Chapter Summary

Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab. Ahab's lying prophets. Micaiah's true prophecy. Defeat and death of Ahab.

Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles, Chapter 18

1. What led Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, to form an alliance with King Ahab of Israel? How did this decision influence the events that followed in the chapter? How does Jehoshaphat's experience with forming an alliance serve as a cautionary tale for the potential consequences of aligning oneself with those whose values and beliefs may not align with one's own, and what can we learn from this when making decisions in our own lives? Have you seen the aligning with human institutions happen, in your own life or in the life of others?
2. How did Jehoshaphat respond to Ahab's request to go to war against Ramoth-gilead? What factors influenced his decision to inquire of the prophets before going into battle? How can Jehoshaphat's approach of seeking divine guidance from prophets before making significant decisions serve as a model for individuals and leaders today who are faced with complex choices?
3. Compare Jehoshaphat's approach to seeking guidance from the prophets with Ahab's reliance on false prophets. What lessons can we learn about discerning truth from deception in our own lives?
4. What does this chapter reveal about the dangers of aligning ourselves with ungodly influences or compromising our faith for the sake of human alliances?
5. What challenges did Jehoshaphat encounter when he chose to join Ahab in the battle against Ramoth-gilead? How did he respond to these challenges with faith and trust in God? How does Jehoshaphat's response to the challenges he encountered emphasize the importance of discernment, reliance on genuine spiritual guidance, and maintaining a strong connection with God even in complex and potentially compromising situations?
6. In what ways do the actions of Jehoshaphat and Ahab reflect common struggles or dilemmas we encounter in our own lives? How can we avoid falling into the trap of unwise alliances or compromising our faith for worldly gains?
7. How did Micaiah's prophecy challenge both Jehoshaphat and Ahab to consider the consequences of their choices and actions?
8. Contrast the counsel given by the false prophets to King Ahab with the warning from Micaiah, the true prophet of the Lord. How can we discern between genuine godly advice and misleading messages in our own lives?
9. Reflect on the consequences of aligning ourselves with those who oppose God's ways. How can we be intentional in choosing companions and associations that encourage and strengthen our relationship with the Lord?
10. How can we discern God's will in our decisions, especially when faced with pressure to conform to the ways of the world or enter into unwise alliances?

Key Words/Phrase

Ungodly alliance, v 1.

Characters

God, Jehoshaphat, Ahab, Micaiah, Zedekiah, king of Syria, lying spirits.

Strong Verse(s)

13