1 Kings 22:5
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, "Please inquire first for the word of the LORD."
But Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah, known for his piety and dedication to the ways of the LORD. His name in Hebrew, "Yehoshaphat," means "Yahweh has judged." This reflects his character as a ruler who sought divine guidance and justice. Historically, Jehoshaphat was a reformer who strengthened the spiritual and military state of Judah, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's will in all matters.

also said
The use of "also" indicates that Jehoshaphat was adding to a conversation or decision-making process already in progress. This suggests his role as a voice of reason and spiritual insight, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine counsel in addition to human wisdom. It highlights the collaborative nature of leadership when guided by faith.

to the king of Israel
At this time, the king of Israel was Ahab, a ruler often criticized for his idolatry and alliance with pagan practices. The relationship between Jehoshaphat and Ahab was complex, marked by political alliances and contrasting spiritual priorities. This phrase underscores the tension between worldly power and spiritual obedience, as Jehoshaphat seeks to influence Ahab towards godly decision-making.

Please inquire first
Jehoshaphat's request to "inquire first" demonstrates his priority of seeking divine guidance before taking action. The Hebrew root for "inquire" is "darash," which means to seek, require, or consult. This reflects a deep reliance on God's wisdom and a recognition of His sovereignty over human affairs. It serves as a model for believers to prioritize prayer and consultation with God in their own lives.

for the word of the LORD
The "word of the LORD" refers to divine revelation and guidance, often delivered through prophets in the Old Testament. In Hebrew, "word" is "dabar," which signifies a matter or thing spoken by God. This phrase highlights the authority and reliability of God's communication, contrasting with the often flawed and self-serving words of human leaders. It reminds believers of the importance of Scripture and prophetic insight as the ultimate source of truth and direction.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah, known for his piety and efforts to follow the ways of the Lord. He sought divine guidance before making decisions.

2. The King of Israel
At this time, Ahab was the king of Israel. He was known for his idolatry and opposition to the prophets of the Lord.

3. Inquiry of the LORD
This refers to seeking God's guidance and will, often through a prophet or priest, before making important decisions.

4. Ramoth-gilead
The location that Ahab and Jehoshaphat were considering attacking. It was a city of strategic importance.

5. Prophets
In the context of this chapter, prophets were those who claimed to speak on behalf of God, though not all were true prophets of the LORD.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance
Jehoshaphat's request to inquire of the Lord highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance before making decisions. This teaches us to prioritize God's will over our own plans.

Discernment in Leadership
Jehoshaphat's insistence on hearing from the Lord demonstrates the need for discernment, especially in leadership roles. Leaders should seek God's wisdom to guide their actions and decisions.

The Danger of Unequal Alliances
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab serves as a cautionary tale about forming partnerships with those who do not share a commitment to God's ways. Believers should be mindful of their associations and the influence they may have.

The Role of True Prophets
The presence of false prophets in this account reminds us of the need to discern true messages from God. We should test teachings against Scripture and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's desire to inquire of the Lord before making decisions, and how can we apply this in our daily lives?

2. How does Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab illustrate the potential pitfalls of forming partnerships with those who do not share our faith values?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are discerning true guidance from God, especially when faced with conflicting messages?

4. How does the account of Jehoshaphat and Ahab challenge us to evaluate our own leadership and decision-making processes?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance in a decision. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Chronicles 18
This chapter parallels the events of 1 Kings 22, providing additional details about Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab and the subsequent battle.

Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses emphasize the importance of trusting in the Lord and seeking His guidance in all our ways, similar to Jehoshaphat's desire to inquire of the Lord.

James 1:5
This New Testament verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that He gives generously to all without finding fault.
Appeal to the Prophets in Time of Crisis1 Kings 22:5
Bad CompanyJ.A. Macdonald 1 Kings 22:1-8
Crime Brings its Own PunishmentJ. Urquhart 1 Kings 22:1-28
Character of JehoshaphatR. S. Candlish, D. D.1 Kings 22:2-50
The Character of AhabR. S. Candlish, D. D.1 Kings 22:2-50
People
Ahab, Ahaziah, Amon, Aram, Asa, Azubah, Chenaanah, David, Geber, Imlah, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Joash, Micah, Micaiah, Nebat, Ophir, Shilhi, Sodomites, Syrians, Tarshish, Tharshish, Zedekiah
Places
Edom, Ezion-geber, Jerusalem, Ophir, Ramoth-gilead, Samaria, Syria, Tarshish
Topics
Counsel, Directions, Enquire, Inquire, Jehoshaphat, Jehosh'aphat, Moreover, Please, Seek, To-day
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 22:5

