Slices
Prepare
Sing or pray these words: ‘Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord… Our God, you reign forever’.*
*Brenton Brown and Ken Riley, Thankyou Music, 2005
Bible passage
Micaiah prophesies against Ahab
22 For three years there was no war between Aram and Israel. 2 But in the third year Jehoshaphat king of Judah went down to see the king of Israel. 3 The king of Israel had said to his officials, ‘Don’t you know that Ramoth Gilead belongs to us and yet we are doing nothing to retake it from the king of Aram?’
4 So he asked Jehoshaphat, ‘Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth Gilead?’
Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, ‘I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.’ 5 But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, ‘First seek the counsel of the Lord.’
1 Kings 22:29-53
Ahab killed at Ramoth Gilead
29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. 30 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, ‘I will enter the battle in disguise, but you wear your royal robes.’ So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle.
31 Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, ‘Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.’ 32 When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they thought, ‘Surely this is the king of Israel.’ So they turned to attack him, but when Jehoshaphat cried out, 33 the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel and stopped pursuing him.
34 But someone drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the sections of his armour. The king told his chariot driver, ‘Wheel around and get me out of the fighting. I’ve been wounded.’ 35 All day long the battle raged, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans. The blood from his wound ran onto the floor of the chariot, and that evening he died. 36 As the sun was setting, a cry spread through the army: ‘Every man to his town. Every man to his land!’
37 So the king died and was brought to Samaria, and they buried him there. 38 They washed the chariot at a pool in Samaria (where the prostitutes bathed), and the dogs licked up his blood, as the word of the Lord had declared.
39 As for the other events of Ahab’s reign, including all he did, the palace he built and adorned with ivory, and the cities he fortified, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel? 40 Ahab rested with his ancestors. And Ahaziah his son succeeded him as king.
Jehoshaphat king of Judah
41 Jehoshaphat son of Asa became king of Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. 42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. 43 In everything he followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The high places, however, were not removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there. 44 Jehoshaphat was also at peace with the king of Israel.
45 As for the other events of Jehoshaphat’s reign, the things he achieved and his military exploits, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah? 46 He rid the land of the rest of the male-shrine prostitutes who remained there even after the reign of his father Asa. 47 There was then no king in Edom; a provincial governor ruled.
48 Now Jehoshaphat built a fleet of trading ships to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail – they were wrecked at Ezion Geber. 49 At that time Ahaziah son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, ‘Let my men sail with yours,’ but Jehoshaphat refused.
50 Then Jehoshaphat rested with his ancestors and was buried with them in the city of David his father. And Jehoram his son succeeded him as king.
Ahaziah king of Israel
51 Ahaziah son of Ahab became king of Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned over Israel for two years. 52 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, because he followed the ways of his father and mother and of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin. 53 He served and worshipped Baal and aroused the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, just as his father had done.
Explore
As we conclude the book of 1 Kings, what have you discovered about God’s character through this turbulent time in the history of his people? Most of the kings don’t obey God’s commands in Deuteronomy 17:14–20, nor do they take any notice of the covenant God made with Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3). Nothing has changed with this pattern of rebellion. Nevertheless, even though there are ongoing divisions in the nation of Israel, God doesn’t give up on them. Starting with Elijah, he uses the prophets to confront corruption, idolatry and injustice head-on. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah and son of Asa, does right in the eyes of the Lord as his father did (v 43a). Why would we be well-advised to listen to advice like Jehoshaphat gave Ahab (v 5)?
In 1 Kings 21:18,19 God speaks to Ahab through Elijah. At last, a particularly evil rule comes to an end and Naboth’s death is avenged. Unfortunately, Ahab’s wicked son, Ahaziah, succeeds him. In verse 52 we read the familiar phrase, ‘He did evil in the eyes of the Lord’. The idolatry and Baal worship continue.
However, despite all this, God still works in his usual, gracious way. ‘God’s word may be opposed … but God remains God and his will comes to pass.’**
**John W Olley, The Message of 1 and 2 Kings, The Bible Speaks Today, IVP, 2002
Respond
Be thankful that God is in control and that his purposes will be fulfilled.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Chronicles 17,18; Galatians 1
Pray for Scripture Union
Amplify Academy trains and empowers young people to share faith with their peers. Pray for Regional Mission Support Worker Emma Price as she works on processing bookings for the 2026/27 cohort. Pray that the programme of residentials and small groups will give them new confidence to share Jesus.
Because a strong start begins with smart preparation
Starting secondary school is more than new classrooms and new friends. It’s a season of growth, challenge and discovery. For some children, it’s exciting. For many, it’s overwhelming. And for all, it’s a defining moment.
That’s why It’s Your Move exists – to help children step into this new chapter with faith, courage and confidence.
For over 25 years, this trusted guide has supported more than 2.5 million children, offering practical advice, emotional guidance and encouragement rooted in Christian values.
Practical guidance you can trust.
Inside this 80-page guide, children will find:
✅ Real stories from pupils who’ve trusted God and themselves during the transition
✅ Guidance on friendships, confidence, homework and facing fears like bullying
✅ Space to reflect, pray and process emotions
✅ Encouragement and hope rooted in scripture
This isn’t just a book – it’s reassurance in their backpack.
Plus, every purchase includes instant access to:
✅ Student experience videos
✅ Assembly & lesson plans
✅ Creative tools to help children process the move
Secondary school is coming whether children feel ready or not. Let’s make sure they step forward grounded in faith, guided by hope and prepared with practical wisdom.
Get your copy here.
