1 Kings 22

1 Kings 22 describes the conclusion of Ahab's reign as the king of Israel. The chapter details the alliance between Ahab and Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, in their attempt to reclaim Ramoth Gilead from the Syrians. Despite warnings from the prophet Micaiah, Ahab proceeds into battle, where he meets his death, fulfilling a prophecy about his demise. Jehoshaphat survives, and Ahab's son Ahaziah takes the throne. This chapter showcases themes of prophecy, divine judgment, and the consequences of ignoring God's warnings.

1 Kings 22:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now three years passed without war between Syria and Israel.
2 Then it came to pass, in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went down to visit the king of Israel.
3 And the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you know that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, but we hesitate to take it out of the hand of the king of Syria?”
4 So he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to fight at Ramoth Gilead?” Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.”
5 Also Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire for the word of the Lord today.”

This passage introduces the peace between Israel and Syria, but Ahab seeks to reclaim Ramoth Gilead, a territory that belongs to Israel but is held by Syria. Ahab seeks the alliance of Jehoshaphat, who agrees but insists that they seek God's counsel first. Jehoshaphat’s suggestion to inquire of the Lord shows his concern for divine guidance, contrasting Ahab’s more impulsive approach.

1 Kings 22:6 (NKJV)
6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go against Ramoth Gilead to fight, or shall I refrain?” So they said, “Go up, for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.”

Ahab gathers four hundred prophets who tell him exactly what he wants to hear, encouraging him to go into battle and assuring him of victory. These prophets are not true prophets of God; instead, they seek to please the king rather than genuinely inquire of the Lord. This episode underscores Ahab’s tendency to surround himself with voices that echo his own desires, disregarding the need for genuine divine guidance.

1 Kings 22:7-9 (NKJV)
7 And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of Him?”
8 So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say such things!”
9 Then the king of Israel called an officer and said, “Bring Micaiah the son of Imlah quickly!”

Jehoshaphat senses the insincerity of Ahab’s prophets and asks if there is a true prophet of the Lord. Ahab mentions Micaiah, whom he dislikes because Micaiah’s prophecies often go against his plans. Despite Ahab’s reluctance, Jehoshaphat insists on hearing from Micaiah, showing his desire for authentic prophetic counsel, even if it means hearing unwelcome news.

1 Kings 22:10-12 (NKJV)
10 The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, having put on their robes, sat each on his throne, at a threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.
11 Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made horns of iron for himself; and he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘With these you shall gore the Syrians until they are destroyed.’”
12 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, “Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, for the Lord will deliver it into the king’s hand.”

Both kings sit in royal attire as the prophets continue to declare success in the upcoming battle. Zedekiah, a prominent prophet among them, uses a visual symbol of iron horns to dramatize his prophecy of victory. The consensus of these prophets creates a strong but deceptive assurance, reflecting the danger of false confidence when seeking guidance outside of God's true will.

1 Kings 22:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Now listen, the words of the prophets with one accord encourage the king. Please let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak encouragement.”
14 And Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, whatever the Lord says to me, that I will speak.”

The messenger tries to persuade Micaiah to conform to the other prophets’ positive message, hoping to avoid conflict with the king. However, Micaiah remains resolute, declaring that he will only speak what the Lord reveals to him. His response demonstrates the integrity and courage of a true prophet, willing to stand alone for truth, regardless of the consequences.

1 Kings 22:15-16 (NKJV)
15 Then he came to the king; and the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall we refrain?”
And he answered him, “Go and prosper, for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king!”
16 So the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?”

Micaiah initially responds with sarcasm, echoing the false prophets by saying exactly what Ahab wants to hear. However, Ahab, recognizing the tone, demands the truth. This moment reveals Ahab's inner awareness that the positive words from the false prophets aren’t genuine, even as he seeks to silence voices of truth.

1 Kings 22:17-18 (NKJV)
17 Then he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.’”
18 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?”

