1 Kings 22:7

KJV

And Jehoshaphat said, [Is there] not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jehoshaphat {H3092} said {H559}, Is there not here a prophet {H5030} of the LORD {H3068} besides {H5750}, that we might enquire {H1875} of him?

Complete Jewish Bible

But Y'hoshafat said, "Besides these, isn't there a prophet of ADONAI here that we can consult?"

Berean Standard Bible

But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”

American Standard Version

But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of Jehovah besides, that we may inquire of him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 22:7 captures a pivotal moment in the uneasy alliance between King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah, as they deliberate a military campaign against Ramoth-Gilead. Despite the unanimous and favorable prophecies delivered by Ahab's 400 court prophets, Jehoshaphat, demonstrating profound spiritual discernment, voices a crucial question: "Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?" This inquiry not only exposes the superficiality of Ahab's prophetic counsel but also underscores Jehoshaphat's unwavering commitment to seeking authentic divine guidance from the one true God, distinguishing genuine revelation from politically motivated flattery or popular consensus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a critical narrative pivot, immediately following the scene where King Ahab consults his 400 court prophets, who, with striking unanimity, assure him of victory in the impending battle for Ramoth-Gilead ([1 Kings 22:6](/1_kings/22-6 "1 Kings 22:6 - Ahab's 400 Prophets")). Jehoshaphat's discerning question introduces a stark and profound contrast between the deceptive assurances of these sycophantic prophets and the uncomfortable, yet truthful, word of Yahweh, which is soon to be delivered by Micaiah ben Imlah. This moment is essential for understanding the unfolding tragedy of Ahab's reign, as it highlights his persistent pattern of rejecting divine warnings and embracing falsehoods, a characteristic seen throughout his rule, particularly in his promotion of Baal worship ([1 Kings 16:30-33](/1_kings/16-30-33 "1 Kings 16:30-33 - Ahab's Wickedness and Idolatry")). The tension between true prophetic witness and corrupt royal power is a recurring and central theme throughout the books of [1 and 2 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The History of the Kings of Israel and Judah"), making Jehoshaphat's query a microcosm of the broader theological conflict.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for 1 Kings 22:7 is approximately 853 BCE, a period marked by complex geopolitical dynamics in the ancient Near East. King Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of the southern kingdom of Judah have formed an alliance, a significant diplomatic shift given their historical tensions. Ramoth-Gilead, a strategically vital city in Transjordan, was a contested territory between Israel and Aram (Syria). In ancient Israel, prophets held a unique and authoritative role as divine messengers, advising kings and the populace on matters of national policy, warfare, and justice. However, a crucial distinction existed between true prophets of the LORD, who often delivered unpopular truths, and "court prophets" or false prophets, who might speak what the king desired to hear, often for personal gain or out of fear. Ahab's 400 prophets likely belonged to the latter category, possibly even engaging in syncretistic practices that blended Yahwism with Baal worship, given Ahab's zealous promotion of Baalism ([1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah and the Prophets of Baal")). Jehoshaphat, renowned for his devotion to the LORD and his efforts to eradicate idolatry from Judah ([2 Chronicles 17:3-6](/2_chronicles/17-3-6 "2 Chronicles 17:3-6 - Jehoshaphat's Righteous Reign")), would have been acutely aware of this distinction and inherently suspicious of any prophecy not genuinely rooted in Yahweh's unadulterated will.