After the interlude at Naboth’s vineyard, the narrative focus returns to the long-standing conflict with Aram (22:1–6), where the southern king Jehoshaphat—who will be formally introduced later in the chapter—appears as an ally of Ahab. Despite sparing Ben-Hadad’s life earlier, Ahab is now interested in launching a hostile offensive against the northern outpost of Ramoth Gilead. Jehoshaphat seems to be the weaker partner in this alliance with Ahab against the Arameans, but his abrupt request to first seek God’s counsel indicates that his voice is taken somewhat seriously. The reader knows that Ahab and Jezebel spons…