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Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 18 - Verse 5

18:5
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.

Meaning

In this verse from the Bible, we see the king of Israel seeking the advice of four hundred prophets before going into battle. The king asks the prophets whether they should go to battle or hold back, and the prophets unanimously advise him to go into battle, assuring him that God will deliver victory into his hands. This scene illustrates the importance of seeking divine guidance and wisdom before making important decisions. It also highlights the role of prophets in delivering messages from God to leaders and individuals. The king's decision to consult the prophets before going into battle reflects a belief in the power of God to intervene in human affairs and guide his people towards success. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the need for faith, prayer, and seeking counsel from spiritual leaders when facing challenges or making crucial choices.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the Old Testament, we see the king of Israel consulting prophets before going to battle. The use of prophets in decision-making was a common practice in ancient Israel, as they were believed to have a direct line of communication with God. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of seeking guidance from God before making important decisions. The fact that the prophets unanimously advise the king to go to battle, assuring him of God's deliverance, reflects the belief that victory in battle was ultimately determined by divine intervention. This verse also brings into question the role of prophets in influencing political decisions and the extent to which their advice should be followed. The word 'prophets' in this verse can be further studied to explore the specific function and authority of these individuals in ancient Israelite society. Overall, this verse underscores the significance of seeking God's guidance and the complex relationship between religious beliefs and political decisions in the ancient world.

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