2 Chronicles 18:8

KJV

And the king of Israel called for one [of his] officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} called {H7121} for one {H259} of his officers {H5631}, and said {H559}, Fetch quickly {H4116} Micaiah {H4319} the son {H1121} of Imla {H3229}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king called an officer and said, "Quickly! Bring Mikhay'hu the son of Yimlah."

Berean Standard Bible

So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Bring Micaiah son of Imlah at once.”

American Standard Version

Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse records King Ahab of Israel's reluctant command to summon Micaiah, the son of Imla, a prophet he notoriously disdained. Occurring after King Jehoshaphat of Judah insisted on seeking divine counsel beyond Ahab's 400 court prophets, this moment sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation between popular deception and unpopular truth, highlighting the deep-seated human resistance to God's unvarnished word when it contradicts personal desires or political agendas.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point within the broader narrative of [2 Chronicles 18](/2_chronicles/18 "2 Chronicles 18 - Ahab and Micaiah") and its parallel in [1 Kings 22](/1_kings/22 "1 Kings 22 - The Death of Ahab"). The immediate context involves King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah forming an alliance to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead from the Arameans. Jehoshaphat, a righteous king, wisely insists on inquiring of the Lord before battle, despite Ahab's initial consultation with 400 of his own prophets who unanimously prophesy victory ([2 Chronicles 18:4-6](/2_chronicles/18-4-6 "2 Chronicles 18:4-6 - Jehoshaphat's Request for a Prophet")). Jehoshaphat's spiritual discernment leads him to question the authenticity of these prophets, prompting his direct inquiry: "Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him?" ([2 Chronicles 18:6](/2_chronicles/18-6 "2 Chronicles 18:6 - Jehoshaphat's Question")). Verse 8 is Ahab's grudging response, revealing his deep-seated animosity towards Micaiah, whom he admits "doth not prophesy good concerning me, but always evil" ([2 Chronicles 18:7](/2_chronicles/18-7 "2 Chronicles 18:7 - Ahab's Disdain for Micaiah")). This sets up the dramatic prophetic confrontation that follows, where Micaiah delivers a message of impending doom for Ahab.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, prophets served as God's direct spokespersons, often challenging kings and the prevailing societal norms. Their authority derived from divine inspiration, not political appointment, making them unique figures in the royal court. Kings, however, often preferred "yes-men" who would affirm their plans, as vividly seen with Ahab's 400 court prophets. The alliance between Ahab and Jehoshaphat was politically strategic, aimed at recovering territory, but it also reflects a complex relationship between the northern ([Israel](/israel "The Kingdom of Israel")) and southern ([Judah](/judah "The Kingdom of Judah")) kingdoms, which were often at odds. The practice of consulting prophets before military campaigns was common, reflecting the belief that divine favor was essential for success. However, discerning true prophecy from false was a constant challenge, particularly when the message was unwelcome. The setting of Samaria, Ahab's capital, underscores the opulence and moral decay of his reign, where true prophetic voices like Micaiah's were marginalized and even persecuted.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the prophetic books and historical narratives. Firstly, it highlights the **conflict between truth and deception**, illustrating how human leaders often prefer comforting lies to challenging truths, especially when personal ambition is at stake. Ahab's reluctance to summon Micaiah underscores his willful blindness and resistance to God's genuine word, a pattern seen throughout the history of [Israel](/israel "The Nation of Israel"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **integrity and unpopularity of God's true prophets**. Micaiah stands as a stark contrast to the compliant court prophets, embodying the courage required to speak God's unvarnished message, regardless of personal cost or royal displeasure. This theme resonates with the experiences of many prophets throughout Israel's history, such as [Jeremiah](/jeremiah "The Book of Jeremiah") who faced imprisonment for his unpopular prophecies ([Jeremiah 20:1-2](/jeremiah/20-1-2 "Jeremiah 20:1-2 - Jeremiah Persecuted")). Finally, the narrative subtly reinforces the theme of **divine sovereignty**, demonstrating that even through the resistance and machinations of human kings, God's ultimate plan and purpose will prevail ([Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - God's Purpose Prevails")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This term (H4428) denotes a monarch, the supreme ruler of a kingdom. In this context, it refers to Ahab, the king of [Israel](/israel "The Northern Kingdom of Israel"). The use of "king" here emphasizes his authority and the weight of his command, even though it is given reluctantly. It sets up the dynamic between the earthly ruler and the divine authority represented by the prophet.