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illuminates several profound theological and narrative themes. Foremost is **Spiritual Discernment**; Jehoshaphat, despite the overwhelming numerical consensus of 400 prophets, perceives a spiritual void in their pronouncements. His ability to distinguish between genuine divine counsel and human-driven rhetoric exemplifies a critical spiritual faculty, highlighting the enduring importance of seeking truth over popularity or convenience, a principle echoed in [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way that Seems Right"). Secondly, the verse underscores the necessity of **Seeking Authentic Divine Will**, not merely a divine endorsement of one's pre-conceived plans. Jehoshaphat's insistence on finding "a prophet of the LORD" reveals a deep, reverent desire for Yahweh's true word, even if it might contradict royal desires or political expediency. This stands in stark contrast to Ahab's clear preference for agreeable falsehoods. Finally, it speaks to **Integrity in Leadership**. Even within the confines of a military alliance, Jehoshaphat prioritizes spiritual fidelity, demonstrating that true leadership demands an unwavering commitment to God's will above all else, even when it means challenging the status quo or risking diplomatic friction. This commitment to God's ways is a hallmark of righteous kingship, as exemplified by David's prayer for guidance in [Psalm 25:4-5](/psalms/25-4-5 "Psalm 25:4-5 - David's Prayer for Guidance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** This term refers to one who is divinely called and appointed to speak on God's behalf, acting as His authoritative mouthpiece or oracle. The _nâbîyʼ_ is not merely a prognosticator or a wise counselor, but a messenger who delivers God's direct word, often challenging societal norms, calling for repentance, or revealing divine plans and judgments. In this specific context, Jehoshaphat's pointed request for a _nâbîyʼ_ "of the LORD" (YHWH) emphatically highlights his desire for a legitimate, divinely commissioned spokesperson, one distinct from the numerous false prophets who might claim divine inspiration or speak for other deities.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal, and personal name of God, famously revealed to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM")). Its explicit inclusion by Jehoshaphat is profoundly significant. It signifies his precise theological intent: he seeks a prophet who speaks for the God of Israel, the one true and living God, as opposed to the prophets of Baal, Asherah, or any other pagan deity. It also distinguishes between those who might superficially invoke YHWH's name but whose words are not genuinely inspired by His character and will. This emphasizes Jehoshaphat's unwavering commitment to the exclusive worship of Yahweh.
* **Enquire (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This verb denotes "to seek," "to consult," or "to inquire," often carrying the connotation of diligent, earnest, and reverent seeking, particularly concerning God's will, presence, or instruction. Jehoshaphat's use of _dârash_ indicates a serious, humble, and profound desire for divine guidance, far from a casual or superficial consultation. It implies a readiness to submit to the answer, whatever it may be, reflecting a posture of humility and dependence before God's sovereign authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jehoshaphat said,"**: This opening phrase immediately draws attention to Jehoshaphat's decisive intervention, underscoring his active role and the gravitas of his impending words. It marks a significant pause in the narrative, shifting the focus from Ahab's complacent consultation to Jehoshaphat's discerning spiritual inquiry, setting the stage for a critical turning point.
* **"[Is there] not here a prophet of the LORD besides,"**: This rhetorical question is laden with spiritual discernment and a subtle, yet firm, challenge to Ahab's assembled prophets. Jehoshaphat's use of "besides" (Hebrew: `ʻôwd`, H5750) implicitly suggests that the 400 prophets already consulted are either insufficient in number or, more critically, illegitimate in their divine authority. His explicit emphasis on "a prophet of the LORD" (YHWH) underscores his unwavering commitment to seeking authentic divine revelation, distinguishing true prophecy from mere human opinion, flattery, or even syncretistic pronouncements.
* **"that we might enquire of him?"**: This concluding clause articulates the profound purpose behind Jehoshaphat's search: to genuinely seek and receive God's authoritative will. The use of the plural "we" includes Ahab, indicating Jehoshaphat's earnest desire for both kings to receive true divine counsel before embarking on a potentially disastrous military campaign. It reflects a posture of humble dependence on God's wisdom, rather than relying solely on human strategy, political expediency, or popular consensus.

