Deliverance from Death

“As soon as the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, ‘It is the king of Israel.’ So they turned to fight against him. And Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; God drew them away from him.” (2 Chronicles 18:31)

Fearing Micaiah’s prophecy that he would die in battle, Ahab took measures against it. He disguised himself while Jehoshaphat wore his robes. No wonder the commanders of the king of Syria turned to fight against Jehoshaphat; they thought he was the king of Israel. But Jehoshaphat cried out to God for help, and the Lord delivered him. This incident in Jehoshaphat’s life reminds me of God’s commitment to protect those who love him: “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.” (Psalm 91:14, 15)

The same cannot be said of Ahab. Clearly, he was stubbornly wicked. Instead of letting Micaiah’s prophecy lead him to repentance, he resorted to wiles to escape God’s judgment. And indeed the commanders of the king of Syria were misled; they pursued Jehoshaphat instead. Still, there was no escaping God’s judgment. An arrow randomly shot struck Ahab, which led to his death. This time I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 8:8. “No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it.”

Lord, thank you that I can cry to you for help and trust in your deliverance in times of trouble. May I never trust in wickedness to deliver me. Cause me to always trust in you instead. Amen.