King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 18:7 Mean?

“And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.”

Context

Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand.

But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? besides: Heb. yet, or, more

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla. officers: or, eunuchs Fetch: Heb. Hasten

And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. void: or, floor

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **He never prophesied good unto me, but always evil.**—Literally, *He is not prophesying to me for good, but all his days for evil.* Kings: “He prophesieth not to me good but evil.” The chronicler has aggravated the idea of opposition, by adding “all his days;” *i.e.,* throughout his prophetic career. (Comp. Homer, *Iliad, i.* 106.) **Micaiah.**—Heb., *Mîkâyĕhû,* which presupposes an older *Mîkăyăhû* (“Who like Iahu?”). *Iahu* is in all probability the oldest form of the Divine Name, *Iah* being an abridgment of it. Syriac and Arabic, “Micah”—the form in 2Chronicles 18:14 (Heb.). **Imla.**—*He is full,* or, *he filleth*; etymologically right. **Let not the king say so.**—Jehoshaphat hears in the words a presentiment of evil, and deprecates the omen.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 18:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.