2 Chronicles 18:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the prophets {H5030} prophesied {H5012} so, saying {H559}, Go up {H5927} to Ramothgilead {H7433}{H1568}, and prosper {H6743}: for the LORD {H3068} shall deliver {H5414} it into the hand {H3027} of the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the prophets prophesied the same thing: "Go up and attack Ramot-Gil'ad. You will succeed, because ADONAI will hand it over to the king."

Berean Standard Bible

And all the prophets were prophesying the same, saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and prosper, for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.”

American Standard Version

And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and prosper; for Jehovah will deliver it into the hand of the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 18:11 vividly portrays the deceptive consensus of King Ahab's 400 prophets, who, in a display of flattery and falsehood, unanimously assured him of victory in battle against the Arameans at Ramoth-Gilead. Their pronouncement, claiming divine backing for an ill-fated campaign, stands as a stark example of false prophecy and the perilous consequences of prioritizing agreeable lies over uncomfortable truth, setting the stage for the authentic, yet unpopular, word of the Lord delivered by Micaiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within a larger narrative of conflict and discernment. It follows the alliance forged between King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah, spurred by Ahab's desire to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead from the Arameans ([2 Chronicles 18:1-3](/2_chronicles/18-1 "2 Chronicles 18:1-3 - Alliance of Ahab and Jehoshaphat")). Jehoshaphat, a more righteous king, wisely insists on inquiring of the LORD before battle ([2 Chronicles 18:4-5](/2_chronicles/18-4 "2 Chronicles 18:4-5 - Jehoshaphat's Demand for Prophecy")). In response, Ahab gathers 400 of his court prophets, who, in this verse, deliver a unified and deceptively positive message, promising success and divine favor. This collective falsehood serves as a dramatic foil to the subsequent, solitary, and truthful prophecy of Micaiah, son of Imlah, who reveals God's true, devastating plan for Ahab ([2 Chronicles 18:12-27](/2_chronicles/18-12 "2 Chronicles 18:12-27 - Micaiah's True Prophecy")). The immediate context thus highlights the tension between popular consensus and divine truth, culminating in Ahab's tragic death at Ramoth-Gilead ([2 Chronicles 18:33-34](/2_chronicles/18-33 "2 Chronicles 18:33-34 - Ahab's Death in Battle")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the divided monarchy of Israel and Judah in the 9th century BCE. King Ahab ruled the Northern Kingdom of Israel, infamous for his wickedness and promotion of Baal worship alongside his Phoenician wife, Jezebel. King Jehoshaphat, in contrast, ruled the Southern Kingdom of Judah and largely walked in the ways of the LORD, though his alliance with Ahab demonstrates a significant compromise. Ramoth-Gilead was a strategically vital city in Transjordan, frequently contested between Israel and the Aramean kingdom of Damascus. In ancient Near Eastern courts, prophets often served as royal advisors, interpreting omens and divine will for the king. While true prophets of YHWH existed, there were also many who prophesied for personal gain, fear of the king, or under the influence of false gods. The scene in [2 Chronicles 18](/2_chronicles/18 "2 Chronicles 18 - Ahab and Jehoshaphat Go to War") reflects the common practice of kings consulting prophets before military campaigns, but here, it exposes the corruption and prevalence of false prophecy in Ahab's idolatrous court, where even those claiming to speak for "the LORD" (YHWH) were clearly not aligned with His true will.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **True vs. False Prophecy**, emphasizing the critical need for **Discernment**. The unanimous declaration of the 400 prophets underscores that **Unanimity Does Not Equate to Truth**; a multitude of voices, even if in agreement, can be profoundly misleading if not rooted in divine revelation. The prophets' message, designed to please Ahab, highlights the danger of **Flattery and Seeking Affirmation Over Truth**, particularly for those in positions of power who prefer comforting lies to challenging realities. Ultimately, the passage also subtly reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, as even the false prophets' pronouncements unwittingly set the stage for God's ultimate judgment upon Ahab, illustrating that God's purposes will prevail despite human deception and resistance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophesied (Hebrew, _nava'_):** The Hebrew verb נָבָא (_nava'_) generally means "to prophesy," "to speak by inspiration," or "to act as a prophet." While it can describe genuine divine inspiration, as used for true prophets like Micaiah, in this specific context, it denotes a false or self-generated inspiration. The repeated action ("prophesied so") emphasizes the collective, uniform, yet ultimately deceitful nature of their pronouncements, a stark contrast to the singular, authentic voice of God's true messenger.
