But Micaiah
said, “As the Lord lives, what my God says, that I will speak.” (v.13)
Here in
chapter 18 King Ahab and King Jehoshaphat were discussing
military plans for war against Ramoth Gilead. Even though Jehosaphat had riches,
honor in abundance, and peace on every side of his nation, he joined with Ahab
in war. However, to Jehoshaphat’s credit, he suggests that they seek the Lord’s
will in the matter through a prophet (v.6). So a real prophet of God, Micaiah,
was sent for (v.8).
Micaiah
arrived to find two kings in their royal robes in a public setting near the
city gate, and four hundred false prophets, including the creative Zedekiah,
foretelling victory. Even the messenger tried to hint which way the wind was
blowing. But Micaiah, as a man of integrity and purity of purpose, could speak
only what God said (v.13). He prophesied that the battle would be lost and Ahab
killed, and so it happened (v.33-34).
Today there are many false prophets, like Ahab’s “yes men”, who
will tickle the ears of all who will listen, making promises and telling
stories to lure followers with false claims. Micaiah knew that as a prophet of
the Lord he could speak nothing else but the words that God gave him. Therefore
he spoke truth, even when he was outnumbered and his word unaccepted, for that was his calling and his
purpose - not to win friends or influence people.
We would all do well to follow Micaiah’s example and speak truth,
for truth’s sake, and not follow the false voices of the crowd.
The Truth
“He who speaks truth
declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.” (Proverbs 1217)
