2 Chronicles 18:7

KJV

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same [is] Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} said {H559} unto Jehoshaphat {H3092}, There is yet one {H259} man {H376}, by whom we may enquire {H1875} of the LORD {H3068}: but I hate {H8130} him; for he never prophesied {H5012} good {H2896} unto me, but always {H3117} evil {H7451}: the same is Micaiah {H4321} the son {H1121} of Imla {H3229}. And Jehoshaphat {H3092} said {H559}, Let not the king {H4428} say {H559} so.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king of Isra'el said to Y'hoshafat, "Yes, there is still one man through whom we can consult ADONAI; but I hate him, because he never prophesies anything good for me, only bad! It's Mikhay'hu the son of Yimlah." Y'hoshafat replied, "The king shouldn't say such a thing."

Berean Standard Bible

The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man who can ask the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.

American Standard Version

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of Jehovah: but I hate him; for he never prophesieth good concerning me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 18:7 presents a stark contrast between King Ahab's preference for flattery and King Jehoshaphat's insistence on divine truth. Ahab reluctantly reveals the existence of Micaiah, a prophet of the Lord whom he despises because Micaiah consistently prophesies unfavorable outcomes, or "evil," concerning Ahab's actions, never the "good" that Ahab desires. Jehoshaphat's immediate rebuke, "Let not the king say so," underscores the importance of seeking genuine divine counsel over personal bias, setting the stage for Micaiah's courageous and truthful, albeit unpopular, prophecy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of King Ahab's reign, particularly his alliance with Jehoshaphat of Judah to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead from the Syrians. The preceding verses establish Jehoshaphat's piety and his wise insistence on consulting the Lord before battle, despite Ahab's initial presentation of 400 court prophets who unanimously prophesied success ([2 Chronicles 18:4-5](/2_chronicles/18-4 "2 Chronicles 18:4-5 - Jehoshaphat's Wisdom and Ahab's False Prophets")). Ahab's reluctant mention of Micaiah in this verse, coupled with his transparent hatred for the prophet, immediately signals a conflict between divine truth and royal convenience. The subsequent narrative, from [2 Chronicles 18:8](/2_chronicles/18-8 "2 Chronicles 18:8 - Micaiah is Summoned") onward, details Micaiah's prophetic confrontation with the false prophets and his unvarnished message of doom for Ahab, ultimately culminating in Ahab's death in battle ([2 Chronicles 18:34](/2_chronicles/18-34 "2 Chronicles 18:34 - Ahab's Death at Ramoth-Gilead")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period sees a complex relationship between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, often marked by conflict but occasionally by alliance, as seen here. Ramoth-Gilead was a strategically important city in Transjordan, frequently contested between Israel and Aram (Syria). In this era, kings commonly consulted prophets for divine guidance before military campaigns or major decisions. However, there was a clear distinction between true prophets of Yahweh, who spoke God's unadulterated word regardless of consequence, and court prophets, who often served as royal advisors, tailoring their messages to please the monarch. Ahab's court was particularly notorious for its embrace of Baal worship and its suppression of Yahweh's prophets, making Micaiah's presence and consistent truth-telling all the more remarkable and dangerous.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **The Unpopular Truth**, demonstrating the human tendency to reject uncomfortable divine revelation in favor of flattering falsehoods. Ahab's hatred for Micaiah is not based on the prophet's character but on the content of his messages, which consistently expose Ahab's sin and foretell judgment, mirroring the broader biblical theme that "the light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil" ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Love of Darkness Over Light")). Secondly, it illuminates **The Nature of True Prophecy**, contrasting Micaiah's unwavering faithfulness to God's word with the sycophancy of the 400 false prophets. True prophecy, as exemplified by Micaiah, is not about predicting what people want to hear but about faithfully delivering God's message, even at great personal cost ([Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Distinguishing True and False Prophets")). Finally, Jehoshaphat's insistence on seeking genuine divine counsel underscores the theme of **Discerning God's Will**, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment to distinguish between popular opinion or human desire and the authentic voice of the Lord ([Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hate (Hebrew, _sane'_):** This verb signifies a strong emotional aversion, often implying active hostility or rejection. Ahab's "hate" for Micaiah is not merely a dislike but a deep-seated animosity stemming from the prophet's consistent delivery of messages that contradicted Ahab's desires and plans. This hatred reveals Ahab's spiritual state—his rebellion against God's will and his preference for self-serving delusion over divine truth. It underscores the profound spiritual conflict at play, where the king's personal agenda clashes violently with God's sovereign purposes.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _ra'_):** In this context, "evil" (רַע) does not primarily refer to moral wickedness but to misfortune, calamity, or disaster. Ahab's complaint is that Micaiah "never prophesied good unto me, but always evil," meaning Micaiah consistently foretold negative outcomes, judgment, or defeat for Ahab's endeavors. This is because Ahab's actions were indeed morally wicked, leading to divine judgment, which Micaiah faithfully announced. The word highlights the consequence of sin and disobedience, showing that God's "evil" (calamity) is a righteous response to human "evil" (wickedness).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD:"** This clause reveals Ahab's reluctant concession to Jehoshaphat's spiritual sensitivity. Despite having 400 of his own prophets, Ahab acknowledges, under pressure, that there is one more, implying a prophet of a different caliber, one who truly represents the Lord. This admission is a testament to Micaiah's recognized, albeit unwelcome, authority.
* **"but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same [is] Micaiah the son of Imla."** This is the heart of Ahab's confession and the core of the conflict. Ahab's animosity towards Micaiah is explicitly stated and justified by the king's perception that Micaiah's prophecies are consistently negative ("evil") and never favorable ("good"). This exposes Ahab's self-centeredness and his desire for prophecies that align with his personal agenda, rather than God's truth. The naming of "Micaiah the son of Imla" identifies the specific individual who stands in stark contrast to the court prophets.
* **"And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so."** Jehoshaphat's immediate and firm response is a rebuke to Ahab's biased assessment. It signifies Jehoshaphat's understanding that a true prophet speaks God's word, not what the king desires to hear. His words are a plea for spiritual integrity, urging Ahab to set aside his personal feelings and genuinely seek the Lord's unvarnished counsel, regardless of its perceived "good" or "evil" nature.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Characterization** is evident in the immediate portrayal of Ahab as a king who prefers flattery over truth, revealed through his open hatred for Micaiah. Conversely, Jehoshaphat is characterized as discerning and spiritually sensitive, insisting on true divine counsel. **Contrast** is central, highlighting the stark difference between Ahab's 400 sycophantic prophets who prophesy "good" (what the king desires) and Micaiah, the lone true prophet, who consistently prophesies "evil" (divine judgment). This contrast underscores the nature of true and false prophecy. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: Ahab, in his attempt to dismiss Micaiah, inadvertently confirms Micaiah's authenticity as a true prophet of the Lord, as a genuine prophet's message often challenges and convicts. Finally, the verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation between Micaiah and the false prophets, and ultimately, for Ahab's demise, which Micaiah's "evil" prophecies accurately foretell.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 18:7 profoundly illustrates the timeless conflict between divine truth and human desire, particularly in positions of power. It reveals that the rejection of God's word often stems not from a lack of clarity, but from a willful preference for self-serving delusion. Ahab's hatred for Micaiah is a microcosm of humanity's broader rebellion against a God whose truth exposes sin and calls for repentance. The passage underscores God's unwavering commitment to communicate His will, even through unpopular voices, and the critical importance of spiritual discernment to distinguish between genuine divine counsel and flattering falsehoods. It serves as a powerful reminder that faithfulness to God's word may incur human animosity, but it is ultimately vindicated by God's sovereign hand.