* **Prosper (Hebrew, _tsalach'_):** The verb צָלַח (_tsalach'_) means "to succeed," "to advance," "to be profitable," or "to go forward." The false prophets confidently use this term to guarantee Ahab's success in the military campaign. The irony is profound: their promise of prosperity and victory would prove tragically false, leading directly to Ahab's defeat and death. This word choice highlights the deceptive nature of their message, promising exactly what the king desired to hear, rather than the reality of God's judgment.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _natan'_):** The verb נָתַן (_natan'_) is a common and versatile Hebrew word meaning "to give," "to place," "to put," or "to deliver." Here, it is used to assert that "the LORD shall deliver [it] into the hand of the king," implying divine authorization and assistance for Ahab's conquest of Ramoth-Gilead. This claim of divine backing is the most insidious part of their false prophecy, as it misrepresents God's character and will, attributing a lie directly to Him to lend credibility to their deceptive words.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the prophets prophesied so, saying,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the overwhelming consensus among Ahab's 400 court prophets. The phrase "prophesied so" indicates that they all delivered the same message, in agreement with one another and likely in accordance with what they knew the king desired to hear. This unanimity, far from being a sign of truth, is presented as a dangerous collective delusion, a powerful demonstration that popular opinion or widespread agreement does not validate a message if it is not rooted in divine truth.
* **"Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper:"**: This is the direct command and promise issued by the prophets. "Go up" is an imperative, a direct instruction to engage in the military campaign. The subsequent "and prosper" is a confident assurance of success and victory. This part of the prophecy is precisely what Ahab wanted to hear, confirming his strategic ambitions and bolstering his confidence, yet it stands in stark opposition to God's actual plan for him.
* **"for the LORD shall deliver [it] into the hand of the king."**: This final clause provides the purported divine justification for their optimistic prophecy. By invoking "the LORD" (YHWH), they attempt to lend ultimate authority and infallibility to their words, claiming that God Himself has guaranteed the city of Ramoth-Gilead's conquest and its delivery into Ahab's power. This attribution of a lie to God is the essence of false prophecy and demonstrates the profound spiritual deception at play in Ahab's court.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. **Irony** is prominent, as the prophets, claiming to speak for the LORD, deliver a message that is diametrically opposed to God's true will, leading to the king's demise rather than prosperity. This sets up a dramatic **Foreshadowing** of Ahab's tragic end at Ramoth-Gilead, despite the optimistic pronouncements. The collective voice of "all the prophets" creates a powerful **Contrast** with the solitary, unpopular, yet truthful voice of Micaiah, who later reveals God's true message. The **Repetition** implied by "prophesied so" (all speaking the same message) emphasizes the overwhelming, yet ultimately false, consensus, highlighting the danger of an echo chamber where inconvenient truths are suppressed in favor of agreeable lies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage serves as a profound theological warning against the dangers of false prophecy and the critical importance of spiritual discernment. It underscores that God's truth often runs counter to popular opinion, personal desires, or even the consensus of religious authorities. The willingness of these prophets to speak a lie in the name of the LORD, motivated by fear or self-interest, highlights the corrupting influence of power and the human tendency to prefer comforting affirmations over challenging truths. This narrative compels believers to rigorously test all claims of divine revelation against the established Word of God, recognizing that genuine spiritual prosperity comes not from hearing what we want to hear, but from humbly submitting to what God has truly spoken, regardless of its popularity or personal cost.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - How to Discern a False Prophet")
* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - The Deception of False Prophets")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Testing the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 18:11 offers timeless lessons for believers today. In an age saturated with information and diverse voices, the ability to discern truth from falsehood is more crucial than ever. We are constantly barraged by messages, both secular and spiritual, that promise prosperity, comfort, or success, often appealing to our desires rather than challenging our assumptions. This passage calls us to cultivate a profound spiritual sensitivity, recognizing that the most agreeable message is not always the most truthful. It warns against the allure of echo chambers, where we surround ourselves only with those who validate our existing beliefs, thereby insulating ourselves from potentially uncomfortable but necessary truths. True wisdom and spiritual growth often come from engaging with voices that challenge us, always weighing them against the unchanging standard of God's revealed Word. Our ultimate allegiance must be to God's truth, even when it is unpopular, inconvenient, or demands a radical reorientation of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between voices that speak truth and those that merely flatter or confirm my biases?**
* **What are the dangers of surrounding myself with only those who affirm my desires or opinions, rather than those who might speak a challenging truth?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be more inclined to seek a "prosper" message rather than God's unvarnished truth?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to prioritize the authority of God's Word over popular opinion or charismatic personalities?**

