Flattery, as depicted in the biblical narrative, often serves as a tool for manipulation and deceit, diverging from the path of righteousness. Ahab, the seventh king of Israel, is a prominent figure whose reign is marked by idolatry, moral compromise, and the use of flattery to achieve his ends. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Ahab's reign is characterized by his marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who led him to worship Baal, thus provoking the anger of the Lord. Ahab's use of flattery is most notably illustrated in his interactions with the prophets and his court. In 1 Kings 22, Ahab seeks counsel regarding a military campaign against Ramoth-gilead. He gathers about four hundred prophets, who, influenced by the desire to please the king, unanimously predict success. "Go up," they say, "for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king" (1 Kings 22:6). This collective flattery, however, is not rooted in truth but in the desire to gain favor with Ahab.

The narrative takes a pivotal turn with the introduction of Micaiah, a prophet of the Lord, who is known for speaking the truth, regardless of its popularity. When pressed by Ahab, Micaiah initially mimics the flattering words of the other prophets, saying, "Go and prosper, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king" (1 Kings 22:15). However, Ahab, sensing the sarcasm, demands the truth. Micaiah then reveals a vision of Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd, indicating disaster (1 Kings 22:17).

Ahab's preference for flattery over truth is further highlighted by his reaction to Micaiah's prophecy. Instead of heeding the warning, Ahab dismisses Micaiah's words and imprisons him, choosing to listen to the deceitful assurances of the false prophets. This decision ultimately leads to his downfall, as he is killed in battle, fulfilling Micaiah's prophecy.

The account of Ahab's flattery underscores the dangers of valuing pleasing words over divine truth. It serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of surrounding oneself with those who speak only what one wishes to hear, rather than what one needs to hear. Ahab's account is a reminder of the importance of seeking and adhering to God's truth, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging.1 Kings 20:4
And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to your saying, I am yours, and all that I have.
Nave's Topical Index

How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ...
... 5. So when Obadiah had informed the king that Elijah was there, Ahab met him ... But
Elijah, without any flattery, said that he was himself the man, he and his house ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how ahab when.htm

Prophets and Prophets. (xxiii. 9-32, xxvii-xxix, Etc. )
... are in Babylon saying, "The Lord set thee like Sedekiah and like Ahab, whom the ... nor
temptations to the easier life that had surely been his by flattery and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 prophets and prophets xxiii.htm

2 Cor. xii. 16-18
... thou how he is continually in fear, lest he should incur the suspicion of flattery? ...
Thus when Ahab saw Elijah, he was ashamed, even when he [1024] had as yet ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxviii 2 cor xii.htm

How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... When Ahab would inquire among the multitude of flattering prophets, it was his ... Pass
not this sentence rashly, nor with self-flattery nor with melancholy terrors ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm

False Profession.
... taught them the art of getting, either by violence, cozenage, flattery, lying, or ...
One Balaam, one Jeroboam, one Ahab, O how many fish such bring to Satan's net ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

Of Councils and their Authority.
... this we have a notable instance in the council which Ahab convened (1 ... was a matter
above his cognisance, repressed their intemperance by flattery rather than ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 of councils and.htm

Rom. I. 1, 2
... attend to this too, how free the mind of Paul is from all flattery; for when ... But
Ahab though a king, and indulging in a sumptuous luxury, when he had done that ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily i rom i 1.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 3, 4
... Christian ought to be far removed from arrogance, so also from flattery and a ... of
Judas, and Gehazi, and Ahar, [perhaps Achan, Joshua 7. and Ahab, and Ananias ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xi 1 cor iv.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... King Ahab by forsaking God's commandments, and following wicked superstitions, had
troubled ... Many pursue it merely out of servility and flattery, to tickle the ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... Flattery, beauty of pretended religion, false witnessing and charging of the Lord's ...
holding them, in espousing his quarrel, as Jehoshaphat joining with Ahab. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

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