* **One (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** This numeral (H259) means "united" or "one." Here, it functions as an indefinite article, "one of his officers." While seemingly simple, it highlights that Ahab did not send just any servant but a specific, high-ranking official, underscoring the formal nature of the summons, compelled by Jehoshaphat's insistence.
* **Quickly (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** This primitive root (H4116) means "to hurry" or "to make haste." When used adverbially, as here, it signifies promptness and urgency. On the surface, it suggests Ahab's desire to expedite the process and move forward with his military plans. However, given Ahab's known disdain for Micaiah, the "quickly" might also betray an underlying impatience or a desire to "get it over with" so he could dismiss the unwelcome prophecy and proceed as he wished. It adds a layer of tension to the command, revealing Ahab's internal conflict.
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This common noun (H1121) refers to a male offspring and is often used in patronymics to identify individuals by their father's name. "Micaiah the son of Imla" precisely identifies the prophet, distinguishing him from others and linking him to his lineage. This specific identification underscores Micaiah's known prophetic identity and ministry, implying that both kings were well aware of who he was and the nature of his previous prophecies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king of Israel called for one [of his] officers":** This clause establishes the initiator of the action, King Ahab of Israel, and his method of command. The "officer" (Hebrew: _saris_, H5631, often translated as "eunuch" or "court official") indicates a high-ranking palace attendant, suggesting a formal, official summons rather than a casual messenger. Ahab, though resistant, is compelled by Jehoshaphat's insistence to follow proper protocol for inquiring of the Lord, even if his heart is not in it. This action highlights the power dynamic and the reluctant concession on Ahab's part.
* **"and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.":** This is the direct command issued by Ahab. His words reveal his knowledge of Micaiah and his specific instruction to bring him without delay. The inclusion of "the son of Imla" identifies Micaiah precisely, distinguishing him from other prophets and highlighting his unique, often confrontational, prophetic ministry that Ahab had experienced before. The urgency implied by "quickly" underscores the pressure Ahab felt, either from Jehoshaphat's persistent demand for a true prophet or from his own desire to resolve the prophetic inquiry and proceed to battle, likely hoping to quickly dismiss Micaiah's expected negative word.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and foreshadow the unfolding drama. **Characterization** is immediately evident, as Ahab's words and the context of his command reveal his resistant and resentful nature towards God's true prophets. His reluctance to call Micaiah, contrasted with his easy acceptance of the 400 false prophets, paints him as a king who prefers flattery over truth, highlighting his spiritual blindness and moral corruption. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as Ahab's admission in the preceding verse ([2 Chronicles 18:7](/2_chronicles/18-7 "2 Chronicles 18:7 - Ahab's Disdain for Micaiah")) that Micaiah "doth not prophesy good concerning me, but always evil" sets the expectation for a negative, yet truthful, prophecy that will directly challenge Ahab's plans and ultimately lead to his demise. Finally, the scene contains **Dramatic Irony**, as Ahab, in his attempt to appease Jehoshaphat and perhaps dismiss Micaiah's word, is unwittingly setting in motion the very divine judgment he seeks to avoid. His reluctant summons becomes the catalyst for the revelation of his fate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores the profound biblical theme of God's persistent revelation of truth, even to those who are hostile or resistant to it. Despite Ahab's animosity and preference for false prophets, God ensures His true word is spoken through Micaiah. This highlights the divine commitment to warning and guidance, even when human leaders actively suppress it. It also speaks to the nature of true prophecy as often counter-cultural and challenging, rather than comforting or affirming of human desires, emphasizing that God's truth is not subject to human approval or political expediency.

