not offer one word in the defense of Micaiah. God had pronounced judgment on Ahab, it was Jehoshaphat who had asked for a prophet of the Lord. When the prophet of the Lord came and pronounced judgment on Ahab would this not have included Jehoshaphat? Would he also fall in the battle? Neither one of these kings turned away from their evil. They were both being led to the slaughter. Once again let us see the scene that is taking place. Micaiah is rebuked by Ahab for telling them to go up and prosper. Jehoshaphat is silent. Could they not see the cold steering eyes of the prophet? Could they not hear the convicting words of Micaiah? I would think that they looked at each other during the course of Micaiah’s prophecy. What did they see in each other? Could they not feel that there was something amiss? Were their hearts so set on this quest that they could not be turned? Could they not believe the determinate counsels of God.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)
For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? (Romans 11:34)
Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (Romans 11:35)
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)
We have the set reality before us in Ahab and Jehoshaphat, can God’s counsel be changed? The judgment that was set forth by Micaiah was for Ahab, for when Micaiah addressed the king, he said that he saw all Israel, he did not include Judah. It would be Ahab who would be the missing shepherd, and it would be the ten tribes who would return to their homes defeated. God had set the die, not Micaiah. Micaiah had delivered the message. It would be the purpose of the Lord that Ahab would fall at Ramothgilead. He would be judged for all his evil. Although it would be only one arrow, it was the arrow of the Lord, and the arrow of God’s judgment. Ahab had received many warnings from God from Elijah, but his sin was so great that there would be no remedy.
In the vision of Micaiah we are brought into the presence of heaven. We are brought into the counsel chamber of God, and we are allowed to listen to His counsel. Romans 11 confirms the counsels of God that He determines His own counsels and will not be moved from them. Micaiah has delivered his part of the message. The Lord delivered His part of the message through the lying spirit, this was not only in the mouth of Zedekiah, but in the mouths of all three hundred and ninety-nine other prophets; truly, a majority. In our next study, we will see the result of a minority and not a majority for Ahab would not return. Our prophet had been abused by Ahab’s imprisonment, abused by the prophets, and most likely the people who stood around. He is one man, but not alone. I can see him standing strong, fastening his eyes on Zedekiah, and fastening his eyes on Ahab. They would both be judged and they would both see their last day on earth, Ahab would fall in the battle, and Zedekiah would be exposed as a false prophet and he would hide himself in the inner chamber until they came for him to take him to his death. The king was not deterred, and he was angry with Micaiah. Micaiah would be sent back to prison to receive bread and water of affliction. Whatever Ahab could to do to make Micaiah’s life most miserable, he was about to try. You have to admit this was a hard place for Micaiah, but he took a deep breath and with, ‘thus saith the Lord,’ he declared to Ahab that the king would not return in peace.
Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s son; (2 Chronicles 18:25)
And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace. (2 Chronicles 18:26)
And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, then hath not the LORD spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people. (2 Chronicles 18:27)
Hearken, all ye people
One last thought on this prophecy that Micaiah had prophesied concerning Ahab. He had also prophesied of the false prophets. He had also prophesied about the armies of Israel. He finished his prophecy with Hearken, all ye people. His message is now to all Israel. They had a long history of turning their backs on Jehovah. Many times Jehovah had spoken, and as a nation, they would not listen. They had just heard all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. They have all known that they are sinners. A severe message was given for the salvation of the nation; yet, they would not repent. I purposely used New Testament verses to show the position the world is in today. God has spoken many times and in diverse manners. And in these last days he has spoken by His Son, who is heir of all things, by whom He also made the worlds. It is Christ who is the brightness of God’s glory, and the express image of His Person. It is Christ who has spoken in these last days. The message is salvation. The rejection of the message is eternal damnation. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? Do you have a heart of Ahab, or a heart of Micaiah? Each one of us has to make a decision for our eternal soul. We either chose the life of an Ahab, or the life of a Micaiah. There are only these two choices. To be for God or to be against God, you make the choice. Amen
© Copyright 2016, Michael Haigh
Article may be used, but not for gain. Freely ye have received, freely give.
All Scripture references are from the Authorized King James Bible. (KJV)