Bible Pathways - April 30, 2006

April 30, 2006

Read 1 Kings 21

In Today's Reading:

The covetousness of Ahab leads Jezebel to murder Naboth; death of Ahab and Jezebel foretold

Ahab ruled the northern kingdom of Israel. His capital was the city of Samaria. His life is summed up in just a few words: But there was none like . . . Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up (incited). And he did very abominably (behaved in a very vile, detestable manner) in following idols (I Kings 21:25-26).

Ahab invited Jehoshaphat, his daughter's father-in-law who was the king of Judah, to join him in a war to regain Ramoth-gilead, a strategic fortress on the Syrian border. About four hundred of Ahab's paid prophets unanimously assured the two kings of a great victory. But godly Jehoshaphat must have felt uneasy and asked Ahab: Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him? (22:7). Reluctantly, Ahab replied: There is yet one man, Micaiah . . . by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil (22:8).

The messenger who was sent to bring Micaiah from prison spake unto him, saying . . . let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak (22:13-14). If Micaiah had cooperated, no doubt he would have immediately gained his freedom. But Micaiah knew that obedience to God was far more important than his freedom, and he courageously proclaimed: I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd (22:17).

Micaiah had bluntly foretold Ahab's death. And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil? (22:18). He then ordered Micaiah to be taken back to prison. Proving the obedient prophet correct, Ahab was killed on the first day of battle (22:34,37).

The tragic consequences of Ahab's disregard for the Word of God should be a warning to all who are making the same fatal mistake. In contrast, a follower of Christ can express unlimited peace of mind with the psalmist: I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved (Psalm 16:8).

Word Studies:

21:27 went softly = went subdued; 22:3 be still = do nothing; 22:10 void = open, perhaps a threshing floor; 22:11 push = gore; 22:13 one mouth = unanimously; 22:16 adjure = put you under oath, make you swear; 22:34 at a venture = randomly, without specific aim; harness = armor; 22:48 broken = wrecked.

Christ Portrayed:

By Micaiah, who would say only what God instructed him to say (I Kings 22:14). Jesus faithfully told others everything God told Him to say. Then said Jesus unto them. . . . I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things (John 8:28; 12:49-50).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. John Hash · Government Official: Rep. Robert Scott (VA) · Country: South Africa (43 million) on the southern tip of the African continent · Major languages: Afrikaans and English · Religious freedom · 67% Protestant; 20% animism, magic, and ancestor worship; 10% Roman Catholic; 3% Asian religions · Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that our Savior was born (Luke 2:11).

Optional Reading: Romans 3

Memory Verse for the Week: I Kings 11:9