MPV Commentary

Ahab Slain at Ramoth-gilead.

The three years of peace between Syria and Israel that followed Ben-hadad's defeat had exhausted his army and drained his country's resources, making it impossible for him to resume hostilities against Israel (1Ki 20:34). However, his hereditary enmity towards the Israelites remained unbroken. This was evident in his breach of faith regarding the treaty he had made with Ahab, where he agreed to restore all the cities seized by his father.

Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, visited Ahab at Samaria, and although their alliance was not approved by God (2Ch 19:2), it led to a lavish display of hospitality. During this visit, Ahab sought Jehoshaphat's support for an expedition to recover Ramoth in Gilead, a Levitical town on the northern border of Gad that had been unjustly taken from Israel.

Before declaring war, Ahab consulted his prophets, who unanimously predicted a successful outcome (1Ki 22:3-8). However, Jehoshaphat expressed his desire to know God's will regarding this war and asked if there were any true prophets of the Lord. Ahab reluctantly agreed to summon Micaiah, the only prophet then residing in Samaria.

Micaiah was brought out of prison, where he had been cast for rebuking Ahab for sparing Ben-hadad (1Ki 22:26). At a threshing-floor outside the gate of Samaria, Zedekiah, one of Ahab's prophets, made horns of iron and presented them to Micaiah as a symbol of Israel's military triumph.

On his way to meet with Ahab, Micaiah was informed about the previous prophecies and advised to agree with them. However, he insisted on proclaiming God's message honestly (1Ki 22:14-17). When asked by Ahab if he should go to war or not, Micaiah replied in a sarcastic tone, echoing the previous prophecies.

However, when urged to give a serious and truthful answer, Micaiah described the vision given to him by God:

"I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd" (1Ki 22:17). This meant that the army of Israel would be defeated and dispersed, with Ahab falling in battle. The people would return home without being pursued or destroyed.

Ahab was enraged when Micaiah told him that he had prophesied evil concerning him. Micaiah explained that God's prophets describe Him as a king consulting His counselors about the fate of Ahab (1Ki 22:18-23). This language is not to be taken literally, but rather represents God's permission for a lying spirit to deceive Ahab.

Zedekiah, the leader of the false prophets, struck Micaiah on the cheek in anger. However, Micaiah calmly replied that the fate of the false prophets would be sealed (1Ki 22:24-25).

Ahab, filled with resentment, ordered Micaiah to be put back in prison and fed the poorest fare, bread and water of affliction. Despite this, Micaiah publicly declared that Ahab's expedition would end in disaster.

The king of Israel marched to Ramoth-gilead with his forces, but on approaching the battlefield, he lost his courage and devised a secret plan to evade Micaiah's prophecy (1Ki 22:29-38). He disguised himself as a common soldier while advising Jehoshaphat to fight in his royal attire. The Syrian king had instructed his generals to target Ahab specifically.

The officers initially attacked Jehoshaphat, but soon realized their mistake and desisted. Ahab was struck by an arrow, which likely contained poison, and died at sunset. His corpse was brought back to Samaria, where it was washed in a pool near the city. As the chariot was being cleaned, dogs came and licked the blood from the wound, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy (1Ki 21:19). Ahab was succeeded by his son Ahaziah.