1
But even though Jehoshaphat was very rich and much honored, he made a marriage alliance with Ahab of Israel.
2
Some time later he paid a visit to Ahab at Samaria. Ahab celebrated his visit with a feast - a huge barbecue with all the lamb and beef you could eat. But Ahab had a hidden agenda; he wanted Jehoshaphat's support in attacking Ramoth Gilead.
3
Then Ahab brought it into the open: "Will you join me in attacking Ramoth Gilead?" Jehoshaphat said, "You bet. I'm with you all the way; you can count on me and my troops."
4
Then Jehoshaphat said, "But before you do anything, ask God for guidance."
5
The king of Israel got the prophets together - all 400 of them - and put the question to them: "Should I attack Ramoth Gilead or should I hold back?" "Go for it," they said. "God will hand it over to the king."
6
But Jehoshaphat dragged his feet, "Is there another prophet of God around here we can consult? Let's get a second opinion."
7
The king of Israel told Jehoshaphat, "As a matter of fact, there is another. But I hate him. He never preaches anything good to me, only doom, doom, doom - Micaiah son of Imlah." "The king shouldn't talk about a prophet like that!" said Jehoshaphat.
8
So the king of Israel ordered one of his men, "Quickly, get Micaiah son of Imlah."