Jehoshaphat, having acquired great riches and honor, made a marriage alliance with Ahab of Israel and visited Samaria, where Ahab persuaded him to join the campaign against Ramoth-gilead. Four hundred prophets encouraged the kings to proceed, but Jehoshaphat requested a prophet of the Lord, and Micaiah son of Imlah was summoned; initially he spoke sarcastically with the majority, then revealed his true vision of Israel scattered like sheep without a shepherd and the Lord sending a lying spirit to entice Ahab to his death. Micaiah was imprisoned, but his prophecy proved true: despite Ahab's disguise and Jehoshaphat's royal robes, a random arrow struck Ahab mortally, and he died at sunset while Jehoshaphat returned safely to Jerusalem, having narrowly escaped when his cry identified him as not being the target.
Read 2 Chronicles Chapter 18 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Builder of the temple and Israel's most glorious king
Reforming king who restored temple worship and trusted God against Assyria
Young king who led the greatest revival, rediscovered the Law
Godly king known for his prayer and trust in God during battle
King of Israel, Husband of Jezebel
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Places in This Chapter
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
Alternating faithful and unfaithful kings, with special attention to reformers like Hezekiah and Josiah.