When Ahab’s prophets deceived him under the inspiration of a lying spirit, Prophet Micaiah made a public revelation against their lies.
“Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made horns of iron for himself; and he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘With these you shall gore the Syrians until they are destroyed.’ ” And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, “Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, for the Lord will deliver it into the king’s hand.” (1 Kings 22:11-12 NKJV)
What did Prophet Micaiah do about the mammoth lies of his colleagues?
- HE SPOKE THE TRUTH PUBLICLY
Then he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.’ ” (1 Kings 22:17, NKJV)
All 400 prophets said Israel would win their battle with Ramoth Gilead. Micaiah was courageous to state the truth. His vision was that Israel would be scattered without a shepherd after the battle. He did not call the other prophets aside and say, “Brethren, I don’t want it to look like we are confused. Please, pray well, because I think your prophecies are wrong.” As long as he had been asked to speak or he had the permission to speak, he spoke the truth. Israel would not win the battle and their shepherd would die in battle.
‘But Micaiah said, “If you ever return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me.”’ (1 Kings 22:28a, NKJV)
The result was that the two kings (Ahab and Jehoshaphat) received two set of prophecies. Should they go or not go? Imagine how confusing it would be, especially for Jehoshaphat, King of Judah who seemed to suspect the whole move. Prophet Zedekiah had gone to the extent of making horns of iron and demonstrating how it will be used to gore the Syrians until they are destroyed. 399 other prophets had agreed that Israel would win the battle.
“And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, “Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, for the Lord will deliver it into the king’s hand.” (1 Kings 22:12, NKJV)
Prophet Micaiah, well aware of the popular prophecy, spoke the true prophecy – and spoke it publicly. He did not stay quiet to maintain peace and cordiality in the prophetic ministry. He did not stay quiet so that the kings (especially the visiting one) would have a good perception of the level of harmony in the prophetic department of Israel. His prophecy therefore resulted in confusion for the kings and some disharmony with his colleagues. But he spoke!
Publicly speaking the truth can result in such confusion. But those who care to investigate will find the truth as God wills. 400 lying tongues must not tie the tongue of truth. Prophet Micaiah was one man against hundreds.
The people God gives His truth (the truth) in this generation, I want to believe, will also be given the courage to speak it. We must be willing to speak the truth in season and out of season (2 Tim. 4:2). When Micaiah was invited, he was told to be sure to prophesy in agreement with the other prophets. This was his reply:
‘And Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, whatever the Lord says to me, that I will speak.”’ (1 Kings 22:14, NKJV)
In matters of doctrine, we are also faced with the question. What has God said? In matters of Christian doctrine and life, what God has said is in His Word, the Bible. Whatever the Bible says, that we must teach. It doesn’t matter what anyone else is saying.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV)
CONCLUSION:
Ahab died in the battle as Prophet Micaiah prophesied. Similarly, false doctrine can be fatal. This is why truth must be fired confidently in the face of falsehood, that some may be saved. Look at how Micaiah signed out when King Ahab ordered his arrest and imprisonment.
‘And he said, “Take heed, all you people.”‘ (1 Kings 22:28b, NKJV)
He said this so that others do not die unnecessarily in the battle. Their king would die for his disobedience, but the warriors should take heed so that casualties are minimized. Similarly, polemics speaks doctrinal truth publicly against falsehoods. Polemists do so out of care for the people. Even if you despise polemics, take heed how you follow some of these people. IF you will continue to follow them, do so cautiously. Your salvation is important and your healthy growth in the faith is consequent to sound doctrine.
TAKE HEED, ALL YOU PEOPLE.
With love,
PDS.
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