Hearing What We Want
In 1 Kings 22, three years have gone by after Ben-Hadad was spared by Ahab because he promised to return the land he had taken. Three years later and Ben-Hadad has not come through on his promise. Now Ahab grows weary of waiting and seeks both help from Jehosaphat, king of Judah and the council of his prophets as to whether or not he should make war to regain Ramoth-Gilead. 1 Kings 22:5–6 (ESV) And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the LORD.” 6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go to battle against Ramoth-Gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” Jehoshaphat is ready to help but he wants to hear from the Lord first. Ahab calls his own prophets who seek to please him and they assure him of total victory. Jehoshaphat is not impressed. He wants to know if there's a prophet of the Lord. Ahab's response i...