And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?
Read it in contextMicaiah Prophesies against Ahab
Start reading at 2 Chronicles 18:12 (2 Chronicles 18:12 to 2 Chronicles 18:27).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The early kings of Judah are portrayed through worship, conflict, reform, and responses to the LORD.
18:12And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good.
18:13And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.
18:14And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.
18:15And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?
18:16Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.
18:17And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?
18:18Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.
18:19And the LORD said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.
18:20Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?
18:21And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the Lord said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so.
18:22Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil against thee.
18:23Then 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?
18:24And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.
18:25Then 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;
18:26And 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.
18:27And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, then hath not the LORD spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution, while the final compiler is not known with certainty. First and Second Chronicles are parts of the same historical work. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Chronicles 17:1–20:37): Jehoshaphat, Judah's officials and people, prophets, Levites, and neighboring kings are involved in instruction, alliances, judgment, and deliverance. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after exile, especially those concerned with the temple, worship, the Davidic kings, and the call to return and rebuild. Biblical references: 2 Chronicles 36:20; 2 Chronicles 36:22; 2 Chronicles 36:23. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Micaiah Prophesies against Ahab. Read 2 Chronicles 18:12 through 2 Chronicles 18:27 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The early kings of Judah are portrayed through worship, conflict, reform, and responses to the LORD. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The account moves from Solomon's reign through the kings of Judah, Jerusalem's fall, and Cyrus' proclamation. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Jerusalem and its temple are central, with episodes in other parts of Judah and neighboring kingdoms and a closing reference to Persia. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Micaiah Prophesies against Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:12 to 2 Chronicles 18:27).
Start reading at 2 Chronicles 18:12. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The Davidic kingship and temple history form part of the setting for the New Testament's account of Jesus. Matthew's genealogy places several of these kings in that line. See 2 Chronicles 7:18, Matthew 1:6, Matthew 1:7, Matthew 1:16. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Attend to the connection between worship and conduct. Promises given to Solomon concerning this temple and people should retain their stated setting and conditions when used in later exhortation. interpretation
Cited: 2 Chronicles 18:12, 2 Chronicles 18:27, 2 Chronicles 7:18, Matthew 1:6, Matthew 1:7, Matthew 1:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Ezra (traditional)From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. It closes with the decree of Cyrus. 2 Chronicles 36:22
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Ezra.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Chronicles 18
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Second Chronicles follows Solomon and the kings of Judah, emphasizing the temple, worship, and responses to prophetic warning. The closing proclamation of Cyrus points beyond exile toward return. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The early kings of Judah are portrayed through worship, conflict, reform, and responses to the LORD.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The early kings of Judah are portrayed through worship, conflict, reform, and responses to the LORD.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Chronicles
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Second Chronicles follows Solomon and the kings of Judah, emphasizing the temple, worship, and responses to prophetic warning. The closing proclamation of Cyrus points beyond exile toward return.
Connection to the wholeJerusalem's fall is explained in relation to rejected warnings, and Cyrus' proclamation opens the possibility of return and rebuilding.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.