Micaiah reveals the true vision he received from the Lord, where Israel is left leaderless, symbolizing Ahab’s impending death. The people of Israel are described as sheep without a shepherd, indicating that their king will no longer guide them. Ahab’s response to Jehoshaphat shows his frustration, as he had expected a negative prophecy from Micaiah and still chooses to ignore the warning.

1 Kings 22:19-23 (NKJV)
19 Then Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by, on His right hand and on His left.
20 And the Lord said, ‘Who will persuade Ahab to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead?’ So one spoke in this manner, and another spoke in that manner.
21 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, and said, ‘I will persuade him.’
22 The Lord said to him, ‘In what way?’ So he said, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And the Lord said, ‘You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go out and do so.’
23 Therefore look! The Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours, and the Lord has declared disaster against you.”

The prophet Micaiah shares a vision of God seated on His throne, surrounded by the host of heaven, where He asks who will entice King Ahab to go into battle at Ramoth-Gilead, where he will die. A spirit, understood to be a fallen angel, volunteers to be a "lying spirit" in the mouths of Ahab’s prophets, convincing them to predict victory. God permits this, knowing Ahab has repeatedly rejected truth and chosen deception over divine guidance. At this time (before the cross), fallen angels still had access to heaven, though only under God’s authority. This vision highlights God’s sovereignty over all spiritual beings, including fallen angels, and shows that, while God does not create lies, He sometimes allows fallen beings to act within His plans, especially when individuals—like Ahab—persistently choose rebellion. In this way, God brings about Ahab’s judgment, emphasizing the serious consequences of rejecting divine guidance.

1 Kings 22:24-25 (NKJV)
24 Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, “Which way did the spirit from the Lord go from me to speak to you?”
25 And Micaiah said, “Indeed, you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide!”

Zedekiah, one of the false prophets, reacts angrily to Micaiah’s prophecy, physically striking him and mocking his claim to have heard from the Lord. Micaiah responds with a prophetic warning that Zedekiah will soon find himself in hiding, a sign of his humiliation and the fulfillment of the true prophecy. This moment highlights the tension between truth and deception, with Micaiah standing firm in his role as a true prophet of God.

1 Kings 22:26-28 (NKJV)
26 So the king of Israel said, “Take Micaiah, and return him to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king’s son;
27 and say, ‘Thus says the king: “Put this fellow in prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and water of affliction, until I come in peace.”’”
28 But Micaiah said, “If you ever return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Take heed, all you people!”

Ahab orders Micaiah to be imprisoned, feeding him only the bare necessities as punishment for his unwelcome prophecy. Micaiah, undeterred, declares that Ahab will not return in peace, reaffirming the truth of his vision. He calls on the people to witness his words, indicating that they will see the prophecy fulfilled if Ahab does not survive the battle.

1 Kings 22:29-33 (NKJV)
29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead.
30 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle; but you put on your robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle.
31 Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, “Fight with no one small or great, but only with the king of Israel.”
32 So it was, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, “Surely it is the king of Israel!” Therefore they turned aside to fight against him, and Jehoshaphat cried out.
33 And it happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

Ahab, knowing the danger he faces, disguises himself to avoid being targeted, leaving Jehoshaphat to wear his royal robes. However, the Syrian forces are under strict orders to only attack the king of Israel. When they see Jehoshaphat in royal attire, they mistakenly think he is Ahab and pursue him. Jehoshaphat cries out, and they realize their mistake, turning away. This event shows Ahab’s fear and cunning but also demonstrates that disguises cannot escape God's will.

1 Kings 22:34-35 (NKJV)
34 Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am wounded.”
35 The battle increased that day; and the king was propped up in his chariot, facing the Syrians, and died at evening. The blood ran out from the wound onto the floor of the chariot.

Despite Ahab’s attempt to avoid detection, an archer randomly shoots an arrow that finds the small opening in Ahab’s armor, fatally wounding him. Ahab tries to continue in the battle but eventually succumbs to his injuries, fulfilling Micaiah’s prophecy. His death marks the end of his reign, demonstrating that God’s judgment cannot be avoided, no matter the measures taken to prevent it.

