Bible Pathway - Apr. 30, 2010
Highlights:
Jezebel murders Naboth to satisfy Ahab's coveting a poor man's vineyard; Elijah foretells the death of Ahab and Jezebel (I Kin. 21:17-24) and it comes to pass (22:37-38). Jehoshaphat does right in the eyes of the Lord. . . . the sodomites . . . he took out of the land (22:43,46).
Verse for Today:
Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak (I Kin. 22:14).
Ahab ruled the Northern Kingdom of Israel in Samaria. Just a few words describes his life: But there was none like . . . Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up (incited). And he did very abominably (behaved in a very vile, detestable manner) in following idols (21:25-26).
Ahab invited Jehoshaphat, king of Judah and his daughter's father in law (II Kin. 8:16-18), to join him in a war to retake Ramoth-gilead from Syria. Jesoshaphat agreed to join Ahab in attacking Syria. About four hundred of Ahab's paid prophets unanimously assured the two kings of a great victory. But godly Jehoshaphat must have felt uneasy and asked Ahab: Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might inquire of him? (22:7). Reluctantly, Ahab replied: There is yet one man, Micaiah . . . by whom we may inquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil (22:8).
The messenger who was sent to bring Micaiah from prison spake unto him, saying . . . let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them . . . And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak (22:13-14). Obedience to God was far more important than his freedom, and he courageously proclaimed: I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd (22:17). There were 400 "yes" votes to Micaiah's definite "no" vote.
Micaiah had bluntly foretold Ahab's death. And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil? (22:18). He then ordered Micaiah to be sent back to prison. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully (I Pet. 2:19). The obedient prophet was right, Ahab died on the first day of battle (I Kin. 22:34,37).
Ahab's disregard for the Word of God should be a warning to all who are making the same fatal mistake. In contrast, a follower of Christ can express unlimited peace of mind with the psalmist: I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved (Ps. 16:8).
Thought for Today:
His praise shall continually be in my mouth (Ps. 34:1).
Christ Portrayed:
By Micaiah, who would say only what God instructed him to say (I Kin. 22:14). Jesus faithfully told others only what God told Him to say. Then said Jesus unto them . . . I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things (John 8:28; 12:49-50).
Word Studies:
21:27 softly =sadly, subdued; 22:3 be still =do nothing; 22:11 push =ore; 22:13 with one mouth =unanimously; 22:16 adjure thee =put you under oath; 22:34 at a venture =without specific aim; harness =armor; 22:48 broken =wrecked.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash in memory of Letha Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy (OH) and Rep. Robert Scott (VA) • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Country: Guinea-Bissau (1 million) on the western coast of Africa • Major languages: Portuguese and Criolo • Religious freedom • 51% animist; 42% Muslim; 6% Roman Catholic; .7% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks always for fellow Christians (II Thess. 2:13-14).
Optional Reading: Romans 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:13