### FAQ
**Why did King Ahab listen to these 400 prophets if they were false?**

Answer: King Ahab likely listened to these prophets because their message aligned perfectly with his desires and strategic ambitions. He wanted to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead, and they promised him success and divine backing. People, especially those in power, often prefer to hear comforting lies that affirm their plans rather than challenging truths that might require a change of course or expose unpleasant realities. Ahab had a history of rejecting true prophets like Elijah and Micaiah, whose messages often brought condemnation or unfavorable news. The false prophets, by contrast, were "yes-men" who knew how to appease the king, possibly out of fear or for personal gain, creating an environment where truth was unwelcome and deception flourished.

**What was the significance of Ramoth-Gilead in this narrative?**

Answer: Ramoth-Gilead was a strategically important city located in the Transjordan region, east of the Jordan River. It was part of the territory originally allocated to the tribe of Gad and was designated as a city of refuge ([Deuteronomy 4:43](/deuteronomy/4-43 "Deuteronomy 4:43 - Ramoth-Gilead as a City of Refuge")). At this time, it was under Aramean (Syrian) control, and Ahab sought to reclaim it as part of Israel's territory. Its significance was not just geographical or military; it represented a point of national pride and a contested border. The battle for Ramoth-Gilead became the focal point where the clash between false prophecy and divine truth played out, ultimately leading to Ahab's demise as prophesied by Micaiah.

**How does this passage relate to King Jehoshaphat's character?**

Answer: This passage highlights a complex aspect of King Jehoshaphat's character. On one hand, his insistence on inquiring of the LORD before battle ([2 Chronicles 18:4](/2_chronicles/18-4 "2 Chronicles 18:4 - Jehoshaphat Seeks the Lord")) demonstrates his piety and commitment to seeking divine guidance, a stark contrast to Ahab's general disregard for YHWH. This action is commendable and consistent with his overall righteous reign ([2 Chronicles 17:3-6](/2_chronicles/17-3 "2 Chronicles 17:3-6 - Jehoshaphat's Righteous Reign")). However, his willingness to form an alliance with the wicked King Ahab in the first place, and his initial acceptance of the 400 false prophets' message, reveals a significant compromise. While he sought the Lord, he also put himself in a compromising position by aligning with a king who consistently defied God, leading to a near-fatal encounter for Jehoshaphat himself in the battle ([2 Chronicles 18:31](/2_chronicles/18-31 "2 Chronicles 18:31 - Jehoshaphat's Near Death")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The deceptive chorus of prophets in 2 Chronicles 18:11, promising prosperity and divine favor that never materialized, stands in stark contrast to Jesus Christ, the ultimate and true Prophet. While these 400 voices spoke what Ahab wanted to hear, leading him to destruction, Jesus consistently spoke the unvarnished truth, even when it was challenging or unpopular, leading His followers to eternal life. He is the one whom God raised up, as foretold in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "The Prophet Like Moses"), and whose words are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life")). Unlike the false prophets who claimed divine backing for their own agenda, Jesus perfectly embodied and revealed the Father's will, declaring, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He exposed the lies of the devil, the "father of lies" ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil, Father of Lies")), and offered a kingdom not of this world, where true prosperity is found not in earthly conquest but in spiritual transformation and reconciliation with God through His sacrifice ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). In Christ, we find the definitive voice of God, never flattering, always truthful, and eternally life-giving, fulfilling the longing for a prophet who would truly deliver God's word without deception.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 24:24

He that saith unto the wicked, Thou [art] righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

Proverbs 24:25

But to them that rebuke [him] shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

2 Peter 2:1

¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Revelation 19:20

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Micah 3:5

Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.

Revelation 16:13

And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs [come] out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.