What is the biggest mistake you have ever made? ∙∙∙
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not a prophet of the LORD still here, that we may ask him?” – 2 Chronicles 18:6
2 Chronicles 18:1-2
1 Jehoshaphat enjoyed great riches and high esteem, and he made an alliance with Ahab of Israel by having his son marry Ahab’s daughter.
2 A few years later he went to Samaria to visit Ahab, who prepared a great banquet for him and his officials. They butchered great numbers of sheep, goats, and cattle for the feast. Then Ahab enticed Jehoshaphat to join forces with him to recover Ramoth-Gilead.
The Danger of Compromising Choices
Why partner? When companies partner in today’s competitive world, their goal is often to create “synergistic momentum,” combining resources and expertise to achieve something greater than either can manage alone. This concept of partnership is not new; in fact, it mirrors the partnerships we see throughout history, some of which are wise and others woefully misguided.
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, made a grave mistake with significant consequences. For all of his commendable qualities as a godly leader, he had a blind spot—his alliances. His decision to partner with the infamous King Ahab of Israel would become one of the biggest mistakes of his life. This alliance wasn’t born of prayer or wisdom but of flattery and persuasion. Jehoshaphat neglected to seek the Father’s counsel and nearly paid with his life.
Consequences of an Unequal Alliance
The northern and southern tribes of Israel were divided at this time in history. Jehoshaphat ruled the southern kingdom of Judah, while Ahab—an evil and deceitful king—ruled the northern kingdom of Israel. Ahab was a real piece of work. He was notorious for his corruption and idol worship, yet Jehoshaphat allowed himself to be drawn into collaboration with him.
What did Ahab do? Ahab’s approach was cunning. He hosted Jehoshaphat with grand festivities, creating an atmosphere of pomp and circumstance. Imagine the imagery—royal processions, magnificent banquets, and flattery aplenty. Trumpets blaring, large crowds cheering, the Royal Orchestra of Samaria strikes up the equivalent of “Hail to the Chief.” It would have been epic. Ahab pulled every trick to inflate Jehoshaphat’s pride and lower his defenses. And it worked.
Undoubtedly, it would have gone right to Jehoshaphat’s head. His yarmulke probably stretched 2 or 3 sizes as his head swelled. But Ahab was only getting started. He wined and dined Jehoshaphat. Ahab presumably flattered Jehoshaphat with compliments and obsequious accolades. Jehoshaphat became utterly caught up in the moment.
Ahab had planted the hook. At the right moment, he yanked the string. He enticed Jehoshaphat to join forces with him to attack a mutual enemy. Foolishly, Jehoshaphat agreed. He neglected to confer with his current partner, the Father.
“Will you go with me to Ramoth-Gilead?” King Ahab asked. Without consulting the Lord, Jehoshaphat responded, “Why, of course! You and I are as one, and my troops are your troops. We will certainly join you in battle” (2 Chronicles 18:3).
The Hebrew term suth, meaning “entice” or “to persuade cunningly,” is used here. It carries with it a “tone of deception.” The same word is found in 1 Chronicles 21:1, where Satan incited David to take an unauthorized census, highlighting its deceptive nature.
REFLECT & PRAY
“Flirtation with those in apostasy is flirtation with catastrophe” (Thompson).
Father, grant me wisdom and discernment in my decisions. Strengthen me to stand firm in truth and refuse the influence of ungodly alliances. Help me to seek Your guidance in all things and trust in Your direction.
INSIGHT
Seeking the Lord—Too Late
Jehoshaphat was loopy from the wine but was not completely impaired. Jehoshaphat had one condition. Though swept up in the moment, Jehoshaphat eventually realized the gravity of his decision. Before the battle against Ramoth-Gilead, he finally paused to seek the Lord’s direction.
“But first, let’s find out what the LORD says” (2 Chronicles 18:4).
Jehoshaphat turned to the Lord after the agreement had already been made, placing him in a precarious situation. Ahab was not on good terms with the Father’s true prophets. He disdained them because they always told the truth. Ahab, who cared little for God’s truth. So the king of Israel [Ahab] summoned his prophets, 400 of them, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-Gilead, or should I hold back?” They all replied, “Yes, go right ahead! God will give the king victory”(2 Chronicles 18:5).
