2 Chronicles 18:5

KJV

Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver [it] into the king's hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} gathered together {H6908} of prophets {H5030} four {H702} hundred {H3967} men {H376}, and said {H559} unto them, Shall we go {H3212} to Ramothgilead {H7433}{H1568} to battle {H4421}, or shall I forbear {H2308}? And they said {H559}, Go up {H5927}; for God {H430} will deliver {H5414} it into the king's {H4428} hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the king of Isra'el assembled the prophets, 400 men. "Should we attack Ramot-Gil'ad?" he asked them, "Or should I hold off?" They said, "Attack. God will hand it over to the king."

Berean Standard Bible

So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and God will deliver it into the hand of the king.”

American Standard Version

Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the hand of the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 18:5 describes King Ahab of Israel's consultation with four hundred prophets regarding a military campaign to reclaim Ramoth-gilead. These prophets, likely court functionaries or devotees of false gods, unanimously affirm Ahab's desired outcome, declaring that "God will deliver [it] into the king's hand." This verse sets the stage for a critical moment of discernment, highlighting the pervasive nature of deceptive counsel and the grave danger of seeking affirmation over divine truth, ultimately leading to Ahab's demise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Ahab's reign, particularly his alliance with King Jehoshaphat of Judah. The preceding verses in [2 Chronicles 18](/2_chronicles/18 "2 Chronicles 18 - Ahab and Jehoshaphat's Alliance") detail how Jehoshaphat, a more righteous king, visited Ahab in Samaria, and Ahab persuaded him to join forces to reclaim Ramoth-gilead from the Arameans. This alliance, unusual given the historical tension between the northern and southern kingdoms, sets the stage for the inquiry of the prophets. Jehoshaphat's insistence on "inquiring of the word of the LORD" (as seen in the subsequent [2 Chronicles 18:4](/2_chronicles/18-4 "2 Chronicles 18:4 - Jehoshaphat's Request for Divine Counsel")) directly prompts Ahab to gather these 400 prophets, leading into the pivotal confrontation with the true prophet Micaiah later in the chapter ([2 Chronicles 18:6-27](/2_chronicles/18-6 "2 Chronicles 18:6-27 - Micaiah's Prophecy")). This account also finds a parallel in [1 Kings 22](/1_kings/22 "1 Kings 22 - Ahab's Death at Ramoth-gilead"), providing a consistent narrative of Ahab's final, ill-fated campaign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahab's reign (c. 874-853 BC) was marked by profound wickedness and the widespread promotion of Baal worship in Israel, largely influenced by his Phoenician wife, Jezebel, as detailed in [1 Kings 16:30-33](/1_kings/16-30 "1 Kings 16:30-33 - Ahab's Wickedness and Idolatry"). In this context, the "prophets" gathered by Ahab were almost certainly not true prophets of Yahweh, but rather court prophets who served the king's agenda, or even prophets of Baal and Asherah. It was common for ancient Near Eastern kings to maintain a retinue of religious advisors or seers who would offer counsel, often tailored to the king's desires. Ramoth-gilead itself was a strategically vital city on the eastern frontier of Israel, frequently contested between Israel and Aram (Syria), and its control was crucial for regional power and trade routes. The cultural expectation was for kings to consult divine oracles before major undertakings like war, but the nature of the "god" being consulted and the integrity of the "prophets" were paramount.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that permeate the chapter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **the allure and danger of false prophecy**, demonstrating how easily leaders can be swayed by counsel that confirms their own desires rather than challenging them with truth. The unanimous, positive message from the 400 prophets creates a deceptive sense of divine approval. Secondly, it underscores the critical importance of **spiritual discernment**, as Jehoshaphat's unease and subsequent request for "a prophet of the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 18:6](/2_chronicles/18-6 "2 Chronicles 18:6 - Jehoshaphat's Request for a True Prophet")) reveal that not all "prophecy" is from God, even if it uses religious language. Finally, the passage contributes to the theme of **divine sovereignty and judgment**. While these prophets were false, the true prophet Micaiah later reveals that a deceiving spirit was, in fact, sent by God to entice Ahab to his doom ([2 Chronicles 18:18-22](/2_chronicles/18-18 "2 Chronicles 18:18-22 - Micaiah's Vision of the Deceiving Spirit")), illustrating how God can use even deceptive means as an instrument of judgment against those who persistently rebel against His will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophets (Hebrew, _nevi'im'_):** This plural noun (נְבִיאִים) is a general term for "spokesmen" or "those who speak on behalf of another." While it is often used for true prophets of Yahweh, its usage here, in the context of Ahab's idolatrous reign, strongly suggests that these were not genuine Yahweh prophets. They were likely court prophets who served the king's agenda, or perhaps even prophets of Baal or Asherah, whose worship Ahab had widely promoted. The term itself does not inherently denote divine inspiration from Yahweh, making the discernment of their source of authority crucial.
