How does Jeremiah 23:18 connect with 1 Kings 22:19-23? The Scene in Jeremiah 23:18 • “For who has stood in the council of the LORD to see and hear His word? Who has paid attention to His word and obeyed?” (Jeremiah 23:18) • Jeremiah calls out self-appointed prophets who fabricate messages. • The verse assumes a real, heavenly “council of the LORD” where authentic revelation is received. • Standing there means: – physical or visionary presence before God’s throne, – listening to His unfiltered word, – then faithfully passing it on. The Scene in 1 Kings 22:19-23 • “Micaiah said, ‘Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, with all the host of heaven standing on His right and on His left…’ ” (1 Kings 22:19) • Micaiah is granted a direct glimpse of the same divine council. • Key details: – God on His throne. – Heavenly beings (hosts) surrounding Him. – A discussion about how to judge King Ahab, ending with permission for “a lying spirit” to entice him. • Micaiah returns and reports exactly what he saw and heard, despite opposition. How the Two Passages Connect • Jeremiah 23:18 lays down the test: genuine prophets have stood in God’s council. • 1 Kings 22:19-23 supplies a concrete example—Micaiah passes that test. • Together they show: – True prophecy begins in God’s presence (cf. Isaiah 6:1-8; Ezekiel 1). – False prophecy springs from human imagination (Jeremiah 23:21-22, 25-32). – God rules history through His throne room decisions (Psalm 82:1; Revelation 4–5). Implications for Discernment • Content—Does the message align with previously revealed Scripture? (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). • Source—Was the message birthed in God’s presence or in fleshly ambition? • Character—Does the messenger obey the word he claims to proclaim? (Jeremiah 23:14-15). Encouragement for Today • The same Lord still reigns, still speaks, and still calls His people to listen. • We test every voice by the written Word that carries the unchanging authority of the throne room itself (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 John 4:1). |
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