Useful Bible Studies > 1 Kings Commentary > chapter 22
King Jehoshaphat’s visit to King Ahab was a very splendid royal occasion. It happened in Samaria, the new and rich capital city that Ahab had only recently built. Ahab provided a great meal for Jehoshaphat and the many officials from Judah who had come with him. This happened outside, on a great level yard where many hundreds of people could gather. The two kings sat on royal seats in front of the people; and they both wore splendid royal clothes (2 Chronicles 18:2; 1 Kings 22:10).
It was on this occasion that Ahab urged Jehoshaphat to join him in an attack on Ramoth-Gilead. Ahab strongly encouraged him to send Judah’s army to support Israel’s army in this battle against Aram’s army.
Jehoshaphat offered his full support. That was unwise; he had chosen to support Ahab, an evil king (2 Chronicles 19:1-2). Jehoshaphat was willing to send his whole army, including the horses, which were important in ancient battles (Job 39:19-25).
However, Jehoshaphat believed strongly in God. He knew that, without God’s support, his army could not win the battle. So, he wanted to be sure that God approved of the plan to attack Ramoth-Gilead. Therefore, he insisted that Ahab must first inquire of God. The two kings needed to know what God wanted them to do.
Next part: 400 prophets support Ahab's plan (1 Kings 22:6)
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