Thoughts
Chronicles 18
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, forms an alliance with Ahab, king of Israel, by marriage.
Ahab invites Jehoshaphat to join him in attacking Ramoth-gilead. Jehoshaphat agrees but insists they seek the word of the Lord first.
Ahab gathers 400 prophets, who all predict victory. Jehoshaphat senses something is off and asks if there is a prophet of the Lord besides them. Ahab reluctantly mentions Micaiah son of Imlah, whom he dislikes because he “never prophesies good” about him.
- the number 400 recalls 1 Kings 18, where Elijah confronted 450 prophets of Baal and 400 of Asherah
The false prophet Zedekiah uses iron horns as a symbol of victory.
The messenger urges Micaiah to agree with the other prophets, but Micaiah vows to speak only what the Lord says.
At first, he sarcastically says “Go and succeed!”
- When pressed, he says:
- Israel will be scattered like sheep without a shepherd (Ahab will die).
- He describes a heavenly scene where a lying spirit is sent to deceive Ahab’s prophets.
Ahab rejects the warning; Micaiah is imprisoned until Ahab returns (which he will not).
Ahab disguises himself in battle while Jehoshaphat wears royal robes. The Aramean soldiers mistake Jehoshaphat for Ahab, but when he cries out, God helps him, and they turn away.
A random arrow strikes Ahab, fulfilling Micaiah’s prophecy. Ahab dies that evening; Israel retreats, crying, “Every man to his city and his own country!”
Chronicles 19
Jehoshaphat returns safely to Jerusalem after the battle. Jehu son of Hanani meets him and rebukes him for helping the wicked (Ahab) and loving those who hate the Lord.
However, Jehu acknowledges that good is found in Jehoshaphat, since he destroyed idols and sought the Lord wholeheartedly.
Jehoshaphat travels from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, telling the people to turn back to the Lord, the God of their fathers.
He appoints judges in every fortified city of Judah. He instructs them to judge not for man but for the Lord.
In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appoints Levites, priests, and family heads of Israel to administer judgment in cases appealed from the local courts.
- He divides their duties:
- Amariah the high priest over matters of the Lord (religious cases).
- Zebadiah son of Ishmael, ruler of the house of Judah, over matters of the king (civil cases).
- The Levites serve as officers and assistants.
Chronicles 20
The Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites (Edomites) unite to attack Judah. Jehoshaphat is afraid, but his first response is to seek God (yay!)
He demands a fast throughout Judah, and people from every town gather to seek help from God.
Standing in the Temple courtyard, Jehoshaphat prays:
- He talks of God’s power
- He talks of God’s past faithfulness to Abraham’s descendants.
- He confesses their helplessness
The Spirit of the Lord comes upon Jahaziel, a Levite of Asaph’s line.
- He proclaims:
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.
For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
Jehoshaphat bows low and the Levites stand and praise loudly. He appoints singers to go before the army, praising God. As they begin to sing, the Lord sets ambushes among the enemy armies
Judah finds only dead bodies and vast plunder. The people gather in the Valley of Beracah (“Blessing”) to praise God and they enjoy peace
He later makes another alliance with Ahaziah of Israel to build trading ships, but God allows the ships to be destroyed.
Questions
Did the prophet use real iron horns? What did this look like?
Did Micaiah use Godly sass?
Why did they need 400 prophets? Were they real prophets?
What were God’s ambushes in chapter 20?
Application
Jehoshaphat was a godly king, but even he made the mistake of aligning with the wrong people. His alliance with Ahab might have seemed harmless, but was not what God wanted. However, when God rebuked him Jehoshaphat didn’t argue or retreat, he went out and strengthened his people. Do we let correction lead to growth, or do you resist? Who might we align with in life that is not part of God’s plan?
Jo Reads The Bible 
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