What is the meaning of 1 Kings 22:7? But Jehoshaphat asked • In the broader narrative (1 Kings 22:1-6), King Ahab has just paraded four hundred court prophets who unanimously promise victory at Ramoth-gilead. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, senses something is off and speaks up. • His question reflects Proverbs 11:14, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety”. Jehoshaphat wants more than a rubber-stamp; he wants God’s voice. • 2 Chronicles 18:6 presents the same moment and confirms that Jehoshaphat routinely sought authentic prophetic confirmation. • His initiative models James 1:5—if we lack wisdom, we should ask God rather than rely on popular opinion. Is there not still • The phrase shows persistence; Jehoshaphat will not settle for partial light. Jeremiah 21:2 captures a similar impulse when King Zedekiah begs, “Please inquire of the LORD for us.” • The word “still” implies that true voices may be sidelined but not silenced. Isaiah 30:21 promises, “Your ears will hear a word behind you, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” • Jehoshaphat’s holy dissatisfaction challenges any setting where majority voices drown out the minority that speaks for God. a prophet of the LORD here • He distinguishes “prophet of the LORD” (Yahweh) from the state-sponsored prophets who serve Ahab’s agenda (cf. 1 Kings 18:19,22). Authenticity is tied to covenant loyalty, not mere title. • Deuteronomy 18:18 grounds the office: God Himself raises up prophets to speak His exact words. • 2 Kings 3:11 shows Elisha filling this role for Jehoshaphat later, proving the king’s consistent practice of seeking God’s prophet rather than political yes-men. • New-covenant application echoes Ephesians 4:11—Christ still gives prophets and teachers for the church’s good. of whom we can inquire? • Inquiry assumes submission. Numbers 27:21 portrays leaders seeking divine judgment through the priest before acting. • David models this in 1 Samuel 23:2,4, repeatedly asking, “Shall I go?” and changing plans when God redirects. • Psalm 25:4 voices the same heart: “Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths”. • For believers today, Hebrews 4:16 invites us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence” before decisions are made. • Genuine inquiry indicates trust that God’s revealed will is both knowable and best, regardless of cost. summary Jehoshaphat’s single sentence exposes a timeless safeguard: when the crowd sounds unanimous, pause and seek a verified word from the LORD. His question teaches persistence, discernment, and humble inquiry. Rather than accept the echo chamber, he insists on hearing from an authentic servant of God. Scripture commends this reflex, assuring that the LORD always preserves a true witness for those determined to listen. |
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