Today's Bible Study Lesson
“Micaiah: Speaking Truth to Power”
Aim: Identify with Micaiah’s boldness in declaring the word of the Lord, Aspire to be like Micaiah when speaking the word of the Lord, and Commit to tell those in power what the Lord has said.
Background: 1 Kings 22:1-40
Bible Lesson: 1 Kings 22:15-23, 26-28
Memory Verses:
“And Micaiah said, [As] the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.” 1Kings 22:14 KJV
Some Highlights:
- The Books of 1 and 2 Kings were originally just one Book that was divided into two by the translators of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) and continued as two books in modern versions of the Bible. The God-inspired author of 1 and 2 Kings is unknown. These Books document the kingship and monarchy as regulated by the Mosaic covenant. The Israelites were divided into the Northern and Southern kingdoms, Israel and Judah, respectively. Wicked Ahab is king of Israel and Jehoshaphat is king of Judah. Our Study focuses on Ahab, whom you may remember was married to Jezebel, who met a horrible end due to her wickedness.
- Ramoth-Gilead was a Levitical city of refuge in the inheritance of the Tribe of Gad. This city changed hands several times between Israel and Syria. At the time of our Study, the city was under Syrian control.
- King Ahab and King Jehoshaphat had a treaty to defend each other in times of war. 1 Kings Chapter 22 opens with King Jehoshaphat going down to visit King Ahab. During the visit, King Ahab reminded King Jehoshaphat that Ramoth-Gilead belonged to Israel and he asked him to join him in the battle to reclaim it from the Syrians. King Jehoshaphat agreed to assist; however, he requested that they seek the counsel of the Lord.
- King Ahab brought together his four hundred prophets and asked them whether they should go to war against Ramoth-Gilead or not. His four hundred prophets unanimously said “Go, for the Lord will give the battle into the king’s hand.” His four hundred prophets always sought to please the king rather than to seek the Will of God. King Jehoshaphat was not satisfied and asked is there not a prophet of the Lord that they could consult. King Ahab reluctantly responded that there was such a prophet, Miciaiah, but he hated him because his prophesies were never good regarding him.
- King Ahab sent for Miciaiah. The official who was sent attempted to convince Miciaiah to give a prophesy consistent with King Ahab’s four hundred prophets. But Maciaiah held that he could only tell what the Lord tells him.
- When Miciaiah arrived and was asked whether they should go to war against Ramoth-Gilead or not, he sarcastically gave the same answer as King Ahab’s four hundred prophets. It was clear to King Ahab, that Miciaiah was not giving a true prophesy and demanded the truth. Miciaiah shared his vision from the Lord of Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. This vision could be interpreted as a disaster for Israel with its King being killed. King Ahab reminded King Jehoshaphat that he had told him that Miciaiah never prophesies anything good about him.
- Miciaiah continued that the Lord had revealed to him that Ahab’s four hundred prophets were prophesying under the influence of a “lying spirit” meant to entice him in a battle that would result in defeat and in King Ahab’s death. This infuriated King Ahab and he ordered Miciaiah be arrested and put in prison and to be fed only bread and water until he (King Ahab) returned safely from battle. Miciaiah’s last words were “If you ever return safely, the Lord has not spoken through me” and he told those present “Mark my words, all you people.”
- King Ahab went on in battle against Ramoth-Gilead in disguise rather than in his royal attire, but he was killed by a random arrow and Israel suffered a disastrous defeat.
Take Aways:
- We must stand boldly with the truth even if we have to stand alone.
- We must always seek God’s direction before every undertaking.
- We can depend upon Our God to provide direction if we earnestly seek His Guidance
Bible Verses to Keep in Mind:
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32 KJV
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 KJV
“The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalms 37:23 KJV
“A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 KJV
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