The Hebrew word Yimlâʼ, represented by H3229, is the name of an Israelite. The name, which can also appear as Yimlah, is defined as full. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in scripture, consistently identifying the father of the prophet Micaiah.
In the biblical narrative, H3229 is used exclusively to identify a single individual by his lineage. All four occurrences appear in parallel accounts in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. The King of Israel mentions Imla as the father of the prophet Micaiah, a man he hates H8130 because he does not prophesy H5012 good H2896, but rather evil H7451 concerning him 1 Kings 22:8. This establishes Imla as the father of a prophet known for speaking difficult truths. The name is repeated when the king summons Micaiah, telling an officer to fetch "Micaiah the son of Imla" 2 Chronicles 18:8 or "hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah" 1 Kings 22:9.
Several related words provide the context for the appearances of H3229:
- H4321 Mîykâyᵉhûw (Micaiah): The name of the prophet who is identified as the son of Imla. The narrative centers on Micaiah's prophetic duty and the king's reaction to it 1 Kings 22:8.
- H5012 nâbâʼ (to prophesy): This word describes the action performed by Imla's son. The king's complaint is that Micaiah does not prophesy good concerning him 2 Chronicles 18:7. This act of speaking by inspiration is central to the story.
- H8130 sânêʼ (to hate): This primitive root describes the king's personal feeling toward Micaiah. The king explicitly states, "I hate him" 1 Kings 22:8, establishing the conflict that leads to Imla's name being mentioned.
While H3229 is a proper name, its association with Micaiah touches on significant theological concepts:
- Prophetic Faithfulness: Imla is the father of a prophet who demonstrates unwavering commitment to God's message. Micaiah states, "what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak" 1 Kings 22:14. This highlights the prophet's duty to deliver divine truth, whether it is perceived as good H2896 or evil H7451.
- The King's Rejection of Truth: The king of Israel's desire for a favorable prophecy illustrates a rejection of unwelcome divine counsel. He hates H8130 Micaiah for prophesying evil H7451, showing a preference for comforting lies over difficult truths. This contrasts with the biblical call to hate H8130 evil itself Proverbs 8:13.
- The Identity of a Prophet: The story frames Imla's son in opposition to false prophets who "speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD" Jeremiah 23:16. Imla's name is recorded in scripture because his son was a true prophet who spoke by divine inspiration, fulfilling the role described in the command to prophesy H5012 Ezekiel 37:4.
In summary, H3229 Yimlâʼ is a name used solely to identify the father of Micaiah, the prophet. Though mentioned only four times, its context is critical. The name appears within a narrative that contrasts a king who hates H8130 the truth with a prophet compelled to prophesy H5012 God's word, whether it be of good H2896 or evil H7451. The significance of Imla, therefore, is not found in the man himself, but in the unyielding faithfulness of the son he fathered, whose legacy is preserved in scripture.
TRV