Jehoshaphat and Ahab II Chronicles 18

II Chronicles 18:1 "Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab."

You know how it is, you come into some money and the estranged kinfolk suddenly make you a feast.

v2 "And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead."

Ahab threw him a part then took him on a little road trip. I always like to drive my own car so I can leave when I want to. I don't know if Jehoshaphat felt obligated or what but Ahab put the next step of his plan in play.

v3 "And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramoth-gilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art and my people as thy people, and we will be with thee in the war."

Jehoshaphat asked Ahab to inquire of the LORD. Ahab pretended to seek the blessings of God by calling in hundreds of prophets. They were not true prophets though and Jehoshaphat must have suspected as much.

These prophets all said to go on to war and that God was with them.

v6 "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?"

Ahab said there was such a man but he would only bring bad tidings, nevertheless he was called and told them the truth.

At first the prophet did as he was told by Ahab's people and agreed with the false prophets but at the prompting of Jehoshaphat, he told the true prophesy.

v16 "Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountain, as sheep that have no shepherd; and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace."

Ahab had the prophet thrown in prison and went off to battle. Just in case Ahab disguised himself but let Jehoshaphat wear his kings clothes. The enemy went after the king thinking it was Ahab but turned back when they saw that it was not.

By chance, a man shot an arrow and injured Ahab. He later died. Jehoshaphat returned to his people and was reprimanded by a prophet who met him in the next chapter.

Jehoshaphat fell into a trap set by Ahab. It was a lesson hard learned.

Proverbs 10:23 "It is as sport to a fool to do mischief, but a man of understanding hath wisdom."

Jehoshaphat is led astray by Ahab.