Jehoshaphat and Ahab Join Forces I Kings 22

I Kings 22:4 "And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramoth-gilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses."

Syria is occupying Ramoth-gilead, a territory of Israel. The two kings of Canaan, Israel and Judah, are on a friendly basis and wish to join forces to take the area back. They first wish to enquire of the Lord and send for the prophets. Over 400 show up and give their particular prediction of what will take place, but there is another prophet: Micaiah.

v23 "Now therefore behold the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee."

In other words, all was not going to go well for Ahab as the 400 had told him. I expect they wished to tell the king what he wanted to hear but actually had no real insight. Micaiah on the other hand told the king the truth.

v17 "And he 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."

That was a prediction of the death of Ahab. Micaiah was thrown in jail and put on bread and water. Ahab and Jehosphaphat got to the battlefield. Ahab decided he would go into battle as one of the troops while Jehoshaphat sat in robes as the king. The enemy was given orders to go after the king in particular and so the king had to flee. In all the fighting, Ahab was wounded and bleed in the chariot.

v34 "And a certain man drew a bow at a venture and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot Turn thine hand and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded."

The king died before they got home and the chariot was washed out in the place where Naboth was stoned and killed.

v38 "And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria and the dogs licked up his blood and they washed the armour according unto the word of the LORD which he spake."

Jehoshaphat was a good king and reigned for 25 years from the time he was 35 years old. He followed after Asa who was also a good king.

Proverbs 22:1 "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favour rather than silver and gold."

keywords: Bible Study, Samaria, Israel, Jehoshaphat, Ahab. Ahab killed in battle and the dogs licked his blood.