Micaiah, a Prophet

GOLDEN TEXT: “As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak.”—I Kings 22:14

FOR the third quarter of 1948 the assignments for these studies deal with what are referred to as “Unheralded Bible Characters.” The one listed for this lesson is Micaiah, a prophet in Israel whom the Lord used and blessed because of his fidelity to truth irrespective of how he might be affected by upholding it. The circumstances which serve to reveal Micaiah as a prophet true to his God have to do with the closing days of the life of Ahab, a wicked king of Israel. These circumstances placed Micaiah in a trying position, and the sterling qualities of his character are reflected in the Golden Text which indicates the prophet’s determination to relate the truth as he received it from the Lord no matter how much it might displease King Ahab.

I KINGS 22:5-9—In considering the narrative of this chapter it is well to take into consideration the wickedness of Ahab; and that because of this the Lord had previously indicated his intention of bringing his reign to an end. (See preceding chapter.) A short reprieve had been granted: because of Ahab’s more or less repentant attitude when Elijah delivered a message of doom to him from the Lord. Apparently, however; his repentance and humility were not long-lasting, and the Lord, who is able to read the very thoughts of the mind and the intents of the heart, saw that Ahab had not actually reformed. It was consistent with God’s dealings with the Israelites under the Law that Ahab be put to death.

Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, visited Ahab, king of Israel, who solicited his help in capturing Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians. Jehoshaphat indicated his willingness to co-operate, but suggested that first they consult the Lord in the matter by inquiring of his prophets whether or not they could expect divine guidance and help. Apparently Israel’s king had surrounded himself with “prophets” who were quite willing to prophesy pleasant things to please the king. Four hundred of them were summoned, and to a man they all assured Ahab that victory would crown his efforts to capture Ramoth-gilead.

But Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was not convinced. There was something about the situation that left a measure of uncertainty in his mind so he asked if there was another prophet of the Lord from whom they might inquire. Then Ahab told him about Micaiah, but was frank to say that he did not favor him because, as he explained, “He doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.” In this statement is revealed the perverse attitude of Ahab. He was determined to have his own way even if he had to silence the Lord’s prophets who were bold enough to tell him the truth, and listen only to those who were willing to compromise themselves in order to please their king.

Jehoshaphat insisted, however, that Micaiah be consulted; and as Ahab greatly needed his help he yielded, and this lone prophet of the Lord was summoned.

I KINGS 22:13-18—The messenger who was sent to bring Micaiah before Ahab and Jehoshaphat was evidently a faithful cohort of Israel’s king, for he warned the prophet that it would be to his best interest to prophesy good rather than evil. But the prophet was not dissuaded by this from telling the truth. However, by what appears a clever ruse, he caught the king off guard and caused him to reveal that deep down in his heart he knew self that he was taking a wrong course. At first Micaiah agreed with the other prophets, and it was this that surprised the king, for he expected Micaiah would tell the truth, and apparently he knew that the other prophets had not told the truth.

I KINGS 22:26-28—Micaiah quickly reversed his position and made it clear that Ahab would meet his doom in the proposed battle. The prophet’s account of the vision by which the Lord gave him this information is most interesting. It need not be understood literally, but it does indicate that the Lord permits those to be deceived whose hearts are already perverse and wicked. In the New Testament, the apostle tells us concerning a similar class in this end of the age, and that the Lord would send them a “strong delusion” that they might believe a lie.—II Thess. 2:11

There is a heart-searching lesson in this for every follower of the Master. It reveals the great importance of keeping our hearts pure and sincere before the Lord. If we love the Lord’s will more than we love life itself his providence will protect us; hence no matter how Satan may try to deceive us he will not be able to accomplish his ends. But if we are looking for a way other than that of truth and righteousness the Lord will permit the great deceiver to lead us into darkness and finally into death. As is always the case with those who are true to the vision of truth the Lord gives them, Micaiah was vindicated and the four hundred unfaithful prophets were proved wrong.

QUESTIONS:

Who was Micaiah?

How did he prove his faithfulness to the Lord?

Does God permit the pure of heart to be deceived?

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