Chatsworth Baptist Church

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN 2025
DAY # 168
17 June 2025 , Ivan Krishna

Reading For Today:

1 KINGS 22

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY
“In the race to a child’s heart, the first one there wins.”

GEORGE BARNA

EXPLANATION

George Barna is a Christian researcher, author, and founder of the Barna Group , a leading research organization that studies the spiritual beliefs and behaviors of people.
He has written extensively about faith, culture, and how children and young people form their beliefs. His research has shown that a child’s worldview is often set by the age of 13, which makes early spiritual formation incredibly important.
This quote is a powerful reminder that whoever reaches a child’s heart first will most strongly shape how that child sees the world.
The “race” is not just about getting to know the child, it’s about being the first to teach them what is true, what is right, and what is good.
The world is also racing for their hearts, through media, online gaming, peer pressure, and harmful messages.

But if we, as Christian parents, teachers, and church members, reach a child first with the truth of God’s love, the gospel, and godly values, that foundation will shape them for life.

In other words, the earlier we reach children with the love of Christ, the more likely it is that they will walk with Him for a lifetime.

This isn’t about rushing, but about being intentional, early and consistently. It’s not enough to hope that kids will “figure things out later.”
Spiritual formation starts now, at home, in church, and through daily life.

Proverbs 22:6
“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

Meaning: We are called to guide children early in life, because what we teach them now sticks with them.

Deuteronomy 6:6–7
“And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”

Meaning: Teaching God’s truth should be part of everyday moments, not just formal classroom lessons.

Matthew 19:14
“But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.’”

Meaning: Christ welcomed children and considered them precious. We should do the same.

Psalm 78:4
“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders.”

Meaning: God wants His people to pass on His truth and power to the next generation.

Do not delay in sharing the love and truth of Christ with the children around us. What they learn early, they carry for life.

Be present, involved, and intentional in the spiritual lives of our children. Whether as parents, grandparents, teachers, or church family, we are called to sow seeds of truth early.

Remember that the heart of a child is soft, open, and ready to be shaped, and that the Lord is calling us to help form it in the direction of grace, truth, and godliness.

Time is short and children are listening. The race for their hearts is on, and by God’s grace, we can reach them first with the Gospel, planting seeds that grow into lifelong faith.

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THE BIBLE TEXT (NLT) – 1 KINGS 22

1 Kings 22

1 For three years there was no war between Aram and Israel.

2 Then during the third year, King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to visit King Ahab of Israel.

3 During the visit, the king of Israel said to his officials, “Do you realize that the town of Ramoth-gilead belongs to us? And yet we’ve done nothing to recapture it from the king of Aram!”

4 Then he turned to Jehoshaphat and asked, “Will you join me in battle to recover Ramoth-gilead?” Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, “Why, of course! You and I are as one. My troops are your troops, and my horses are your horses.”

5 Then Jehoshaphat added, “But first let’s find out what the LORD says.”

6 So the king of Israel summoned the prophets, about 400 of them, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I hold back?” They all replied, “Yes, go right ahead! The Lord will give the king victory.”

7 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not also a prophet of the LORD here? We should ask him the same question.”

8 The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, “There is one more man who could consult the LORD for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.” Jehoshaphat replied, “That’s not the way a king should talk! Let’s hear what he has to say.”

9 So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Quick! Bring Micaiah son of Imlah.”

10 King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah, dressed in their royal robes, were sitting on thrones at the threshing floor near the gate of Samaria. All of Ahab’s prophets were prophesying there in front of them.

11 One of them, Zedekiah son of Kenaanah, made some iron horns and proclaimed, “This is what the LORD says: With these horns you will gore the Arameans to death!”

12 All the other prophets agreed. “Yes,” they said, “go up to Ramoth-gilead and be victorious, for the LORD will give the king victory!”

13 Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success.”

14 But Micaiah replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will say only what the LORD tells me to say.”

15 When Micaiah arrived before the king, Ahab asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we hold back?” Micaiah replied sarcastically, “Yes, go up and be victorious, for the LORD will give the king victory!”

16 But the king replied sharply, “How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the LORD?”

17 Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.'”

18 “Didn’t I tell you?” the king of Israel exclaimed to Jehoshaphat. “He never prophesies anything but trouble for me.”

19 Then Micaiah continued, “Listen to what the LORD says! I saw the LORD sitting on his throne with all the armies of heaven around him, on his right and on his left.

20 And the LORD said, ‘Who can entice Ahab to go into battle against Ramoth-gilead so he can be killed?’ “There were many suggestions,

21 and finally a spirit approached the LORD and said, ‘I can do it!’