1 Kings 22:36-38 (NKJV)
36 Then, as the sun was going down, a shout went throughout the army, saying, “Every man to his city, and every man to his own country!”
37 So the king died, and was brought to Samaria. And they buried the king in Samaria.
38 Then someone washed the chariot at a pool in Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood while the harlots bathed, according to the word of the Lord which He had spoken.

As Ahab dies, the army disperses, marking the end of the battle. His body is brought back to Samaria for burial. The detail of dogs licking up his blood fulfills the prophecy of Elijah in 1 Kings 21:19, where God had foretold that Ahab’s blood would be licked by dogs. This grim detail reinforces the theme of divine justice being carried out in accordance with God’s word.

1 Kings 22:39-40 (NKJV)
39 Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, the ivory house which he built and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
40 So Ahab rested with his fathers. Then Ahaziah his son reigned in his place.

These verses serve as a summary of Ahab’s reign, noting his accomplishments, including the construction of his ivory palace and the cities he built. However, despite these achievements, Ahab’s legacy is marred by his wickedness and the divine judgment upon him. His death paves the way for his son Ahaziah to take the throne.

1 Kings 22:41-44 (NKJV)
41 Jehoshaphat the son of Asa had become king over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel.
42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
43 And he walked in all the ways of his father Asa. He did not turn aside from them, doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Nevertheless the high places were not taken away, for the people offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.
44 Also Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel.

These verses highlight Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah. He followed in his father Asa’s footsteps, seeking to do what was right in God’s sight. However, like many of Judah’s kings, he failed to remove the high places where unauthorized worship took place. Despite his alliance with Ahab, Jehoshaphat is portrayed as a generally righteous king, who sought peace with Israel during a turbulent period.

1 Kings 22:45-46 (NKJV)
45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, the might that he showed, and how he made war, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
46 And the rest of the perverted persons, who remained in the days of his father Asa, he banished from the land.

Jehoshaphat’s reign is further summarized, noting his military might and his efforts to rid the land of the remnants of the perverted practices that had persisted since Asa’s reign. This action demonstrates his commitment to reform and to upholding righteousness in the land of Judah.

1 Kings 22:47-49 (NKJV)
47 There was then no king in Edom, only a deputy of the king.
48 Jehoshaphat made merchant ships to go to Ophir for gold; but they never sailed, for the ships were wrecked at Ezion Geber.
49 Then Ahaziah the son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, “Let my servants go with your servants in the ships,” but Jehoshaphat would not.

These verses note Jehoshaphat’s attempt to engage in trade by sending ships to Ophir for gold, but the expedition fails as the ships are wrecked. Ahaziah, Ahab’s son, seeks to form a partnership with Jehoshaphat for another attempt, but Jehoshaphat refuses. This rejection signals Jehoshaphat’s reluctance to continue his alliance with Ahab’s lineage after seeing the disastrous outcome of their previous partnership.

1 Kings 22:50 (NKJV)
50 And Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the City of David his father. Then Jehoram his son reigned in his place.

Jehoshaphat’s death marks the end of his reign, and he is buried with honor in the City of David. His son Jehoram succeeds him as king. This peaceful transition contrasts with the turmoil surrounding Ahab’s death, highlighting the stability of Judah’s royal line in comparison to the troubled reign of Israel’s kings.

1 Kings 22:51-53 (NKJV)
51 Ahaziah the son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over Israel.
52 He did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin;
53 for he served Baal and worshiped him, and provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger, according to all that his father had done.

Ahaziah’s brief reign over Israel follows in the same path as his father Ahab and his mother Jezebel. Like them, he engages in idolatry, specifically the worship of Baal, continuing to lead Israel into sin. His actions provoke God’s anger, setting the stage for further judgment on Israel’s leadership. Ahaziah’s reign illustrates the continued decline of Israel’s spiritual state under the influence of idolatrous rulers.