1 Kings 22:9-14

The False and the True.

There would be no counterfeit coin if there were no sterling; so neither would there be false prophets if there were no true. Because there are both, their qualities have to be tested, that we may refuse the spurious and value the genuine (see Jeremiah 23:38 ). To this end let us consider—

I. TESTS WHICH MAY NOT BE TRUSTED .

1 . The test of profession .

(a) They used modes usual with prophets to procure information from Heaven. These were sacrifice, prayer, music (see 1 Samuel 10:5 , 1 Samuel 10:6 ; 2 Kings 3:15 ), and, when time permitted, fasting.

(b) They used modes usual with prophets to communicate the information when received. "Zedekiah, the son of Chenaanah, made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the Lord, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them" (cf. Jeremiah 27:2 ; Jeremiah 28:1-17 :18). The "horn" was the symbol of a king (see Daniel 7:24 ; Revelation 17:12 ). These were "two," to represent Ahab and Jehoshaphat, Israel and Judah. They were of "iron" to express strength (see Daniel 2:40 ). The prophecy was that, aided by Jehoshaphat, Ahab should push the Syrians to destruction.

2 . The test of numbers .

3 . The test of unanimity .

4 . How does this argument bear upon the authority of the Church?

II. TESTS WHICH MAY BE TRUSTED .

1 . The witnesses should be honest .

2 . They should have miraculous athentication .

3 . Their testimony should be agreeable to the word of God .