22 “‘How will you do this?’ the LORD asked. “And the spirit replied, ‘I will go out and inspire all of Ahab’s prophets to speak lies.’ “‘You will succeed,’ said the LORD. ‘Go ahead and do it.’

23 “So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all your prophets. For the LORD has pronounced your doom.”

24 Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah walked up to Micaiah and slapped him across the face. “Since when did the Spirit of the LORD leave me to speak to you?” he demanded.

25 And Micaiah replied, “You will find out soon enough when you are trying to hide in some secret room!”

26 “Arrest him!” the king of Israel ordered. “Take him back to Amon, the governor of the city, and to my son Joash.

27 Give them this order from the king: ‘Put this man in prison, and feed him nothing but bread and water until I return safely from the battle!'”

28 But Micaiah replied, “If you return safely, it will mean that the LORD has not spoken through me!” Then he added to those standing around, “Everyone mark my words!”

29 So King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah led their armies against Ramoth-gilead.

30 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “As we go into battle, I will disguise myself so no one will recognize me, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle.

31 Meanwhile, the king of Aram had issued these orders to his thirty-two chariot commanders: “Attack only the king of Israel. Don’t bother with anyone else!”

32 So when the Aramean chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat in his royal robes, they went after him. “There is the king of Israel!” they shouted. But when Jehoshaphat called out,

33 the chariot commanders realized he was not the king of Israel, and they stopped chasing him.

34 An Aramean soldier, however, randomly shot an arrow at the Israelite troops and hit the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. “Turn the horses and get me out of here!” Ahab groaned to the driver of his chariot. “I’m badly wounded!”

35 The battle raged all that day, and the king remained propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans. The blood from his wound ran down to the floor of his chariot, and as evening arrived he died.

36 Just as the sun was setting, the cry ran through his troops: “We’re done for! Run for your lives!”

37 So the king died, and his body was taken to Samaria and buried there.

38 Then his chariot was washed beside the pool of Samaria, and dogs came and licked his blood at the place where the prostitutes bathed, just as the LORD had promised.

39 The rest of the events in Ahab’s reign and everything he did, including the story of the ivory palace and the towns he built, are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel.

40 So Ahab died, and his son Ahaziah became the next king.

41 Jehoshaphat son of Asa began to rule over Judah in the fourth year of King Ahab’s reign in Israel.

42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi.

43 Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the example of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight. During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there.

44 Jehoshaphat also made peace with the king of Israel.

45 The rest of the events in Jehoshaphat’s reign, the extent of his power, and the wars he waged are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Judah.

46 He banished from the land the rest of the male and female shrine prostitutes, who still continued their practices from the days of his father, Asa.

47 (There was no king in Edom at that time, only a deputy.)

48 Jehoshaphat also built a fleet of trading ships to sail to Ophir for gold. But the ships never set sail, for they met with disaster in their home port of Ezion-geber.

49 At one time Ahaziah son of Ahab had proposed to Jehoshaphat, “Let my men sail with your men in the ships.” But Jehoshaphat refused the request.

50 When Jehoshaphat died, he was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. Then his son Jehoram became the next king.

51 Ahaziah son of Ahab began to rule over Israel in the seventeenth year of King Jehoshaphat’s reign in Judah. He reigned in Samaria two years.

52 But he did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, following the example of his father and mother and the example of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had led Israel to sin.

53 He served Baal and worshiped him, provoking the anger of the LORD, the God of Israel, just as his father had done.

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COMMENTARY ON 1 KINGS 22

1 KINGS 22: THE FALL OF AHAB

This chapter concludes the record of King Ahab’s reign in the northern kingdom of Israel.

During this period, Israel and Judah were politically divided but occasionally united for military campaigns.

The Arameans (Syrians) under Ben-Hadad were Israel’s persistent enemies.

Prophets served not only as spiritual guides but also as messengers of God’s judgment and revelation to the kings.

Micaiah, the prophet in this passage, is a lesser-known but faithful voice amidst political and prophetic compromise.

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SECTION 1: THE POLITICAL ALLIANCE AND CONSULTATION
(1 KINGS 22:1–12)

Three years passed without war between Israel and Aram, but King Ahab desired to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead.

He invited Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to join him in battle. Jehoshaphat agreed, but asked for the counsel of the Lord.

Ahab summoned about 400 prophets, who assured success, but Jehoshaphat suspected their credibility.

When asked for a true prophet of the Lord, Ahab reluctantly mentioned Micaiah, whom he disliked because of his unfavorable prophecies.

BIBLICAL TRUTH IN THIS PASSAGE

The Danger of Echo Chambers. Ahab’s 400 prophets were likely court-appointed and compromised. When leaders surround themselves with yes-men, they are vulnerable to delusion (cf. 2 Timothy 4:3).

