Three years pass without war between Syria and Israel. When Judah's King Jehoshaphat visits, Ahab proposes they attack Ramoth-gilead; Jehoshaphat requests inquiry of the LORD. Four hundred prophets predict success, but Jehoshaphat asks for another prophet; Micaiah son of Imlah always prophesies evil against Ahab. Summoned, Micaiah first mimics the prophets, then reveals a vision of Israel scattered like sheep without a shepherd and a heavenly council where a lying spirit volunteers to deceive Ahab through the prophets. Zedekiah strikes Micaiah; Ahab imprisons him until return. Though disguised, Ahab is struck by a random arrow; he props himself in his chariot until evening and dies. Dogs lick his blood at the pool where prostitutes wash, fulfilling the LORD's word. Jehoshaphat reigns twenty-five years in Judah, doing right though not removing high places; he destroys remaining cult prostitutes. Ahaziah succeeds Ahab and walks in his father's evil ways.
Read 1 Kings Chapter 22 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
David's son, wisest and wealthiest king, builder of the temple, but later fell into idolatry
Prophet who confronted Baal worship and demonstrated God's power on Mount Carmel
Wicked king of Israel who promoted Baal worship through his wife Jezebel
Ahab's Phoenician wife who promoted Baal worship and persecuted God's prophets
Solomon's son whose harsh policies caused the kingdom to divide
Righteous King of Judah
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
King of Israel
Places in This Chapter
Gilead was a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its healing balm and rich pastures. It was home to the prophet Elijah and the judge Jephthah. Jacob and Laban made their covenant at a cairn of stones they named Galeed (Gilead). The region was allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel and later became the name for the entire region between Judea and Galilee. After the Assyrian conquest, the population became mixed, and the Samaritans developed their own form of worship. Jews and Samaritans had deep hostility. Jesus broke social barriers by speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well and telling the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Position in Book
Elijah confronts Baal worship, defeats prophets of Baal on Carmel, flees from Jezebel, Ahab's wars.
Bible Bites
One prophet against 400
The prophet Micaiah stood alone against 400 royal prophets who all predicted victory for King Ahab. Only Micaiah spoke God's true word that Ahab would die in battle, which came to pass exactly as prophesied, demonstrating courage to speak truth against overwhelming opposition.
1 Kings 22