1 Kings 22:21

There came forth a spirit— That evil being, named Satan, was little known to the Jewish people till their captivity; and then this history was taught openly as a security against the doctrine of the two principles.

The Jewish law-giver, where he so frequently enumerates and warns the Israelites of the snares and temptations which would draw them to transgress the law of God, never mentions this chief foe of heaven. Nay, when the form of that sacred history which Moses composed, obliged him to treat of Satan's first grand machination against mankind, he entirely hides this wicked spirit under the animal which he made his instrument; but as the fulness of time drew near, they were made more and more acquainted with this their arch-enemy. When Ahab, for the crimes and follies of the people, was suffered to be infatuated, we have the account in the words of Micaiah above. Satan is not here recorded by name; and so we must conclude the people were yet permitted to know little of his history: however, this undertaking sufficiently declared his nature.

REFLECTIONS.—Micaiah now appears before the kings and courtiers, alone, indeed, but not unsupported; God was with him, therefore could he not be moved.

1. Ahab puts the same question to him that he had before put to his own prophets; and Micaiah, who had heard their answer, and knew the king's mind, answered him in their very words; but with such a tone and gesture, as evidently bespoke contempt of his prophets, and the vanity of their prophecy. Note; It is folly which deserves to be ridiculed, to ask advice of others, when you are determined to follow your own opinion.

2. Ahab, perceiving the irony of his answer, conjures him, without further delay, to speak his mind; and this he does freely and boldly. He saw all Israel scattered like sheep on the hills near Ramoth-gilead, and their shepherd wanting; intimating, that Ahab should fall in the battle, and Israel be defeated. Note; Sinners cannot be too plainly warned of their danger.

3. Exasperated at such a declaration, which he interpreted only as the prophet's malice and ill-will against him, he turns to the too credulous Jehoshaphat, to divert him from attending to such a prophecy. But Micaiah confirms it by the vision, wherein he describes Ahab's determined ruin. Note; (1.) The greatest kindness shewn in faithful rebuke to men's souls, is often perversely misinterpreted into selfish anger, or dislike of their persons. (2.) God ruleth over all: the greatest are but worms of earth; and, however men spurn at it, his counsel must stand. (3.) God does, without impeachment of his glory, permit Satan to tempt sinners, and sometimes gives them up to be led captive by him at his will. (4.) The sinner abandoned of God rushes on his ruin, as the horse rusheth into the battle.

4. Zedekiah cannot bear such a keen reflection, and with insolent effrontary, in the king's presence, strikes Micaiah over the face, and treats with contempt his prophecy, as if himself alone had the spirit, who could not contradict his own inspirations. Note; (1.) The bitterest enemies of God's true prophets are the teachers of lies. These, to support their own credit with the people, seek by every base suggestion and oppression, to prevent the influence of the truth, lest the shame of their nakedness should appear. (2.) Confusion will shortly cover the wicked, and those who will not take God's warning must feel his wrath.

5. Ahab seconds his prophet's abuse, commits the innocent Micaiah to prison, and bids him be hardly treated till his return in peace, which he speaks of with confidence; designing then to execute him for a false prophet. Micaiah is very ready to rest his life on this issue; and they part thus, never to meet again. Note; (1.) The career of persecutors is often stopped short. (2.) They have little reason to promise themselves peace, who are declaring war against God in the person of his prophet.