King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 18:9 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed. they: Heb. thou consume them

And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead , and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **And the king of Israel** . . . **sat either of them on his throne.**—Rather, *Now the king of Israel* . . . *were sitting each on his throne.* **Clothed in their robes.**—The pronoun, which is indispensable if this be the meaning, is wanting in the Hebrew. The Syriac has probably preserved the original reading: “Clothed in raiment spotted white and black.” (*Vid. infr.*) **And they** ***sat.**—Were sitting.* Explanatory addition by chronicler. **A void place.**—*A threshingfloor.* LXX., ἐν τῷ εὐρυχώρῳ*,* “in the open ground;” Vulg., “in a threshing. floor.” The word is probably corrupt, and may have originated out of *bĕruddîm,* “spotted,” *i.e.,* perhaps *embroidered;* an epithet of *robes.* **Prophesied.**—*Were prophesying. “*Vaticina-bantur,” Vulg.

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 18:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.