### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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