Scripture Reading for today: Two Kings and a Prophet

I love Old Testament Bible stories. I know most folks never even read that half of the good book, but every time I reread them, I see more, or get to know the players better and appreciate the lessons. My scripture reading today was about two Jewish kings, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, a wise and good king, and then Ahab, king of Israel, a selfish, passive-aggressive baby with a crown. They were actually brothers-in-law, so Ahab threw a party for his BIL and talked over fighting a battle together. Jehoshaphat wanted the advice of a godly prophet, and Ahab had only one that he hated because it was always bad news…Micaiah, son of Imlah. The rest of Ahab’s prophets were brown-nosing, boot-licking noise makers, and they assured the king it would be great. Just do it!

When Micaiah walks in, all of these prophets were dancing around the two thrones with props, like a victory war celebration. He tells Ahab, “Go ahead…you will have success.” (I can always hear the sarcasm in his voice).

Ahab immediately shoots back, “How many times must I warn you to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord!”

Well, it wasn’t good.

“I saw all of Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep with no shepherd…”

And the rest of the story…the kings go out. Ahab works to save his hide by telling Jehoshaphat to wear his royals robes in battle, and he would be disguised. Reminds me of an older brother telling a younger one to hold a broken vase that he just knocked off a table. The enemy army was instructed to only go after the king of Israel. So they realize the guy in ermine is the wrong king, and someone randomly shoots an arrow that hits Ahab between his pieces of armor, and he dies. There is more, but you really need to read it! (II Chronicles chapter 18)

Artist's depiction of the prophet Micaiah and Ahab-he really looks like a jerk