But Jehoshaphat wasn’t entirely deceived. These hollow assurances didn’t align with the voice of truth. Jehoshaphat’s less-than-stellar judgment, with a pinch of pride, had got him into the present situation. Mercifully, he was not totally hoodwinked by every outright lie and subterfuge. As they say, he may have been born at night, but he had not been born “last night.”
Those who are used to handling the truth, the Word of God, have “their senses trained to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).
For Jehoshaphat, false prophets would not do. He insisted on hearing from a true prophet of the Lord. Knowing what the truth sounds like spoils you. Hearing the truth provides a built-in guard against deception and lies.
“Is there not also a prophet of the LORD here? We should ask him the same question” (2 Chronicles 18:6).
The Courage to Speak the Truth
Jehoshaphat’s insistence led Ahab to reach out to a true prophet of the Lord reluctantly. Ahab made no attempt to hide his contempt, saying, “There is one more man who could consult the LORD for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah.” (2 Chronicles 18:7).
Jehoshaphat was a bit appalled by Ahab’s response. Perhaps the dulling effect of the wine was wearing off. He replied, “That’s not the way a king should talk! Let’s hear what he has to say” (2 Chronicles 18:7).
Reluctantly, Ahab sent for Micaiah. But in the process, Ahab’s guy tried to put in the fix. He pressed Micaiah to give the same prediction as the false prophets. Micaiah would have nothing to do with it. That’s one of the things about God’s prophets; they tend to be harder than flint and do not back down from proclaiming the truth.
2 Chronicles 18:8, 12-13
8 So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Quick! Bring Micaiah.”
12 Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success.”
13 But Micaiah replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will say only what my God says.”
The Father calls His prophets “My servants.” They only say what He tells them to say. They do not add, take away, or alter His words. The Father’s words are the plumb line by which everything will be measured.
At this juncture, Micaiah was well aware of what was going on. Micaiah resorts to a bit of sanctified sarcasm.
2 Chronicles 18:14, 15
14 When Micaiah arrived before the king, Ahab asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-Gilead, or should I hold back?” Micaiah replied sarcastically, “Yes, go up and be victorious, for you will have victory over them!”
15 But the king replied sharply, “How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the LORD?”
Well, Ahab wasn’t stupid either, well, not that stupid. And he knew that Micaiah was not saying what God had revealed to him. He cries a few crocodile tears. He then calls out Micaiah. So, Micaiah comes clean and tells the rest of the story.
True prophets of God cannot be swayed by human opinion, and Micaiah stood firm in delivering the Lord’s warning. Initially using a touch of sarcastic humor, Micaiah appeared to echo the false prophets, but when pressed, he revealed the truth. His vision foretold disaster for Israel and Ahab’s death.
“In a vision, I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace’” (2 Chronicles 18:16).
Micaiah clearly prophesied Ahab’s death. Bad news, just what Ahab anticipated. He responded with fury. Though Micaiah’s words were clear, Ahab chose anger over wisdom. They had had him imprisoned on a diet of bread and water (2 Chronicles 18:25-26). Obstinate as ever, Ahab rejected God’s counsel and barrelled toward his doom.
Lessons from Jehoshaphat’s Mistake
Jehoshaphat’s story is a sobering reminder of the consequences of unwise alliances. His failure to seek the Lord’s guidance at the outset of his decision-making led him into a dangerous and compromising partnership. His eventual insistence on finding a true prophet highlights an enduring lesson—discernment and truth are critical safeguards against deception. Yet, in His mercy, God provides guidance and second chances. Through His Word and Spirit, He directs His children to walk in truth, offering protection and hope even after we have faltered.
The Word of God sharpens our ability to distinguish between truth and lies. “Their senses trained to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). Those steeped in the truth develop spiritual insight that can protect them even when they’ve stumbled into error.
Jehoshaphat’s misstep underscores the importance of seeking God first in every decision. Compromising alliances can lead to disastrous outcomes when we fail to seek the Father’s wisdom and rely on our own understanding. Through His Word and Spirit, He directs His children to walk in truth, offering protection and hope even after we have faltered.
“If you play with fire, you get burned.” Instead, it is wiser to rely on the Father, who provides a safe and unwavering path forward.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 