* **God (Hebrew, _'elohim'_):** The Hebrew word (אֱלֹהִים) used here is a generic term for "god" or "gods," rather than the specific covenant name Yahweh (YHWH). While it can refer to the one true God, in this context, spoken by these 400 prophets, it is ambiguous. It could be a generic reference to a deity, a deliberate attempt to sound legitimate while serving other gods, or even a false claim to speak for Yahweh. Given their later exposure by Micaiah, it is clear their "god" was not the God of Israel.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _natan'_):** The verb (נָתַן) simply means "to give," "to place," or "to deliver." In this military context, it signifies the act of handing over the city or the enemy into the king's power. The prophets' declaration that "God will deliver [it] into the king's hand" is a promise of victory and success, a common prophetic pronouncement in ancient warfare. The irony, of course, is that this promise, though seemingly from a divine source, was utterly false and would lead to Ahab's defeat and death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men":** This clause highlights Ahab's proactive step in seeking counsel, but also his choice of advisors. The sheer number, "four hundred," suggests a large, established retinue of court prophets, emphasizing the widespread nature of false prophecy under Ahab's rule. This gathering is in direct response to Jehoshaphat's request to "inquire of the word of the LORD," setting up the contrast between the multitude of false voices and the singular, true voice of Micaiah.
* **"and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear?":** Ahab's question is direct and practical: a simple yes or no regarding the impending military campaign. This reveals his strategic objective – to reclaim Ramoth-gilead – and his desire for divine endorsement for his plans. The question frames the subsequent "prophecy" as a direct answer to his query, making its deceptive nature even more potent.
* **"And they said, Go up; for God will deliver [it] into the king's hand.":** This is the unanimous, seemingly definitive response from the 400 prophets. Their counsel is a resounding affirmation of Ahab's desire, promising certain victory and divine backing. The use of "God" (אֱלֹהִים) rather than Yahweh is significant, allowing for ambiguity and potentially masking their true allegiance or the source of their "inspiration." This collective, positive affirmation is precisely what Ahab wanted to hear, making it dangerously persuasive.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the "prophets" claim divine endorsement for a military venture that will ultimately lead to Ahab's death, a stark contrast to their promise of deliverance. This sets up a profound dramatic irony for the reader who knows the outcome. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the impending conflict between true and false prophecy, which will fully unfold with the arrival of Micaiah. The unanimous, positive message from the 400 prophets creates a sense of false security, which is shattered by Micaiah's dissenting, truthful, and ultimately grim prophecy. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Contrast** established between the collective, politically convenient "yes" of the 400 and the singular, unpopular, but divinely true "no" that will come from Micaiah, emphasizing the rarity and cost of genuine prophetic integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of truth, discernment, and divine judgment. It highlights the pervasive danger of flattery and the human tendency to seek counsel that affirms preconceived desires rather than challenging them with uncomfortable truths. The 400 prophets represent a system of religious authority corrupted by political expediency, where the "word of God" becomes a tool for personal ambition rather than a conduit for divine revelation. The passage implicitly warns against the spiritual peril of surrounding oneself with "yes-men" and underscores the critical importance of testing all spirits and all counsel against the revealed character and will of God. Ultimately, it reveals that God's sovereignty extends even to allowing deception as a form of judgment against those who persistently reject His true messengers and embrace wickedness.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Testing a Prophet")
* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Speak Lies")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the 400 prophets offers a timeless and sobering lesson for individuals and leaders in every generation. It challenges us to critically examine the sources of our counsel and to cultivate a profound spiritual discernment that prioritizes truth over comfort, popularity, or personal ambition. In an age saturated with information and diverse voices, it is easy to fall prey to echo chambers that reinforce our biases and desires. This passage compels us to ask whether the advice we seek genuinely aligns with God's revealed will, or if it merely tells us what we want to hear. The consequences of Ahab's choice—ignoring true prophecy for flattering lies—were catastrophic, leading to his downfall. This serves as a powerful reminder that rejecting God's truth, even when delivered by an unpopular voice, carries severe spiritual and practical repercussions. We are called to be seekers of truth, not just affirmation, and to humbly submit to God's word, even when it challenges our plans or exposes our blind spots.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between counsel that is truly from God and counsel that merely affirms my desires or biases?**
* **Am I more prone to seek advice that comforts me or advice that challenges me to grow and align with God's will?**
* **What are the dangers of surrounding myself with people who always agree with me, and how can I cultivate relationships that offer honest, godly critique?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be ignoring God's true voice in favor of more convenient or popular "prophecies"?**