* [Jeremiah 23:16-17](/jeremiah/23-16-17 "Warning Against False Prophets")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "God Reveals His Secrets to His Servants the Prophets")
* [Isaiah 30:9-10](/isaiah/30-9-10 "Rejection of God's Word and Desire for Smooth Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The reluctant summoning of Micaiah serves as a timeless reminder of the human tendency to resist uncomfortable truths, especially when they challenge our cherished plans, desires, or self-perceptions. In an age saturated with information and competing voices, the discernment modeled by Jehoshaphat becomes critically important. We are called to cultivate a spiritual sensitivity that prioritizes God's unvarnished word over popular opinion, personal convenience, or the soothing lies that affirm our biases. This requires humility to acknowledge our own fallibility and a courageous willingness to submit to divine authority, even when it means abandoning our own agendas. True wisdom and spiritual growth are found not in seeking prophecies that confirm our desires, but in embracing the truth that transforms us, however challenging it may be. This verse invites us to examine our own hearts: do we genuinely seek God's truth, or do we, like Ahab, prefer messages that align with our preconceived notions and personal comfort?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be reluctant to hear God's truth because it contradicts my desires or plans?**
* **How do I discern between voices that tell me what I want to hear and those that faithfully convey God's will, especially when the latter is challenging?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a greater spiritual sensitivity to God's genuine guidance, even when it comes through unexpected or unpopular channels?**
* **Am I willing to abandon my own plans when God's truth reveals a different path, even if it seems less appealing or more difficult?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ahab so reluctant to call Micaiah?**

Answer: Ahab's reluctance stemmed from Micaiah's consistent history of prophesying negative outcomes for him. As Ahab himself states in [2 Chronicles 18:7](/2_chronicles/18-7 "2 Chronicles 18:7 - Ahab's Disdain for Micaiah"), Micaiah "doth not prophesy good concerning me, but always evil." This indicates that Micaiah's prophecies often contradicted Ahab's desires, exposed his wickedness, or foretold judgment, making him an unwelcome messenger in Ahab's court. Ahab preferred the 400 court prophets who consistently affirmed his plans and promised victory, aligning with his own ambitions. His summoning of Micaiah was not out of genuine desire for God's truth, but rather a reluctant concession to Jehoshaphat's insistence, a formality he likely hoped to quickly dismiss.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micaiah, the unpopular prophet who spoke God's truth to a resistant king, serves as a powerful Old Testament type of Jesus Christ. Just as Micaiah was despised and rejected by Ahab for speaking the inconvenient truth that led to the king's downfall, so too was Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, rejected by the religious and political leaders of His day because His message challenged their authority, exposed their hypocrisy, and called for radical repentance ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Jesus consistently spoke the truth, even when it meant facing opposition, persecution, and ultimately, crucifixion ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus Testifies to the Truth")). He did not prophesy "smooth things" (cf. [Isaiah 30:10](/isaiah/30-10 "Isaiah 30:10 - Do Not Prophesy Truth")) but declared the hard truths of sin, judgment, and the necessity of faith, proclaiming the kingdom of God. Yet, through His rejection and suffering, God's sovereign plan of salvation was fulfilled, just as Micaiah's unpopular prophecy ultimately revealed God's sovereign will concerning Ahab. Christ is the true and faithful witness, the Prophet who perfectly reveals the Father's will ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")), and the Lamb of God whose sacrifice takes away the sin of the world for all who will hear and obey His voice ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He is the one whom we must listen to, even when His words challenge our comfort or call us to a difficult path ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - Listen to Him")).

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

1 Samuel 8:15

And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.

2 Chronicles 18:25

Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;

2 Chronicles 18:26

And say, Thus saith the king, Put this [fellow] in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace.

1 Kings 22:9

Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten [hither] Micaiah the son of Imlah.

Isaiah 39:7

And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

Daniel 1:3

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring [certain] of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;

1 Chronicles 28:1

¶ And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.