As a preacher of the Gospel, I have never had my “jaws slapped.” There may have been some who wished to do so because of some of the preaching I have done, but thankfully if they were so inclined they have always restrained themselves from following through. That was not the case with Micaiah. After speaking God’s message before the kings of Judah and Israel the text tells us: “But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?” (1 Kings 22:24).

Micaiah accused the four hundred prophets of lying because they assured Ahab and Jehoshaphat victory. Zedekiah was perhaps the leader of the false prophets, or at least the spokesman for them. He, in essence, accuses Micaiah of being the one who was lying. Tyndale comments that Zedekiah’s striking Micaiah was “a long used and recognized legal and symbolic act in making a public challenge to speak the truth.” Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown say, “This mode of smiting, usually with a shoe, is both severe and ignominious.” John informs us that during his mock trial before the high priest Jesus was struck by one of the officers. His reply was, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?” (John 18:22-23).

It is evident that the will of Micaiah was not broken by this smiting. How do we know? Well, simply put, he kept on preaching (1 Kings 22:25-28)!

As preachers of the Gospel we must not allow threats or even mistreatment to break our spirits. Because of ridicule, or even worse, some have become “beat down” to the point of ceasing to be a proclaimer of the message of salvation. Others have allowed their spirit to become bitter and hardened so as to neglect to speak the Word of God’s grace. We would do well to fortify ourselves against the attacks and not harden ourselves against the attackers. My we always speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth no matter what may befall us. Lord, Give Us More Preachers Like Micaiah!