For how long a time was there a cessation of hostilities between Syria and Israel? N.B. Benhadad no doubt threw off all regard to his covenant as soon as he got home, and Went about recruiting his forces, and making ready for war.
From whom did Ahab at this time receive a visit, and what proposition did he make to his guest?
In what manner had the families of Ahab and Jehosaphat become connected? 2 Kings 8.18.
Was Ramoth-Gilead one of the cities which Benhadad had promised to restore? ch. 20.34.
Did Jehosaphat consent, and why did they delay going up immediately ? v. 5.
What was the word of the prophets, and how was Jehosaphat satisfied?
What was Ahab's reply, and what further assurances did they receive from these flattering prophets? v. 8—12. N. B. "Unity is not always the mark of a true church, or a true ministry. Here were 400 men that prophesied with one mind and one mouth, and yet all in an error." — Henry.
What was the messenger's request to Micaiah when he went for him, and what was his reply?
What traits of character are remarkably set in contrast in the conduct of these two men?
What occurred when he came into the presence of the kings, and how is his language to be understood? N. B. This mode of expression is not to be construed as sanctioning or approving the step, but merely as intimating his good wishes, since Ahab was evidently bent upon going. Thus the Most High said to Balaam, "Go with the elders of Moab," when it is evident he disapproved of his conduct. Speeches of this kind are merely God's Providence turned into words. His Providence often does not restrain the froward and perverse, but permits them to go on in their own chosen way.
How did Ahab express his suspicions that the prophet was not sincere, and what clear prediction did he then utter? v. 17.
What did Ahab say to Jehosaphat?
Are men prone to imagine that ministers are not their friends because they tell them the truth?
How does Micaiah then proceed to deliver his message? v. 10—23. N. B. The vision was not designed to reveal the actual state of things in the invisible world, but simply as an allegorical mode of representing the permissive economy of God's holy Providence towards wicked men, whom he frequently suffers to be deceived by events coinciding with their wishes, and thus to rush on to their own destruction. In such case nothing can be brought to shew that He is bound to prevent the catastrophe which he does not prevent.
How did Zedekiah receive this message, and what was Micaiah's meek reply ? v. 24, 25.
What did the king order to be done with the prophet, and what were Micaiah's parting words to Ahab?
What stratagem did Ahab propose to Jehosaphat, and how did the affair terminate? v.29-37
Was Ahab's death a judgment for having suffered Benhadad to escape?
How was Elijah's denunciation fulfilled?
Who succeeded him in the kingdom, and what was his general character?
What is the general character given of Jehosaphat king of Judah?
What is said of his naval expeditions v 4 8 2Chron. 19. 2.
Where did he place judges, for the benefit of his subjects, and what instructions did he give them? 2 Chron. 19. 5—7.
Whom did he appoint with the same view in the city of Jerusalem? v. 8—11.
What remarkable war was Jehosaphat engaged in, and what were the circumstances which decided the victory? 2 Chron. 20. 1—25.
What was the state of his kingdom after this? v.26-30
< Previous | Index | Next >