And Jehoshaphat said, "Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of Him?" So [Ahab] the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil."

1 Kings 22:7-8

The backstory is important. Ahab, king of Israel (in the north) was an exceedingly evil and godless king. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah (in the south) was a good and godly king, but not always wise. Ahab wanted to war with the pagans in Ramoth Gilead. He enlisted Jehoshaphat’s alliance—which Jehoshaphat foolishly agreed to. Ahab summoned a number of false prophets who would tell him whatever he wanted to hear—which they did, promising victory.

Upon hearing the false prophets, Jehoshaphat asked about hearing from a prophet of the true and living God (novel idea!).

Ahab’s response is classic and it continues to reverberate among a vast number of so-called evangelicals to this day.

God’s Word is not bad—but it is always true! Too many people do not like God’s Word preached because it doesn’t make them feel good—as if that was the point! Feeling good about the preaching of God’s Word happens when the truth is proclaimed and we embrace that truth. Feeling bad about the preaching of God’s Word happens when people dislike the truth according to God!

Oh, and by the way, God providentially saw that Ahab was killed in the battle (recorded dramatically in 1 Kings 22:33-39).