2 Chronicles 18:6

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But Jehoshaphat said, [Is there] not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?

Complete Jewish Bible:

But Y'hoshafat said, "Besides these, isn't there a prophet of ADONAI here that we can consult?"

Berean Standard Bible:

But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”

American Standard Version:

But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of Jehovah besides, that we may inquire of him?

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But Jehoshaphat^{H3092} said^{H559}, Is there not here a prophet^{H5030} of the LORD^{H3068} besides, that we might enquire^{H1875} of him?

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 2 Chronicles 18:6

2 Chronicles 18:6 is a verse set within the historical context of the divided monarchy of Israel, after the reign of Solomon. The kingdom had split into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is seeking an alliance with Ahab, the king of Israel, to recapture the city of Ramoth-gilead from the Arameans (Syrians).

In this particular verse, Jehoshaphat is in the presence of Ahab and his court prophets who are all predicting success for their military campaign. However, Jehoshaphat, sensing a lack of genuine prophetic counsel, inquires if there is another prophet of the Lord they could consult. His question reflects a desire for divine guidance rather than relying solely on the favorable, yet possibly politically motivated, predictions of Ahab's prophets.

The theme of seeking true divine counsel over expedient or politically convenient advice is central to this verse. Jehoshaphat's request underscores the importance of discerning the will of God through authentic prophetic voices, even when such voices may offer unpopular or challenging perspectives. This moment of piety and wisdom contrasts with the surrounding narrative where Ahab's reign is marked by idolatry and disobedience to God's laws. Jehoshaphat's inquiry sets the stage for the appearance of the prophet Micaiah, who will provide a divine perspective that contradicts the court prophets and ultimately foretells Ahab's downfall.

In summary, 2 Chronicles 18:6 captures Jehoshaphat's pursuit of genuine prophetic insight in a moment of political alliance and military strategy. It highlights the tension between seeking God's will and the pressures of political expediency, a theme that resonates throughout the history of Israel and Judah's monarchies. Jehoshaphat's question is a testament to his recognition of the importance of divine guidance in the affairs of state, a principle that has enduring relevance in discussions about the intersection of faith and governance.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3092
   There are 75 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהוֹשָׁפָט
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-shaw-fawt'
   Description: from יְהֹוָה and שָׁפַט; Jehovah-judged; Jehoshaphat, the name of six Israelites; also of a valley near Jerusalem; Jehoshaphat. Compare יוֹשָׁפָט.
   
2. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5030
   There are 288 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָבִיא
   Transliteration: nâbîyʼ
   Pronunciation: naw-bee'
   Description: from נָבָא; a prophet or (generally) inspired man; prophecy, that prophesy, prophet.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
5. Strong's Number: H1875
   There are 152 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּרַשׁ
   Transliteration: dârash
   Pronunciation: daw-rash'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship; ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely.