2 Chronicles 18:18

Again 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.

Again he said {H559}, Therefore hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}; I saw {H7200} the LORD {H3068} sitting {H3427} upon his throne {H3678}, and all the host {H6635} of heaven {H8064} standing {H5975} on his right hand {H3225} and on his left {H8040}.

Mikhay'hu continued: "Therefore, hear the word of ADONAI. I saw ADONAI sitting on his throne with the whole army of heaven standing on his right and on his left.

Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right and on His left.

And Micaiah said, Therefore hear ye the word of Jehovah: I saw Jehovah sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 18:18 presents a powerful and dramatic vision recounted by the prophet Micaiah to Kings Ahab of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah. In this verse, Micaiah describes seeing the Lord seated on His throne, surrounded by the "host of heaven." This divine encounter serves as the foundation for Micaiah's true, albeit unwelcome, prophecy regarding the outcome of Ahab's planned battle against Ramoth-gilead.

Context

This verse is central to the conflict between King Ahab and the true prophet of God, Micaiah. Ahab, seeking to reclaim Ramoth-gilead, had assembled 400 of his own prophets who all prophesied victory. King Jehoshaphat, discerning the lack of divine authority in these predictions, insisted on hearing from a true prophet of the Lord (2 Chronicles 18:6). Micaiah, initially forced to give a sarcastic positive prophecy, then delivers the Lord's actual message, explaining its source through this profound vision of God's heavenly court. This vision reveals the divine decree behind the events that are about to unfold, including the deception of the false prophets and Ahab's ultimate demise.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The most prominent theme is God's absolute control and authority over all creation and human affairs. The image of the Lord "sitting upon his throne" unequivocally declares His reign and the execution of His will, even concerning the fates of kings and nations.
  • Authentic Prophetic Revelation: Micaiah's vision validates his message as genuinely from God, contrasting sharply with the false prophecies of Ahab's court. True prophecy stems from direct divine encounter and revelation, not from human desires or political expediency.
  • The Heavenly Council: The vision offers a rare glimpse into the heavenly realm where God's decrees are made and His commands are issued. The "host of heaven" standing at His right hand and left signifies a multitude of celestial beings, ready to execute His word. This imagery reinforces God's active involvement in the world.

Linguistic Insights

  • "The LORD sitting upon his throne": The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is יְהוָה (YHWH), the personal covenant name of God. The phrase emphasizes His supreme rule and stability. The act of "sitting" denotes authority, judgment, and established power.
  • "All the host of heaven": The Hebrew צְבָא הַשָּׁמַיִם (tzva hashshamayim) refers to a celestial army or multitude. In this context, it refers to spiritual beings—angels—who serve God and carry out His will, rather than astronomical bodies. This imagery is consistent with other biblical portrayals of God's heavenly court (e.g., Isaiah 6:1, Revelation 4:2).

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty. Even when circumstances seem chaotic or deceptive, God remains on His throne, actively directing events according to His purposes. For believers, it underscores the importance of discerning truth and seeking God's will, even when it is difficult or goes against popular opinion. It also offers comfort in knowing that despite earthly struggles, the Lord is in control, surrounded by His heavenly host, executing His divine plan.

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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

  • Daniel 7:9 (5 votes)

    ¶ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire.

  • Isaiah 6:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

  • Isaiah 6:5 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

  • Isaiah 39:5 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:

  • Jeremiah 34:4 (3 votes)

    Yet hear the word of the LORD, O Zedekiah king of Judah; Thus saith the LORD of thee, Thou shalt not die by the sword:

  • Amos 7:16 (3 votes)

    Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not [thy word] against the house of Isaac.

  • Acts 7:55 (3 votes)

    But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,