* [Jeremiah 23:16-17](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16-17 - False Prophets and Their Deceptive Words")
* [Amos 5:10](/amos/5-10 "Amos 5:10 - Hating the One Who Speaks Truth")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Warning Against False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient narrative speaks directly to contemporary challenges, urging us to cultivate a profound love for truth, even when it is uncomfortable or contradicts our personal preferences. Like Ahab, we can be tempted to surround ourselves with "yes-men" or information sources that only affirm our existing biases, leading us down paths of self-deception and ultimately, spiritual peril. The wisdom of Jehoshaphat, however, calls us to a higher standard: to earnestly seek God's unvarnished truth, to discern carefully between popular opinion and divine revelation, and to embrace the often-challenging voice of the Holy Spirit. For those called to speak truth, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or public discourse, Micaiah's example reminds us that faithfulness to God's word is paramount, even if it means enduring unpopularity or opposition. Our ultimate allegiance must be to the truth of God, not to the fleeting approval of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to avoid uncomfortable truths, preferring instead to hear what I want to hear?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to distinguish between genuine, God-given counsel and deceptive flattery in my own life and in the world around me?**
* **Am I willing to speak God's truth, even when it might make me unpopular or put me at odds with others, following the example of Micaiah?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my spiritual growth is rooted in God's objective truth rather than subjective desires or popular opinion?**

