The words of the prophet should have been enough to show the kings that their project was not favored by Heaven, but neither ruler felt inclined to heed the warning. Ahab had marked out his course, and he was determined to follow it. Jehoshaphat had given his word of honor, "We will be with thee in the war;" and after making such a promise, he was reluctant to withdraw his forces. 2 Chronicles 18:3. "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead." 1 Kings 22:29.

Profetens ord burde have kunnet overbevise kongerne om, at deres plan ikke nød Himmelens billigelse, men ingen af dem følte sig tilskyndet til at rette sig efter advarslen. Akab havde truffet sin beslutning og ville absolut gennemføre den. Josafat havde givet sit æresord "jeg går med i krigen" og ville meget nødig trække sine styrker tilbage efter at have givet et sådant løfte. 2Krøn. 18,3. "Så drog Israels konge og kong Josafat af Juda op mod Ramot i Gilead." 1Kong. 22,29.