     5779   advice
     5780   advisers

1 Kings 22:1-5

     7245   Judah, kingdom of

1 Kings 22:1-28

     7774   prophets, false

1 Kings 22:1-38

     8131   guidance, results

Library
Unpossessed Possessions
'And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?'--1 KINGS xxii. 3. This city of Ramoth in Gilead was an important fortified place on the eastern side of the Jordan, and had, many years before the date of our text, been captured by its northern neighbours in the kingdom of Syria. A treaty had subsequently been concluded and broken a war followed thereafter, in which Ben-hadad, King of Syria,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Ahab and Micaiah
'And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him? 8. And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.'--1 KINGS xxii. 7,8. An ill-omened alliance had been struck up between Ahab of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah. The latter, who would have been much better in Jerusalem, had come down to Samaria
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Prophet Micah.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Micah signifies: "Who is like Jehovah;" and by this name, the prophet is consecrated to the incomparable God, just as Hosea was to the helping God, and Nahum to the comforting God. He prophesied, according to the inscription, under Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. We are not, however, entitled, on this account, to dissever his prophecies, and to assign particular discourses to the reign of each of these kings. On the contrary, the entire collection forms only one whole. At
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
Sections. 1. Summary of the doctrine of Divine Providence. 1. It embraces the future and the past. 2. It works by means, without means, and against means. 3. Mankind, and particularly the Church, the object of special care. 4. The mode of administration usually secret, but always just. This last point more fully considered. 2. The profane denial that the world is governed by the secret counsel of God, refuted by passages of Scripture. Salutary counsel. 3. This doctrine, as to the secret counsel of
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Shepherd of Our Souls.
"I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep."--John x. 11. Our Lord here appropriates to Himself the title under which He had been foretold by the Prophets. "David My servant shall be king over them," says Almighty God by the mouth of Ezekiel: "and they all shall have one Shepherd." And in the book of Zechariah, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts; smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Of Councils and their Authority.
1. The true nature of Councils. 2. Whence the authority of Councils is derived. What meant by assembling in the name of Christ. 3. Objection, that no truth remains in the Church if it be not in Pastors and Councils. Answer, showing by passages from the Old Testament that Pastors were often devoid of the spirit of knowledge and truth. 4. Passages from the New Testament showing that our times were to be subject to the same evil. This confirmed by the example of almost all ages. 5. All not Pastors who
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha, which are Quoted, or Incidentally Illustrated, in the Institutes.
TO THE AUTHORS QUOTED IN THE INSTITUTES PREFATORY ADDRESS TO HIS MOST CHRISTIAN MAJESTY, THE MOST MIGHTY AND ILLUSTRIOUS MONARCH, FRANCIS, KING OF THE FRENCH, HIS SOVEREIGN; [1] JOHN CALVIN PRAYS PEACE AND SALVATION IN CHRIST. [2] Sire,--When I first engaged in this work, nothing was farther from my thoughts than to write what should afterwards be presented to your Majesty. My intention was only to furnish a kind of rudiments, by which those who feel some interest in religion might be trained to
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Sovereignty of God in Administration
"The LORD hath prepared His Throne In the heavens; and His Kingdom ruleth over all" (Psa. 103:19). First, a word concerning the need for God to govern the material world. Suppose the opposite for a moment. For the sake of argument, let us say that God created the world, designed and fixed certain laws (which men term "the laws of Nature"), and that He then withdrew, leaving the world to its fortune and the out-working of these laws. In such a case, we should have a world over which there was no intelligent,
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses Men in Human Language...
CHAPTER XXXIV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION. 1. Since the Bible addresses men in human language, and according to human modes of thinking and speaking, the interpreter's first work is to ascertain the meaning of the terms employed. Here he must proceed as in the case of other writings, seeking by the aid of grammars, lexicons, cognate languages, ancient versions, ancient interpreters, and whatever other outward helps are available, to gain a thorough knowledge of the language employed by
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
1. When the psalmist says: "The Lord God is a sun and shield" (Psa. 84:11), he means that God is to all his creatures the source of life and blessedness, and their almighty protector; but this meaning he conveys under the figure of a sun and a shield. When, again, the apostle James says that Moses is read in the synagogues every Sabbath-day (Acts 15:21), he signifies the writings of Moses under the figure of his name. In these examples the figure lies in particular words. But it may be embodied
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Instruction for the Ignorant:
BEING A SALVE TO CURE THAT GREAT WANT OF KNOWLEDGE, WHICH SO MUCH REIGNS BOTH IN YOUNG AND OLD. PREPARED AND PRESENTED TO THEM IN A PLAIN AND EASY DIALOGUE, FITTED TO THE CAPACITY OF THE WEAKEST. 'My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.'--Hosea 4:6 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This little catechism is upon a plan perfectly new and unique. It was first published as a pocket volume in 1675, and has been republished in every collection of the author's works; and recently in a separate tract.
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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