EGW Writings2 Chronicles 18

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 15—Jehoshaphat

PK 192.2

For many years Jehoshaphat lived in peace, unmolested by surrounding nations. “The fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah.” Verse 10. From Philistia he received tribute money and presents; from Arabia, large flocks of sheep and goats. “Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of stores.... Men of war, mighty men of valor, ... waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.” Verses 12-19. Blessed abundantly with “riches and honor,” he was enabled to wield a mighty influence for truth and righteousness. 2 Chronicles 18:1.

PK 195.2

Although Jehoshaphat in a moment of weakness had rashly promised to join the king of Israel in his war against the Syrians, yet his better judgment led him to seek to learn the will of God concerning the undertaking. “Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord today,” he suggested to Ahab. In response, Ahab called together four hundred of the false prophets of Samaria, and asked of them, “Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?” And they answered, “Go up; for God will deliver it into the kings’s hand.” Verses 4, 5.

PK 195.3

Unsatisfied, Jehoshaphat sought to learn for a certainty the will of God. “Is there not here a prophet of the Lord,” he asked, “that we might inquire of him?” Verse 6. “There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord,” Ahab answered; “but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.” 1 Kings 22:8. Jehoshaphat was firm in his request that the man of God be called; and upon appearing before them and being adjured by Ahab to tell “nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord,” Micaiah said: “I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.” Verses 16, 17.

PK 196.1

The words of the prophet should have been enough to show the kings that their project was not favored by Heaven, but neither ruler felt inclined to heed the warning. Ahab had marked out his course, and he was determined to follow it. Jehoshaphat had given his word of honor, “We will be with thee in the war;” and after making such a promise, he was reluctant to withdraw his forces. 2 Chronicles 18:3. “So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead.” 1 Kings 22:29.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 15—Jehoshaphat, the King Who Believed God

SS 102.2

For many years Jehoshaphat was unmolested by surrounding nations. “The fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah.” “Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store ... . Men of war ... waited on the king.” 2 Chronicles 17:10, 12-19. Blessed with “riches and honor” (2 Chronicles 18:1), he was enabled to wield a mighty influence for truth and righteousness. In the height of his prosperity Jehoshaphat consented to the marriage of his son Jehoram to Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. This union formed between Judah and Israel an alliance which in time of crisis brought disaster to the king and to many of his subjects.

SS 102.4

Jehoshaphat in a moment of weakness rashly promised to join him against the Syrians; yet his better judgment led him to seek the will of God concerning the undertaking. “Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord,” he suggested to Ahab. In response, Ahab called four hundred false prophets, and asked, “Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?” They answered, “Go up; for God will deliver it into the king’s hand.” Verses 4, 5.

SS 103.1

Unsatisfied, Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might inquire of him?” Verse 6. “There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord,” Ahab answered, “but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me.” 1 Kings 22:8. Jehoshaphat was firm in his request that the man of God be called. Micaiah said: “I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.” Verse 17.

From Splendor to Shadow

Jehoshaphat Makes a Mistake

SS 103.2

Neither ruler felt inclined to heed the warning. Ahab had marked out his course and was determined to follow it. Jehoshaphat had given his word, “We will be with thee in the war” (2 Chronicles 18:3), and after making such a promise he was reluctant to withdraw his forces. “So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead.” 1 Kings 22:29. During the battle that followed, Ahab was shot by an arrow and died.