The Righteous Minority. Micaiah shows that a faithful minority can stand against the majority. God’s truth often comes through humble but brave vessels (cf. Matthew 7:13–14).

God’s Sovereignty over False Prophets. The Lord permits a deceiving spirit to influence Ahab’s prophets as a form of judgment. (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:11–12).

LESSONS FOR US TODAY

Let us be people who seek God’s voice above popular opinion.

May we discern the difference between emotional affirmation and true biblical counsel.

Admire and imitate the courage of those like Micaiah who stand for truth.

God’s judgment sometimes involves allowing deception for those who persist in rebellion.

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SECTION 2:
MICAIAH’S PROPHECY AND AHAB’S REJECTION (1 KINGS 22:13–28)

When summoned, Micaiah first sarcastically echoed the other prophets, but then revealed the truth: Ahab would die in battle. He described a heavenly scene where the Lord permitted a deceiving spirit to entice Ahab to his downfall. Ahab dismissed the warning and imprisoned Micaiah.

BIBLICAL TRUTH IN THIS PASSAGE

Heavenly Courtroom. Micaiah’s vision shows that spiritual battles occur behind the scenes of earthly events. Like Israel and Iran today, this is a spiritual battle not just political (cf. Job 1:6–12).

Rejection of Truth Has Consequences. Ahab’s disdain for truth reveals the hardened heart that invites judgment (cf. Hebrews 3:13).

Imprisoned but Free. Though confined, Micaiah is truly free because he speaks God’s truth. The world often punishes truth-tellers, but God honors them (cf. John 8:32).

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LESSONS FOR US TODAY

May we not harden our hearts when truth confronts us.

Trust in God’s sovereignty even when truth is rejected by the majority.

Remember that the spiritual realm is real and affects earthly outcomes.

Value faithfulness to God above public approval or personal comfort.

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SECTION 3:
THE DEATH OF AHAB AND THE PROTECTION OF JEHOSHAPHAT (1 KINGS 22:29–40)

Despite Micaiah’s warning, Ahab and Jehoshaphat went to battle.

Ahab disguised himself, but an enemy archer randomly shot an arrow that fatally wounded him. He died as prophesied.

Jehoshaphat returned safely. Ahab was buried, and his death marked the fulfillment of Elijah’s earlier judgment.

BIBLICAL TRUTH IN THIS PASSAGE

God’s Word Never Fails. Even a “random” arrow fulfilled God’s precise judgment. His word is unbreakable (cf. Isaiah 55:11).

You Can’t Hide from God. Ahab disguised himself, but he could not avoid God’s decree. God sees all and ensures justice (cf. Hebrews 4:13).

Grace to the Righteous. Jehoshaphat was spared, not because of perfection, but because of his faithfulness to the Lord. God honors those who seek Him (cf. 2 Chronicles 19:3).

Judgment Comes in God’s Timing. Ahab lived in rebellion for years, but judgment came at the right time. God’s patience has a limit (cf. Romans 2:5).

LESSONS FOR US TODAY

Let us not take God’s patience for granted.

Walk in the fear of the Lord, knowing His justice is sure.

Be confident that God protects His own even in dangerous circumstances.

Believe that no one escapes the reach of God’s sovereignty.

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SECTION 4:
JEHOSHAPHAT’S LEGACY AND AHAZIAH’S REIGN
(1 KINGS 22:41–53)

Jehoshaphat is portrayed as a good king who followed the ways of the Lord, though he did not remove the high places of pagan shrines

His alliance with Ahab’s son Ahaziah in a ship-building venture was rebuked by the Lord, resulting in the project’s failure. Ahaziah, Ahab’s son, reigned after him and did evil like his father.

BIBLICAL TRUTH IN THIS PASSAGE

Compromise Has Consequences. Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahaziah brought divine disapproval. Even righteous people must avoid partnerships with the ungodly (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:14).

Partial Obedience is Disobedience. Jehoshaphat did not remove the high places. His legacy was mixed because of incomplete reforms (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22).

God Disciplines His Children. The failed ships were a divine rebuke. God lovingly corrects His own to guide them back to full obedience (cf. Hebrews 12:6).

Ahaziah followed in Ahab’s evil footsteps, showing that sin perpetuates where there is no repentance (cf. Exodus 20:5–6).

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LESSONS FOR US TODAY

Pursue complete obedience, not just partial adjustments .

Avoid partnerships that dishonor God’s holiness.

Respond humbly to God’s discipline in our lives.

Remember that our example influences future generations either toward righteousness or rebellion.