Topical Bible: Prophets: False: 400 in Samaria

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the account of the 400 false prophets in Samaria is a significant event that highlights the dangers of false prophecy and the consequences of leading people away from the truth of God. This episode is primarily found in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18, where the kings of Israel and Judah seek guidance regarding a military campaign.

Context and Background

The setting for this event is during the reign of King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Ahab, known for his idolatry and wickedness, sought to reclaim the city of Ramoth-gilead from the Arameans. To ensure success, Ahab consulted his prophets, who numbered about 400. These prophets were likely part of the state-sponsored religious system that supported Ahab's rule and were influenced by the idolatrous practices introduced by Ahab and his wife, Jezebel.

The Prophets' Message

The 400 prophets unanimously declared victory for Ahab, encouraging him to proceed with the battle. Their message was one of assurance and triumph, as recorded in 1 Kings 22:6 : "Go up, for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king." This unified proclamation of success was intended to bolster Ahab's confidence and justify the military campaign.

Jehoshaphat's Inquiry

King Jehoshaphat, a more devout follower of Yahweh, was uneasy with the unanimous agreement of the prophets and requested a second opinion from a prophet of the Lord. This request led to the summoning of Micaiah, a true prophet of God, who was known for speaking the truth, regardless of its popularity or acceptance.

Micaiah's Prophecy

Micaiah initially mimicked the false prophets' message, but upon being pressed by Ahab, he revealed the true vision given by God. Micaiah prophesied disaster for Ahab, foreseeing Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd (1 Kings 22:17). He further disclosed a heavenly vision where a lying spirit was permitted by God to entice Ahab's prophets to deceive him, leading to his downfall (1 Kings 22:19-23).

The Outcome

Despite Micaiah's warning, Ahab chose to follow the counsel of the 400 false prophets. The battle at Ramoth-gilead resulted in Ahab's death, fulfilling Micaiah's prophecy and demonstrating the peril of heeding false prophets. This event underscores the biblical theme that true prophecy aligns with God's will and purposes, while false prophecy leads to destruction.

Theological Implications

The account of the 400 false prophets serves as a cautionary tale about the prevalence and danger of false prophecy. It illustrates the importance of discernment and fidelity to God's word. The narrative also highlights the sovereignty of God, who can use even the deceit of false prophets to accomplish His divine purposes. This episode is a reminder of the need for spiritual vigilance and the pursuit of truth in the face of widespread deception.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 22:6-12
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 18:5
Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said to them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee.
... It lies 400 nearly due south from Joseph's tomb ... She claimed descent from Jacob; it
was a false claim ... of the miraculous knowledge of the Jewish prophets, and this ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxvi jesus sets out from 2.htm

The Prophecy of Obadiah.
... Jeremiah"which would be contrary [Pg 400] to the ... exemplification of this principle,
as the prophets of that ... the future, rests on a false, literal explanation ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophecy of obadiah.htm

The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects.
... causes of the persecution of, discussed, [844]397-[845]400. ... False prophets of the
Phrygians. ... Felix, procurator, [1100]122; subdues Egyptian false prophet, [1101 ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/the church history of eusebius.htm

Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ...
... to a greater multitude, then 400 particular Congregations ... capitall punishment shall
proceed against false Prophets, and that ... when he was in Samaria visiting an ...
/.../chap vii touching the first.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... 729]438; speaketh in the Law and Prophets, [730]349 ... the Bride of Christ, [814]394,
[815]400, [816]402 sq ... 961]319, [962]386, [963]449 (notes); false assertion of ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

A Table of the Chief Things.
... How we are partakers of his sufferings, [400]252, [401 ... Prophets, some prophets did
not miracles, [938]296. ... It overturns the false doctrine of the Pelagians, Semi ...
/.../a table of the chief.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... 269]ib.; knew and trusted not false disciples, [270]83 ... shows His agreement with the
Jewish Prophets, [350]141 ... 171; would not flatter the Twelve, [400]ib.; proved ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... himself a clear picture of events antedating BC400. ... of a great victory is almost
certainly false."[18 ... In writing history the prophets, with their broad interest ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... mind, by breaking down the supports of false security by ... of, and would be without
analogy in any of the prophets. ... of the members of the orders,' 400 are found ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ...
... the dealings of God with them, and the prospects opened up by the prophets. ... and altars
are to be constructed in order to produce false miracles, and ... 388, 400). ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi in the fifteenth.htm