King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 18:24 Mean?

“And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself. into: or, from chamber to chamber: Heb. a chamber in a chamber”

2 Chronicles 18:24 · KJV

Context

22

Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil against thee.

23

Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?

24

And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself. into: or, from chamber to chamber: Heb. a chamber in a chamber

25

Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;

26

And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison , and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.

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 · 11 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 11

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מִיכָ֔יְהוּ2 of 11

“And Micaiah”

H4321

mikajah, the name of three israelites

הִנְּךָ֥3 of 11
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

רֹאֶ֖ה4 of 11

“Behold thou shalt see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בַּיּ֣וֹם5 of 11

“on that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֑וּא6 of 11
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תָּב֛וֹא8 of 11

“when thou shalt go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּחֶ֖דֶר9 of 11

“chamber”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

בְּחֶ֖דֶר10 of 11

“chamber”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

לְהֵֽחָבֵֽא׃11 of 11

“to hide”

H2244

to secrete

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 18:24 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 18:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 29:32Isaiah 26:20Isaiah 26:111 Kings 20:30Jeremiah 29:21-22Jeremiah 28:16-17

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