King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 18:17 Mean?

2 Chronicles 18:17 in the King James Version says “And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil? but e...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil? but evil: or, but for evil”

2 Chronicles 18:17 · KJV

Context

15

And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?

16

Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.

17

And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil? but evil: or, but for evil

18

Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.

19

And the LORD said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead ? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.

Read 2 Chronicles 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Danger of ungodly partnerships despite personal faithfulness. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אָמַ֣רְתִּי1 of 15

“Did I not tell”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֶֽלֶךְ2 of 15

“And the king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל3 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶל4 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֑ט5 of 15

“to Jehoshaphat”

H3092

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

הֲלֹא֙6 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָמַ֣רְתִּי7 of 15

“Did I not tell”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֔יךָ8 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֹֽא9 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִתְנַבֵּ֥א10 of 15

“thee that he would not prophesy”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

עָלַ֛י11 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

ט֖וֹב12 of 15

“good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

כִּ֥י13 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם14 of 15
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לְרָֽע׃15 of 15

“unto me but evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 18:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 18:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 18:71 Kings 22:18Proverbs 29:1Jeremiah 43:2-3

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