How does 1 Kings 22:10 illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance first? Snapshot of the Scene 1 Kings 22:10 “Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were each sitting on his throne, dressed in royal attire, on the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, with all the prophets prophesying before them.” Two kings side-by-side, all the pomp of power on display, and four hundred prophets eagerly affirming the military plan. Outwardly it looks impressive, but something critical is missing. The Problem Hidden in Plain Sight • Political power and popular opinion are steering the moment. • Ahab never pauses to ask, “What does the LORD say?” until Jehoshaphat nudges him (v. 5). • The threshing floor—normally a place of separation—now hosts a muddled mixture of royal ambition and sycophantic prophecy. • External trappings create the illusion of certainty, but their counsel lacks the searching voice of God. Lessons on Seeking God’s Guidance First • Appearances can be deceiving. Human authority, numbers, and enthusiasm are no substitute for the LORD’s word (cf. Isaiah 30:1). • Starting with God prevents later scrambling to correct course. Jehoshaphat’s late request for a true prophet shows what should have happened at step one. • When we skip divine counsel, we invite confusion, false confidence, and disaster—exactly what unfolds for Ahab (vv. 34-35). • God’s guidance, when sought, comes with clarity—even if it challenges our plans (v. 14). Cross-References that Echo the Principle • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Psalm 32:8 — “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” • Jeremiah 17:5-7 — Blessed are those who trust the LORD, cursed are those who trust mere flesh. • James 1:5 — If we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously. Putting It into Practice Today • Begin every decision—big or small—by opening Scripture and praying for direction rather than tacking God on later. • Evaluate advice by its faithfulness to God’s revealed word, not by how many voices agree. • Cultivate relationships with people who, like Micaiah, will speak truth even when it conflicts with our preferences. • Remember that royal attire and impressive settings fade; obedience to God’s guidance yields lasting fruit (John 15:10-11). |
    |