1. Jehoshaphat became very rich and famous. He made an agreement with King Ahab through marriage.
2. A few years later, Jehoshaphat visited Ahab in the town of Samaria. Ahab sacrificed many sheep and cattle for Jehoshaphat and the people with him. Ahab encouraged Jehoshaphat to join in an attack on the city of Ramoth Gilead.
3. Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to attack Ramoth Gilead?” Ahab was the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah. Jehoshaphat answered, “Yes, you and I will be as one—my men will be as yours in battle.
4. But first let’s ask the Lord for advice.”
5. So Ahab called a meeting of the prophets. There were about 400 prophets at that time. Ahab asked the prophets, “Should we go and attack Ramoth Gilead or not?” The prophets answered Ahab, “Yes, because God will let you defeat Ramoth Gilead.”
6. But Jehoshaphat said, “Doesn’t the Lord have another prophet here? Let’s ask him what God says.”
7. King Ahab answered, “Yes, there is another prophet. His name is Micaiah son of Imlah. But I hate him. He never says anything good about me when he speaks for the Lord. He always says things that I don’t like.” Jehoshaphat said, “The king shouldn’t say things like that!”
8. So King Ahab told one of his officers to go and find Micaiah.
9. At that time the two kings were sitting on their thrones, with their royal robes on, at the judgment place near the gates of Samaria. All the prophets were standing before them, prophesying.