2 Chronicles 18 — Tyndale Study Notes
2Chr.18.1-2
Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab led him to compromise his faithfulness to the Lord (see 19:2-3; cp. 2 Cor 6:14-18). The marriage of his son Jehoram (2 Chr 21:1) to Ahab’s daughter Athaliah (22:2) brought Israel’s apostasy into Judah (see 21:5-6, 12-13; 22:1-4).
2Chr.18.5-7
The 400 prophets were Ahab’s “yes-men.” Jehoshaphat wanted instead to hear from a prophet of the Lord, but Ahab knew in advance that such a prophet would contradict his court prophets.
2Chr.18.15
Ahab understood that Micaiah had not spoken the word of the Lord, perhaps because Micaiah’s answer used the same words as that of his rivals, or Micaiah might have been speaking with a sarcastic tone (18:14).
2Chr.18.18-22
The vision explains the deception of the false prophets while legitimizing Micaiah’s word. The deception guaranteed that Ahab would fall in battle; his judgment was decreed.
2Chr.18.25-26
Ahab’s defiance against the Lord is seen in his contempt for Micaiah, the Lord’s prophet.
2Chr.18.28-34
Although Ahab knew he had gone against God’s will and was therefore liable for the consequences, his immediate concern was the Aramean army. His belief that he could defy God’s judgment against him indicates his disregard for the Lord; his error was fatal.