What can we learn about discernment from Jehoshaphat's request in 1 Kings 22:7? Setting the scene Ahab, king of Israel, wants alliance help from Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to retake Ramoth-gilead. Four hundred court prophets unanimously predict victory. Before agreeing, Jehoshaphat pauses: “ ‘Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?’ ” (1 Kings 22:7) That one simple question turns the whole chapter—and it models godly discernment for us today. Core insights on discernment • Discernment starts with a divine focus – Jehoshaphat does not ask for more opinions; he asks specifically for “a prophet of the LORD.” Genuine discernment seeks God’s voice, not merely human consensus (cf. Proverbs 3:5-6). • The majority can be wrong – Four hundred prophets said “Go.” One prophet of Yahweh—Micaiah—said “Don’t.” Discernment dares to test popular voices against God’s revealed Word (Isaiah 8:20). • True discernment exposes hidden motives – Ahab’s reluctance to summon Micaiah (“I hate him, because he never prophesies good concerning me,” v. 8) shows the king’s heart. Discerning people notice when someone avoids biblical scrutiny. • Humility precedes clarity – Asking for God’s prophet admits, “I don’t know enough.” “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God” (James 1:5). Jehoshaphat models that humble appeal. • Discernment guards us from unwise alliances – Judah’s king was in dangerous company. His question signals caution before binding himself to Ahab’s agenda (2 Corinthians 6:14 principle foreshadowed). Timeless principles gleaned from the king’s question 1. Always run decisions through the filter of God’s Word. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). 2. Weigh every voice—even religious ones—against Scripture’s authority. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits” (1 John 4:1). 3. Be willing to stand alone with the Lord rather than blend in with the crowd. Noah, Elijah, Micaiah—God often uses a minority to speak truth (Matthew 7:13-14). 4. Value courageous counselors who will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. “Where there is no guidance, the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory” (Proverbs 11:14). 5. Recognize that partial obedience (agreeing to seek the Lord yet ignoring His word) is still disobedience—Ahab died because he would not heed Micaiah (vv. 34-37). Putting discernment into practice today • Immerse yourself daily in Scripture so you recognize God’s voice faster than any counterfeit. • Pray before making commitments, especially when culture or peers push for quick agreement. • Consult mature believers who are known for fidelity to the Bible, not merely for being agreeable. • Measure sermons, podcasts, and social commentary by “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). • Keep short accounts with the Lord—repent quickly when His Word exposes wrong motives. Jehoshaphat’s simple request—“Is there not still a prophet of the LORD?”—reminds us that real discernment is less about sophisticated analysis and more about an unwavering commitment to seek, hear, and obey God’s authoritative Word. |
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