February 16: 2 Chronicles 18

Speaking Truth to Power

You have no doubt heard this spoken in our day by politicians and pundits. This concept is described in Wikipedia:

Speaking truth to power is a non-violent political tactic, employed by dissidents against the received wisdom or propaganda of governments they regard as oppressive, authoritarian or an ideocracy. The phrase originated with a pamphlet, Speak Truth to Power: a Quaker Search for an Alternative to Violence, published by the American Friends Service Committee in 1955.

The prophets of the Old Testament were responsible to speak truth to power. Whether it was the prophet Elijah telling King Ahab that there would be no rain at the Word of the LORD, or the prophet Nathan telling King David that he was the man who had sinned, or Jeremiah telling the king of Judah to do justice and righteousness, we see examples of prophets speaking truth to power. That was their job!

When we come to 2 Chronicles 18, we are confronted with two kings who are talking about an alliance to go to war together. The Chronicler notes that Jehoshaphat has already compromised his position, arranging for his son to marry Ahab’s daughter. Thus he allied himself and Judah with one of the most wicked kings to ever rule, King Ahab of Israel. Ahab was eager to impress Jehoshaphat by slaughtering many sheep and oxen for him and his companions, inducing him to go up against Ramoth-gilead in battle.

It’s interesting that the way we are presented with Jehoshaphat’s response implies that Jehoshaphat had already decided to go with Ahab into battle. But as an added assurance, he asks Ahab to seek a word from the LORD. Ahab is able to assemble four hundred prophets (we are not told if they were prophets of God or prophets of Baal). They are all in agreement that God will give the kings a victory. The partyline is established, and everyone is in agreement. But it seems that Jehoshaphat finds their words less than convincing. He asks if there is another prophet with whom they may inquire of the LORD.

Ahab’s reluctance is voiced by his response. Yes, but I hate him because he never gives me a positive word. Jehoshaphat tells him not to talk like that. So, the prophet Michaiah is summoned and while they wait, one of the prophets decides to provide a visual lesson for the kings as they sit in their regal array. He uses horns to show how the LORD will gore and rout the enemy. It was impressive.

Now, before Michaiah is allowed into the kings’ presence, he is pulled aside and prepared for the encounter. He is strongly encouraged to go along with the partyline. Michaiah quips back that he will only speak what God tells him. Then, something strange takes place. In mocking fashion, Michaiah repeats the partyline message. The king, recognizing something is amiss, makes an unbelievable request. He asks Michaiah for the truth. And the prophet gives him just that. He tells Ahab that he will suffer a disastrous defeat. He even tells Ahab what these prophets are doing to persuade him into battle.

“Now therefore look, Jehovah has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these your prophets. Jehovah has declared calamity for you.”” (2 Chronicles 18:22, UASV+)

How did they receive the prophet’s truth to power? Zedekiah slapped him and taunted him. King Ahab ordered that he be imprisoned and given bread and water. And, ignoring the truth of Michaiah’s words, they rush off to do battle. In the end, Ahab, who was trying to hide himself as a common soldier, was struck by a random arrow in a vulnerable place (note: this is NOT an accident; this is the hand of God). Ahab died at sunset. Ahab had convinced Jehoshaphat to wear his royal robes into battle. Now, the king of Aram had instructed his forces to focus on eliminating Ahab. They pursued Jehoshaphat, mistakenly thinking he was Ahab. Jehoshaphat barely escaped with his life with the help of the LORD.

“When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel!” Therefore they turned around to fight against him. But Jehoshaphat cried out, and Yahweh helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.” (2 Chronicles 18:31, WEB)

There are so many takeaways in this passage.

1. It is never wise to ally oneself with evildoers.
2. Powerful people use their position and their resources to seek to impress and intimidate the rank and file (and even other powerful people).
3. There will always be advisors who are only interested in giving powerful people what they want to hear.
4. These advisors will put pressure on anyone they think will oppose their advice to toe the line and agree with them.
5. The person of integrity, the man or woman of God, will not bow to the pressure of the world, but will speak the truth (in love).
6. Those who speak truth to power should be ready to accept the ridicule and rejection of those who do not want the truth; they want approval.
7. Those who speak truth to power should be ready to face the consequences that may come from those who disapprove.
8. God even helps those who entangle themselves in a bad situation, if they are willing to cry out to Him for help.