Hall of Faith: Micaiah, was not afraid

In the Hall of Faith, is listed those who were moreover of bonds and imprisonment.

Micaiah made the false prophets angry

Micaiah is one of those whom this refers to. The name Micaiah means who is like God.

Micaiah should not be confused with the prophet, Micah. The story of Micaiah can be found in 1 Kings 22.

King Jehoshaphat of Judah goes to visit King Ahab of Israel. He wants to take over Ramoth-gilead from King Ahab. Jehoshaphat tells Ahab to  “Inquire first for the word of the Lord”.

King Ahab’s prophets respond that God will deliver Ramoth-gilead into his hands. King Jehoshaphat ask if there are any other propets to inquire of the Lord. Ahab responds there is Micaiah, but he’s not a fan of Micaiah, as his prophecies are not always in Ahab’s favor.

Micaiah spoke the words of God

A messenger brings Micaiah in and tells him to provide a favorable prophecy for King Ahab. Micaiah responds that he will speak whatever the Lord tells him to speak.

Micaiah appears before King Ahab and initially says “Go up and prosper; and Jehovah will deliver it into the hand of the king.” {v. 15}

King Ahab questions Micaiah and ask for an honest prophecy from the Lord. Micaiah says “ I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and Jehovah said, These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace.” {v. 17}

King Ahab becomes angry and says “I knew he wouldn’t say good about me”.

Micaiah was slapped by the false prophets

Micaiah then says that he saw God on his throne and God asked what would entice Ahab to go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead. A spirit comes forth and says “I will entice him” with lying prophets. {v. 19-23}

Zedekiah slaps Micaiah before King Ahab has him thrown in prison. The King says  “Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. “ {v. 27}

But Micaiah replies, “If thou return at all in peace, Jehovah hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hear, ye peoples, all of you.” {v. 28}

Micaiah would only speak what God told him to say

The kings go to Ramoth-gilead for battle and Ahab disguises himself. Just as Micaiah predicted the king is killed.

We know nothing else of Micaiah that this passage {the same story is told in  2 Chronicles 18}. Yet, his faith and imprisonment earned him an honorable mention {by description} in the Hall of Faith.

So, what can we learn from Micaiah?

Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me.”

1. He was not afraid to speak the truth

2. He refused to not speak what God told him

3. He was honest

4. He was not afraid to suffer or be imprisoned for his beliefs

Micaiah was not afraid to speak up and speak out for his beliefs. It is difficult when you speak out against 400 prophets saying the exact opposite of what God is telling you.

Are you afraid to speak up?

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