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Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 18 - Verse 17

18:17
And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?

Meaning

In this verse, we see King Ahab of Israel expressing frustration to Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, about the prophet Micaiah. Ahab is essentially saying to Jehoshaphat that he had warned him that Micaiah would not prophesy good things but rather only bring bad news. This verse highlights the tension between Ahab and Micaiah, as the prophet had consistently delivered messages that were unfavorable to the king. Ahab's reluctance to listen to Micaiah's prophecies may indicate his desire to only hear positive predictions and avoid any unpleasant truths. However, Micaiah's dedication to speaking the truth, even when it was unpopular, shows his commitment to delivering God's message regardless of the consequences. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of accepting both good and bad news, as well as the necessity of heeding God's word even when it is difficult to hear.

Theological Overview

In this verse from 1 Kings 22:18, King Ahab of Israel is speaking to King Jehoshaphat of Judah about the prophet Micaiah. Ahab had initially asked Micaiah to prophesy about the outcome of a battle, but Micaiah had foretold defeat, which Ahab did not want to hear. A theological interpretation of this verse could focus on the idea of being open to hearing the truth, even when it is difficult or goes against our desires. Ahab's reaction to Micaiah's prophecy reveals his preference for hearing good news, even if it is false, over facing the harsh reality of the situation. This verse highlights the importance of seeking God's truth, even when it may be uncomfortable or challenging. The word "prophesy" in this context emphasizes the divine nature of the message being delivered, reminding us of the significance of heeding God's word, even when it goes against our own wishes.

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