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1 Kings 22:4 "And [Ahab] said to Jehoshaphat, 'Will you go with me to battle at Ramoth-gilead?' And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, 'I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.'"

 

Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is making a loyal and supportive pledge to Ahab, the king of Israel, one a true ally would make. Ahab has asked for Jehoshaphat's help in reclaiming Ramoth-gilead from Syria, and Jehoshaphat has put his whole army at Ahab's service. But Jehoshaphat was wise enough to request that Ahab ask for God's guidance first (1 Kings 22:5), ushering in the story of the sycophant prophets; Micaiah's true prophecy; and Ahab's ultimate death in the battle with Syria.

 

Jehoshaphat was a supportive ally, but was also trying to walk in God's will. His asking for God's guidance brought forth Micaiah's prophecy, which alerted him to the fact that God was doing something bigger than he could understand. Micaiah's prophecy indicated that God was setting Ahab up. In Micaiah's vision the Lord Himself asked "Who will entice Ahab that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?", and a spirit agreed to do so by being "a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets." (1 Kings 22:20-22). The prophets called forth by Ahab at Jehoshaphat's request where these lying prophets, but Jehoshaphat was wary of them, and asked that another prophet be consulted, leading to Ahab's reluctant consultation with Micaiah.

 

Ahab did want Jehoshaphat's help in this battle, but he was working on a set-up of his own. He wanted to arrange to have Jehoshaphat take his fall. For the battle, Ahab dressed in disguise, while telling Jehoshaphat to dress in his kingly robes, hoping Jehoshaphat would be targeted in his stead. (2 Kings 22:30-32). In the end, all went according to God's plan (surprise, surprise), and Ahab was killed in battle despite his machinations (2 Kings 22:34-35).

 

Reading this story from Jehoshaphat's point of view, we can see that even as others might try to use us, manipulate us, or trap us, if we remain open to God's will at all times, actively asking Him what that is, we will be protected and will help Him accomplish His plan. Jehoshaphat responded to Ahab as a good ally, but also remembered to inquire of God; he was rightfully wary of the lying prophets and requested another; he heard Micaiah's prophecy and therefore knew this was God's will; and he even allowed for Ahab's attempted deception, knowing that God was in charge.

 

Worldly powers who seem to be our allies - people or institutions supposedly concerned with the common or our individual good - are often corrupt or misguided beyond our ability to discern. That will not affect us if we let God lead us. We don't have to fear them, nor hide from them, nor question every motive, we just have to take each step with God, in surrender and obedience. If they are trying to "set us up", their attempts will turn on them in due time.

 

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Title reference: "Somebody Set Us Up the Bomb"