But I hate him

The statement “But I hate him” comes from 2 Chronicles 18:7. It was said by King Ahab who ruled in Israel. Who was he talking about? Why did he hate this person? What application or lesson might we learn from this man and his statement?

The Context:

King Ahab was speaking to King Jehoshaphat who was king of Judah. The two had made an alliance together, 2 Chronicles 18:1. This was a poor decision from Jehoshaphat. King Ahab was not a good king. Ahab had persuaded Jehoshaphat to attack Ramoth-gilead. However, before they were to attack Ramoth-gilead, Jehoshaphat wanted to hear from the LORD, 2 Chronicles 18:4. This was a wise decision from the king. In 2 Chronicles 18:5 King Ahab gathered up 400 men and asked them, “Should we go to Ramoth-gilead for war or should I refrain?” They responded to Ahab by saying “March up, and God will hand it over to the king.” But Jehoshaphat asked, “Isn’t there a prophet of the LORD here anymore? Let’s ask him.” This is when King Ahab said the following:

“There is still one man who can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies good about me, but only disaster. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.”

King Ahab continued to hate Micaiah. Here’s what the prophet said to him about the battle in 2 Chronicles 18:16: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘They have no master; let each return home in peace.’” In 2 Chronicles 18:22 the prophet said, “Now, you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit into the mouth of these prophets of yours, and the LORD has now pronounced disaster against you.”  What the prophet said came to pass, 2 Chronicles 18:33-34.

Application For Us

#1: Don’t align yourself with people who hate the LORD. Jehoshaphat did. It almost cost him his life, 2 Chronicles 18:28-32.

#2: Find out what God has to say about a matter like Jehoshaphat did.

#2: God’s word is always the standard. A loud majority that stands on lies cannot change what’s true.

#3: How we respond to the words of the prophets and apostles will determine where we spend eternity. Don’t allow pride and ego to cause you to turn from God’s word.