### FAQ
**Why did Ahab "hate" Micaiah so much?**

Answer: Ahab's hatred for Micaiah stemmed from the prophet's consistent delivery of messages that foretold negative outcomes or divine judgment for Ahab's actions, rather than the favorable prophecies Ahab desired. Micaiah faithfully spoke God's truth, which often exposed Ahab's sin and rebellion against the Lord. This made Micaiah an unwelcome voice in Ahab's court, as Ahab preferred the flattering words of his 400 false prophets who promised success and aligned with his own agenda. Ahab's hatred was a manifestation of his rejection of God's authority and his preference for self-deception over divine reality, as seen in his later disregard for Micaiah's specific warnings about the battle at [Ramoth-Gilead](/2_chronicles/18-28 "2 Chronicles 18:28 - Ahab Goes to Ramoth-Gilead").

**What is the difference between "good" and "evil" prophecy in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "good" (Hebrew: _tov_) refers to prophecies of favorable outcomes, success, prosperity, or peace, which is what Ahab wanted to hear. "Evil" (Hebrew: _ra'_) refers to prophecies of misfortune, calamity, judgment, or defeat. Micaiah's prophecies were "evil" to Ahab because they consistently foretold disaster for Ahab's unrighteous reign and his military endeavors, reflecting God's righteous judgment. This distinction highlights that true prophecy is not about delivering pleasant news, but about accurately conveying God's will, whether it brings comfort or conviction, as exemplified by prophets like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah") who often spoke words of judgment to a rebellious nation.

**Why was Jehoshaphat so insistent on hearing from Micaiah?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat, a righteous king of Judah, possessed spiritual discernment that allowed him to sense that the unanimous, positive prophecies of Ahab's 400 prophets were not genuinely from the Lord. He likely recognized the superficiality or self-serving nature of their messages. His insistence on hearing from "yet another prophet of the Lord" (as in [2 Chronicles 18:6](/2_chronicles/18-6 "2 Chronicles 18:6 - Jehoshaphat Seeks a True Prophet")) demonstrated his commitment to seeking authentic divine guidance, even if it meant challenging the king of Israel and potentially hearing an unpopular truth. His spiritual sensitivity led him to prioritize God's true will over political expediency or popular opinion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Micaiah, the prophet hated for speaking truth, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Micaiah stands as a prophetic type of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet who spoke God's unvarnished truth to a world that largely rejected Him. Just as Ahab hated Micaiah because he "never prophesied good unto me, but always evil," so too was Jesus despised by many religious and political leaders because His message exposed their hypocrisy, challenged their authority, and called them to a repentance they refused to embrace ([John 7:7](/john/7-7 "John 7:7 - The World Hates Jesus")). Jesus declared, "The light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil" ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Love of Darkness Over Light")), perfectly echoing Ahab's preference for flattering lies over convicting truth.

Micaiah's willingness to suffer imprisonment for God's word ([2 Chronicles 18:26](/2_chronicles/18-26 "2 Chronicles 18:26 - Micaiah Imprisoned")) foreshadows Christ's suffering and ultimate sacrifice for truth and righteousness. The world's rejection of Micaiah, the true messenger, culminates in Ahab's demise, illustrating the dire consequences of rejecting God's word. Similarly, the rejection of Christ, the very Word made flesh, leads to spiritual death. Yet, in Christ, the "evil" (judgment) that was due to humanity for its sin was prophesied and then absorbed by Him on the cross, allowing for the ultimate "good" (salvation and reconciliation) for those who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). Jesus is the faithful Prophet, Priest, and King, who, unlike Micaiah, not only spoke the truth but embodied it, becoming the way, the truth, and the life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), offering ultimate salvation where human kings and their false prophets could only lead to ruin.

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

Micah 2:7

O [thou that art] named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened? [are] these his doings? do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?

Amos 5:10

They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly.

1 Kings 21:20

And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found [thee]: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.

Luke 6:22

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

Isaiah 30:10

Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

1 Kings 18:17

¶ And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, [Art] thou he that troubleth Israel?

Psalms 69:14

Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.