King Jehoshaphat of Judah and King Ahab of Israel formed an alliance, and prepared to go to war against Aram to recover Ramoth-Gilead for Israel (I Kings 22:2-4). But wait, said Jehoshaphat: “Inquire first for the word of the Lord” (22:5).

As it turns out, King Ahab had about four hundred court prophets, who all agreed that the king would prevail if he attacked: “Go up; for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king” (22:12). But Jehoshaphat asked whether there might be one more prophet to consult. King Ahab replied, “There is still one other by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah son of Imlah; but I hate him, for he never prephesies anything favorable about me, but only disaster” (22:7-8).

The messenger who went to get Micaiah suggested he ought to make sure he agreed with the other 400 prophets (22:13). Micaiah answered that he could only prophesy in accordance with the word of the Lord (22:14). When the king asked whether the army should attack Ramoth-Gilead, Micaiah’s first words might appear to be supportive: “Go up and triumph; the Lord will give it into the hand of the king” (22:15). But his tone of voice must have been sarcastic, because Ahab clearly understood that the message was not good (22:15-16).

Then Micaiah gave his full prophecy, insisting the attack would be a disaster, and indicating that God had sent a lying spirit into the mouth of his 400 prophets They slapped Micaiah’s face and put him in prison on reduced rations. Nothing further is known as to Micaiah’s fate. Did they release him – or even honor him – after Ahab had died in the battle (22:34-35), proving Micaiah’s prophecy was correct and the 400 prophets had all been wrong? Or did they simply leave him in prison to die?

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Sometimes we can see, O Lord, that we could well get ourselves punished for telling the truth: sometimes it seems like it might indeed be wiser to tell others what they want to hear. Grant us in those moments the courage to speak up with boldness and declare your word, and nothing else.

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