1 Kings 22:7

And Iehoshaphat said, Is there not here a Prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him? 1 Kings 22:7 (KJV)

And Jehoshaphat said,

Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? 1 Kings 22:7 (KJV)

The verse takes us to a particular event in the Old Testament involving the kings of Israel and Judah. In this passage Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is visiting Ahab, the king of Israel. Ahab proposes that they go to battle against Ramoth Gilead, a city held by the Arameans. Jehoshaphat agrees to join Ahab but first requests to consult a prophet of the Lord, asking, “Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him?”

Seeking Divine Guidance: Jehoshaphat’s question reveals his desire to seek guidance from the Lord. As a faithful king he recognizes the importance of consulting a prophet who speaks on behalf of God. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking God’s will in making decisions. When facing significant choices or challenges, we too should seek God’s guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking wise counsel.

Dependence on God: The inquiry demonstrates Jehoshaphat’s reliance on God’s wisdom rather than on his own understanding or the advice of people. He understands that the outcome of their military campaign would depend on God’s direction and blessing. Likewise, we should cultivate a posture of dependence on God in all aspects of our lives, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His guidance in our decisions.

Recognizing True Prophets: Jehoshaphat’s request implies that he desired a prophet who would speak truthfully and genuinely represent God’s voice. In contrast, Ahab often surrounded himself with false prophets who would tell him what he wanted to hear. We are called to be discerning, recognizing true spiritual leaders and teachers who align with God’s Word and speak the truth, rather than those who offer flattering or misleading messages.

The Importance of Prophetic Guidance: The question highlights the value placed on prophetic guidance in ancient Israel. Prophets played a significant role by conveying God’s messages, warning against disobedience, and providing direction to the people and their leaders. While we may not have prophets in the same sense today, we have the privilege of studying the inspired Word of God, which serves as our guide and contains the prophetic message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Honoring God’s Word: By seeking a prophet of the Lord, Jehoshaphat demonstrated his commitment to honoring and obeying God’s Word. He sought to align his decisions with God’s will. Similarly, believers are called to study and apply God’s Word, allowing it to guide our actions, choices, and attitudes. The passage as a whole teaches the importance of seeking God’s guidance, relying on Him, discerning true spiritual leaders, and honoring His Word, encouraging us to approach decisions and challenges with a heart that seeks after God above all else.