How does 1 Kings 22:4 demonstrate the importance of seeking godly counsel first? setting the scene • Israel’s King Ahab recruits Judah’s King Jehoshaphat for war against Aram. • Political unity looks logical—Ramoth-gilead belongs to Israel, and a combined army seems unbeatable. “So he asked Jehoshaphat, ‘Will you go with me to fight Ramoth-gilead?’ Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, ‘I am like you, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.’” (1 Kings 22:4) verse 4 under the microscope • Immediate agreement—Jehoshaphat’s first words are solidarity, not prayer. • No mention of seeking the LORD before pledging troops and resources. • The verse spotlights the very point the next verse will correct: godly counsel must precede commitment, not follow it. the danger of human alliances without divine direction • Ahab’s track record—idolatry, injustice, prophetic warnings ignored (1 Kings 21:20–26). Aligning with such a king without inquiry courts disaster. • Ramoth-gilead looks strategic, yet the LORD had decreed judgment on Ahab (1 Kings 21:19). Human plans, however persuasive, can run straight into divine opposition. • Proverbs 16:25: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Verse 4 captures that peril in real time. how Jehoshaphat models dependence on godly counsel Though verse 4 records his quick assent, verse 5 immediately adds: “Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, ‘Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.’” What Jehoshaphat does right: • Recognizes that military strength is no substitute for divine wisdom (Psalm 127:1). • Insists on hearing authentic prophetic voices (1 Kings 22:7–8). • Submits to God’s verdict even when 400 prophets echo Ahab’s desire (v. 6); he presses for one who truly speaks for the LORD—Micaiah. practical takeaways for us today • Seek God before cementing any alliance—business, relational, or ministry. Proverbs 3:5–6; James 1:5. • Weigh counsel by its fidelity to Scripture, not by majority opinion (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Remember that early enthusiasm (Jehoshaphat’s “I am like you”) needs the check of prayerful discernment. • Godly counsel protects from unintended consequences; ignoring it cost Ahab his life and nearly cost Jehoshaphat his (1 Kings 22:35; 2 Chronicles 18:31). summary 1 Kings 22:4 shows how easy it is to pledge ourselves to human plans before seeking the Lord. Jehoshaphat’s subsequent insistence on prophetic counsel highlights the biblical priority: godly guidance first, action second. |
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