33 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
33 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
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title = "2 Chronicles 18:28–34"
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date = "2025-02-10"
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### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Chronicles18.28-34)
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Despite the warning from Micaiah, Ahab and Jehoshaphat continue the plan to go take Ramoth-gilead back from the Syrians.
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On the face of it, it seems like they should have known better, but remember that the Lord had decreed that Ahab would be defeated, so it must happen this way.
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What I really don't understand is how Jehoshapaht agrees to Ahab's battle plan.
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"I'm going incognito; you make yourself a great big target."
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This obviously sounds good from Ahab's perspective, but it doesn't seem to make sense for Jehoshaphat in particular or for the battle as a whole.
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It does indicate that Ahab is concerned about the prophecy he received, and he's trying to do something to prevent it from happening.
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Nevertheless, that is how the battle goes, and Ahab's plan "works": the Syrian chariots have orders to fight only the king of Israel, and because they only see one man in kingly robes, they target him.
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With the pressure on, Jehoshaphat realizes that he is in trouble, and he cries out to God to save him.
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The Lord is gracious to the king of Judah, because the Syrians realize he is not Ahab and turn away to look for him.
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Before they can find him, a Syrian archer happens to hit Ahab with an arrow, giving him a fatal wound.
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It takes what is probably several hours for Ahab to die.
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While he lives, he is propped up in his chariot so that his army can see that their king lives.
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In [1 Kings 22](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1Kings22) we are told that the armies of Israel and Judah break and flee at sunset when Ahab dies, fulfilling the prophecy that Micaiah had made.
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Many applications can be drawn from this historical event.
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Be wary of allying with those who do not love the Lord, your God.
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Seek counsel from the Lord before you make your plans.
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The Lord protects and rescues those who trust in Him.
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What He has said will happen, He will see accomplished.
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Jehoshaphat seems to have made some foolish choices here, but the Lord was merciful and preserved his life through them and their consequences.
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* * *
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Give us wisdom and strength to follow Your ways.
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