### FAQ
**Who were these 400 prophets, and why did they all give the same message?**

Answer: These 400 "prophets" were most likely court prophets in King Ahab's service, or possibly even prophets of Baal or Asherah, whose worship Ahab had vigorously promoted throughout Israel. They were not genuine prophets of Yahweh, the God of Israel. They all gave the same message ("Go up; for God will deliver [it] into the king's hand") because they understood what Ahab wanted to hear. Their role was to affirm the king's plans and desires, ensuring their favor and position within the court. Their unanimous agreement created a powerful, albeit deceptive, sense of divine approval for Ahab's military campaign, designed to flatter him and avoid any dissenting opinions that might displease him. The true prophet Micaiah later reveals that a deceiving spirit was sent by God to entice Ahab, indicating a divine judgment at play against Ahab's persistent wickedness ([2 Chronicles 18:18-22](/2_chronicles/18-18 "2 Chronicles 18:18-22 - Micaiah's Vision of the Deceiving Spirit")).

**Why did God allow this deception to occur, leading Ahab to his death?**

Answer: The narrative, particularly through the later revelation of the prophet Micaiah in [2 Chronicles 18:18-22](/2_chronicles/18-18 "2 Chronicles 18:18-22 - Micaiah's Vision of the Deceiving Spirit"), indicates that God actively allowed and even orchestrated this deception as a form of divine judgment against King Ahab. Ahab had consistently rejected the true prophets of Yahweh, embraced idolatry, and persisted in wickedness throughout his reign ([1 Kings 16:30-33](/1_kings/16-30 "1 Kings 16:30-33 - Ahab's Wickedness and Idolatry")). When a leader repeatedly spurns God's truth and chooses to live in rebellion, God may, in His sovereignty, allow them to be led astray by their own desires and by deceptive influences, ultimately leading to their downfall. This demonstrates God's justice and His ultimate control, even over the plans of wicked men and the actions of deceiving spirits.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the 400 false prophets and King Ahab's fatal decision finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate and true Prophet, the very embodiment of God's Word, in stark contrast to the deceptive voices of Ahab's court. While the 400 prophets offered a comforting but ultimately deadly lie, Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). He is the Prophet like Moses, promised in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses"), whose words are not His own but from the Father ([John 12:49](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus' Words from the Father")). Furthermore, the deception that led Ahab to his doom highlights humanity's desperate need for a deliverer from sin and its consequences. While Ahab's prophets promised military "deliverance" that failed, Christ offers true and eternal deliverance, not from a city, but from sin and death, through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve and Give His Life")). He is the Good Shepherd who leads His sheep in truth, protecting them from the deceptive voices of false shepherds and wolves ([John 10:11-14](/john/10-11 "John 10:11-14 - The Good Shepherd")). Through the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, believers are given discernment to test the spirits and recognize the voice of truth, ensuring they are not led astray by the flattering lies of this world ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")).

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

2 Chronicles 18:20

Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?

2 Chronicles 18:21

And 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.

Jeremiah 28:1

¶ And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, [and] in the fifth month, [that] Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which [was] of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,

Jeremiah 28:17

So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

2 Kings 3:13

And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

Jeremiah 42:20

For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do [it].

1 Kings 18:19

Now therefore send, [and] gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.