2 Chronicles 18:16

Then 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.

Then he said {H559}, I did see {H7200} all Israel {H3478} scattered {H6327} upon the mountains {H2022}, as sheep {H6629} that have no shepherd {H7462}: and the LORD {H3068} said {H559}, These have no master {H113}; let them return {H7725} therefore every man {H376} to his house {H1004} in peace {H7965}.

Then he said, "I saw all Isra'el scattered over the hills like sheep without a shepherd; and ADONAI said, 'These men have no leader; let everyone go home in peace.'"

So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’”

And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and Jehovah said, These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 18:16 contains a pivotal and stark prophecy delivered by the prophet Micaiah to King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah. This verse reveals God's true assessment of the impending battle at Ramoth-Gilead, directly contradicting the flattering words of Ahab's 400 false prophets.

Context

The immediate context is the alliance between King Ahab and King Jehoshaphat to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead from the Syrians. While Ahab’s court prophets all promised victory, Jehoshaphat insisted on hearing from a true prophet of the LORD. Micaiah, known for delivering unwelcome truths, was summoned. After an initial sarcastic affirmation, Micaiah reveals his actual vision: a devastating defeat for Israel. This vision directly foreshadows Ahab's demise in the battle, leading to the scattering of his army and the subsequent chaos, as described later in 2 Chronicles 18:34.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of True Prophecy: Micaiah’s prophecy stands in stark contrast to the false prophets, demonstrating that true divine revelation often challenges human desires and offers uncomfortable truths. It highlights the importance of discerning God's genuine message over popular opinion or flattery.
  • Consequences of Unwise Alliances: Jehoshaphat's alliance with wicked King Ahab, despite his personal piety, put him in a perilous position. This narrative serves as a warning against being unequally yoked or forming partnerships that compromise one's faith or principles.
  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The vision reveals God's active role in bringing about judgment upon Ahab for his persistent wickedness and idolatry. The scattering of the army signifies God's sovereign control over historical events and the fate of nations.
  • Leadership and Its Absence: The imagery of "sheep that have no shepherd" powerfully conveys a state of utter disarray, vulnerability, and lack of leadership. It signifies the defeat and subsequent leaderless state of Israel's army, specifically after Ahab's death. The phrase "These have no master" reinforces the idea of a kingless, disorganized populace.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "as sheep that have no shepherd" (Hebrew: tsōn asher 'ên lāhem rō'eh) is a recurring and potent metaphor in the Bible. It consistently depicts people who are leaderless, vulnerable, and prone to scattering. This imagery emphasizes the dire consequences of a lack of proper guidance and protection. We see similar expressions used by Moses concerning Israel's future leadership in Numbers 27:17 and by Jesus when he saw the crowds in Matthew 9:36, highlighting their spiritual and physical need for guidance.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the critical importance of seeking and heeding God's truth, even when it's challenging or unpopular. It encourages us to pray for and support godly leaders, recognizing the chaos that can ensue when leadership is absent or corrupt. Furthermore, it serves as a cautionary tale against forming alliances or engaging in actions that compromise our faith or align us with ungodly purposes, even if they seem advantageous in the short term. Ultimately, God's word, though sometimes difficult, always leads to truth and provides the necessary guidance for life.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 9:36 (4 votes)

    But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

  • Mark 6:34 (3 votes)

    And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

  • Ezekiel 34:8 (3 votes)

    [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because [there was] no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;

  • 1 Kings 22:17 (3 votes)

    And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.

  • Numbers 27:17 (3 votes)

    Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

  • Ezekiel 34:5 (3 votes)

    And they were scattered, because [there is] no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.

  • Ezekiel 34:6 (3 votes)

    My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek [after them].