2 Chronicles 18:9-27

content/bible_journal/2chronicles/18:9-27.md

@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
++++
+title = "2 Chronicles 18:9–27"
+date = "2025-02-08"
++++
+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Chronicles18.9-27)
+
+While the kings wait for Micaiah to arrive, one of the other prophets gives a word allegedly from the Lord.
+He makes a visual aid of a set of horns made of iron, a symbol of strength in the ancient Near East.
+He prophesies that the Syrians will be pushed back and that the Lord will give Ramoth-gilead into the hands of the king.
+
+In the meantime, the messenger sent to retrieve Micaiah tries to influence the outcome by telling him to speak favorably for the king.
+Micaiah responds correctly by saying he will only relay what the Lord tells him to say.
+But then, once he is in the presence of the king he doesn't do that.
+He says, "Go up and triumph."
+More interestingly than that, Ahab doesn't believe him.
+I don't know what gave it way, whether it was just that Micaiah *never* had anything good to say about Ahab, or if there was something in his delivery.
+I like to imagine Micaiah spoke with the same kind of enthusiasm and sarcasm as Gene Wilder in his role as Willy Wonka when one of the children got into a sticky situation: "Stop. Help. Police."
+
+This situation must have come up between Ahab and Micaiah a lot, because Ahab responds with, "How many times shall I make you swear that you speak nothing but the truth in the name of the <span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps">Lord</span>?"
+In response, Micaiah gives a true prophecy, saying the armies of Israel will be scattered without a leader, returning to their homes.
+So Ahab says, "I told you so!" to Jehoshapaht, as it predicts Ahab's death in the coming campaign.
+Then Micaiah explains that the Lord has decreed that Ahab should go up to Ramoth-gilead, to his destruction.
+To that end, He asks the divine council to come up with a plan to make it happen.
+Various things are proposed, but the one that gets implemented is that a lying spirit goes to deceive the 400 prophets of Ahab into giving a false prophecy.
+
+Unbelievers may look at this story and accuse God of being wicked in His dealings with Ahab because He used deception and lies to accomplish His aims, particularly to end Ahab's life.
+To that, I say it is important to remember the context and receive the whole counsel of Scripture.
+Ahab, particularly under the influence of his wife Jezebel, allowed and promoted more idolatry and immorality in Israel than any other king before him.
+Prophets and followers of Yahweh were hunted down and killed because they spoke against these practices.
+Because of this, the land had a three-year drought, and eventually the Lord decreed that Ahab's house and lineage would be utterly destroyed.
+The Lord has the authority to do these things to any of His creatures.
+He gives life and He takes it away.
+He is also sovereign over all the heavenly hosts, both the holy angels and the wicked spirits.
+He may send them to do as He wishes, or allow them the latitude to act as they wish within the bounds of His decrees.
+Just as we have the latitude to act as we wish, often to our detriment.
+The Babylonians were the Lord's instrument in chastising His people when they took them in exile, but they too were punished for the evil they committed in doing so.
+
+Zedekiah, the guy who made the horns, strikes and mocks Micaiah.
+Micaiah responds by implying Zedekiah will some day seek to hide himself, probably for his life.
+Ahab sentences Micaiah to imprisonment until he returns, but Micaiah makes it clear that he will not return if the Lord has truly spoken through him.
+
+* * *
+
+You have declared the end from the beginning, and all Your ways bring justice and peace.