2Ch 18: "A great test to a man's character comes from 'riches
and honour in abundance' (v 1). He does not realise his reliance on Yahweh to
the same degree as in times of difficulty and poverty (cp the warning of Pro
30:8,9). The result is Jehoshaphat's disastrous alliance. By marrying his son
Jehoram to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, he sealed the alliance.
The ch reveals [1] A union for warfare: vv 1-3. [2] Jehoshaphat seeks divine
guidance: v 4. [3] Micaiah is sent for: vv 6-8. [4] Zedekiah flatters the kings:
vv 9-11. [5] Micaiah's integrity: vv 12,13. [6] His sarcastic message of doom:
vv 14-16. [7] He accuses the false prophets of lying: vv 17-22. [8] Zedekiah's
challenge: vv 23,24. [9] Micaiah is imprisoned: vv 25-27. [10] Ahab disguises
himself for the battle: vv 28,29. [11] Jehoshaphat receives divine help: vv
30-32. [12] Death of Ahab: vv 33,34" (GEM).
In this chapter we see the beginnings of what amounted to
Jehoshaphat's three-fold "unequal yoking" with unbelievers: (1) First of all, he
became allied with Ahab in war (2Ch 18:1-3); (2) Later, he was allied with
Ahaziah in commerce (2Ch 20:35,36); and (3) Finally, he was allied with Israel
in marriage -- through his son Jehoram (2Ch 21:6).
2Ch 18:16
LIKE SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD: Num 27:17; 1Ki 22:17;
Mat 9:36; Mark 6:34.
2Ch 18:22
THE LORD HAS PUT A LYING SPIRIT...: Cp Isa 45:7; Psa
78:49; Amos 3:6.
2Ch 18:26
"Working for God does not bring harmony and happiness in this
life, but in the one to come. This poor man who was obliged to speak the word of
the Lord was about to be imprisoned potentially indefinitely for it. He knew
that Ahab would die in the battle, so unless his successor took pity on him,
this was a life sentence. Could you do it? Do we have our minds so clearly set
on the kingdom that we can cope with anything that this life throws at us?
'Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same
way they persecuted the prophets who were before you' (Mat 5:12)"
(PC).
2Ch 18:31
THE LORD HELPED HIM: Notice the distinction: YAHWEH
helped His own servant, but...
GOD DREW THEM AWAY FROM HIM: ...ELOHIM moved the
aliens!