#### Literary Devices
1 Kings 22:7 is rich with potent literary devices that amplify its theological and narrative impact. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, where Jehoshaphat's query, "Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?", functions not as a request for information but as a powerful expression of his conviction and a catalyst for action—the search for a true prophet. This question immediately establishes a profound **Contrast** between the multitude of 400 false prophets, who speak with a unified, yet deceptive, voice, and the singular, true prophet of the LORD, highlighting the qualitative difference between divine truth and human deception. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, as Jehoshaphat's discerning question directly anticipates the arrival of Micaiah, the genuine prophet, and the subsequent delivery of an unwelcome, yet accurate, prophecy that directly contradicts the prevailing narrative. Finally, the scene is imbued with **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience, privy to Ahab's deep-seated wickedness and the true nature of God's impending judgment, understands that the 400 prophets are speaking falsely, while Ahab remains either oblivious or willfully ignorant, thereby setting the stage for his tragic and inevitable demise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jehoshaphat's discerning question in 1 Kings 22:7 stands as a timeless theological anchor, emphasizing the critical and enduring importance of seeking authentic divine guidance above all else. It profoundly underscores that truth is not determined by popular consensus, numerical majority, or the loudest voices, but solely by its alignment with the immutable character and revealed will of God. This passage powerfully highlights God's unwavering commitment to communicate His truth to humanity, even when that truth is unwelcome or challenging, and humanity's solemn responsibility to discern, embrace, and submit to that truth, regardless of personal cost, societal pressure, or political expediency. It speaks to the ongoing, universal struggle between spiritual authenticity and human expediency, serving as a poignant reminder to all believers that true wisdom originates from the fear of the LORD and a humble, obedient submission to His authoritative word.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Distinguishing True and False Prophets")
* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "False Prophecies Lead to Disaster")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "Testing the Spirits for Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehoshaphat's profound spiritual sensitivity and unwavering commitment to truth in 1 Kings 22:7 offer invaluable lessons for contemporary believers navigating a world saturated with information, opinions, and competing voices. The ability to discern the authentic voice of God amidst the clamor of human perspectives, cultural trends, and personal desires is more vital now than ever before. We are challenged to cultivate a heart that prioritizes God's unwavering truth, even when it is counter-cultural, unpopular, or personally inconvenient. This requires a diligent and deep immersion in God's inspired Word, a humble reliance on the Holy Spirit for spiritual discernment, and a courageous willingness to question narratives, ideologies, or even personal inclinations that do not align with foundational biblical principles. Like Jehoshaphat, we must never be swayed by the majority, by those who tell us only what we wish to hear, or by the allure of convenience. Instead, we must diligently and earnestly seek the genuine counsel of the Lord, trusting implicitly that His ways are always ultimately best, even when they lead us through difficult or unexpected paths.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you most prone to seeking popular opinion, societal affirmation, or convenient answers rather than God's authentic and sometimes challenging guidance?**
* **How do you actively cultivate and sharpen your spiritual discernment in your daily life to distinguish between true divine voices and deceptive human or worldly influences?**
* **What "400 prophets" (i.e., influential voices, prevailing cultural trends, or even subtle personal desires) might be subtly, yet powerfully, leading you away from God's true and perfect will?**
* **Are you genuinely willing to embrace uncomfortable truths revealed in God's Word, even if they directly challenge your established plans, cherished convictions, or personal comfort zones?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jehoshaphat suspicious of Ahab's 400 prophets?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat's suspicion stemmed from his genuine spiritual discernment, deeply rooted in his personal devotion to the LORD. While Ahab's 400 prophets delivered a unanimous and enthusiastically positive message of victory, Jehoshaphat, a righteous king who "walked in the first ways of his father David" ([2 Chronicles 17:3](/2_chronicles/17-3 "2 Chronicles 17:3 - Jehoshaphat's Righteousness")), likely sensed that their words lacked the authentic ring of divine inspiration. True prophets of the LORD often spoke challenging or unpopular truths, and their prophecies typically carried a profound weight and divine authority that was distinct from mere flattery or political expediency. Given Ahab's notorious idolatry and the pervasive syncretistic religious climate in the northern kingdom of Israel ([1 Kings 16:30-33](/1_kings/16-30-33 "1 Kings 16:30-33 - Ahab's Wickedness and Idolatry")), Jehoshaphat would have been acutely aware of the prevalence of false prophets and the inherent dangers of seeking counsel from those not genuinely aligned with Yahweh. His direct question, "Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides," unequivocally indicates his earnest desire for a prophet who truly spoke for the God of Israel, not merely for the king's agenda or personal desires.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jehoshaphat's earnest and discerning quest for "a prophet of the LORD" in 1 Kings 22:7 finds its ultimate, perfect, and complete fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While Jehoshaphat sought a human messenger to articulate God's word, Jesus is the very Word of God incarnate, the supreme and final Prophet ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the one of whom Moses prophetically spoke, declaring, "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—him you shall listen to" ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")). Unlike the 400 sycophantic prophets who merely echoed Ahab's desires, or even Micaiah who delivered an unwelcome but true word, Jesus consistently spoke the Father's perfect and unvarnished will, regardless of popular opinion, personal cost, or societal rejection ([John 8:28](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus Speaks What He Hears From the Father")). He is the very embodiment of divine truth, the one through whom God has spoken His final, most complete, and authoritative revelation to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). In Him, the search for "a prophet besides" ceases, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the ultimate and inexhaustible source of all divine wisdom and guidance for all who genuinely seek to inquire of the LORD ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 18:6

But Jehoshaphat said, [Is there] not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?

2 Chronicles 18:7

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same [is] Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

2 Kings 3:11

But Jehoshaphat said, [Is there] not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here [is] Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

2 Kings 3:13

And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.