Jehoshaphat is known from the Old Testament as the father of the prophet Micaiah, who prophesied during King Ahab's reign in Israel. He is mentioned primarily to identify his son, who was a true prophet speaking God's word even when it was unpopular. Jehoshaphat himself plays no independent role in the narratives but is important as the father of a courageous prophet.
Micaiah son of Jehoshaphat is summoned before the kings
King Ahab and King Jehoshaphat of Judah wanted to consult a true prophet before going to war against Ramoth in Gilead. Micaiah, son of Jehoshaphat, was brought forward as the only remaining prophet who spoke the truth.
8The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, "There is still one man through whom we may inquire of the LORD, Micaiah son of Imlah, but I hate him, because he never prophesies anything good about me, only evil." Jehoshaphat said, "The king should not say that."
King Ahab referred to Micaiah, son of Jehoshaphat, and expressed his hatred for him because he never prophesied anything good about the king, but only evil.
8The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, "There is still one man through whom we may inquire of the LORD, Micaiah son of Imlah, but I hate him, because he never prophesies anything good about me, only evil." Jehoshaphat said, "The king should not say that."
Micaiah son of Jehoshaphat's prophecy concerning Ahab's defeat
Micaiah, son of Jehoshaphat, prophesied that Ahab would fall in battle at Ramoth in Gilead and described a vision from the Lord's throne room where a lying spirit was sent to Ahab's prophets.
17Then Micaiah said, "I saw all Israel scattered over the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the LORD said, 'These have no master. Let each one go home in peace.'"
19Micaiah continued, "Then hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD seated on his throne, with all the host of heaven standing around him, on his right and on his left.
22He answered, 'I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.' The LORD said, 'You will succeed in enticing him. Go and do it.'
The same account about Micaiah, son of Jehoshaphat, and his prophecy against Ahab is recounted in 2 Chronicles, where Jehoshaphat is again mentioned as the father's identifier.
7The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "There is still one man through whom we may inquire of the LORD, but I hate him, because he never prophesies anything good about me, only trouble, all his days. He is Micaiah son of Imlah." Jehoshaphat said, "The king should not say such a thing."
After speaking the truth, Micaiah son of Imlah was thrown into prison on King Ahab's orders, where he was to remain on bread and water until the king returned in peace—which never happened.