2 Chronicles 18:19

And the LORD said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559}, Who shall entice {H6601} Ahab {H256} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, that he may go up {H5927} and fall {H5307} at Ramothgilead {H7433}{H1568}? And one spake {H559} saying {H559} after this manner {H3602}, and another saying {H559} after that manner {H3602}.

ADONAI asked, 'Who will entice Ach'av king of Isra'el to go up to his death at Ramot-Gil'ad?' One of them said, 'Do it this way,' and another, 'Do it that way.'

And the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab king of Israel to march up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one suggested this, and another that.

And Jehovah said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 18:19 offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual realm, revealing God's sovereign hand in the affairs of humanity, even concerning the downfall of a wicked king. This verse is part of the prophet Micaiah’s vision, where he describes a heavenly council meeting to determine how King Ahab of Israel will be led to his death at Ramoth-Gilead.

Context

This verse is central to the dramatic confrontation between King Ahab of Israel and the prophet Micaiah. King Ahab, allied with King Jehoshaphat of Judah, was determined to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead from the Syrians. While 400 false prophets assured Ahab of victory, Jehoshaphat, seeking true divine counsel, insisted on consulting a genuine prophet of the LORD. This led to Micaiah being summoned, who, after initially mimicking the false prophets' message, then delivered a chilling vision of God's heavenly court. Verse 19 specifically details the LORD's direct question: "Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead?" This demonstrates that Ahab’s fate, though seemingly self-inflicted by his desire for war, was part of a divine plan for his judgment. For more on Ahab's notorious wickedness, see 1 Kings 16:30.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over all events, even the actions of wicked rulers and the means of their demise. It shows that no event is outside His ultimate decree, highlighting His omnipotence and justice.
  • Judgment for Disobedience: King Ahab had a long history of rebellion against God, promoting idolatry and persecuting true prophets. This vision reveals the divine judgment being orchestrated against him, where his own desire for war would become the very instrument of his downfall.
  • Spiritual Deception: The question from the LORD and the subsequent responses from the spirits in the heavenly court (mentioned in the following verses) highlight the role of spiritual deception in leading individuals to their appointed end, particularly when they refuse to heed truth. This scenario underscores the dangers of listening to voices that affirm one's sinful desires rather than God's truth.

Linguistic Insights

The key Hebrew word here is pathah (פָּתָה), translated as "entice." While it can mean to persuade or open up, in this context, it carries the strong connotation of leading someone astray, deceiving, or beguiling, often with harmful consequences. It implies a deliberate act of leading someone into a trap or ruin. The term "fall" (Hebrew: naphal - נָפָל) here signifies death in battle, specifically at Ramoth-Gilead, as the prophecy ultimately unfolds.

Related Scriptures

This dramatic scene in the heavenly court is further elaborated in the parallel account found in 1 Kings 22:19-23. The chilling fulfillment of this prophecy, where Ahab is indeed slain at Ramoth-Gilead, is recorded in 2 Chronicles 18:34. This passage also reminds us of God's ultimate authority over all things, as powerfully echoed in Daniel 4:17, which speaks of the Most High ruling in the kingdom of men and setting over it whomsoever he will.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 18:19 serves as a powerful reminder of several vital truths for believers today:

  1. Discernment is Crucial: We must constantly exercise spiritual discernment, distinguishing between true and false counsel. Not all voices, even those claiming divine authority, speak God's truth. We are called to test the spirits (1 John 4:1).
  2. Consequences of Rebellion: Ahab's story is a stark warning about the consequences of persistent disobedience to God's revealed will. While God is merciful, there are limits to His patience, and judgment will eventually come for unrepentant sin.
  3. God's Unwavering Sovereignty: Even in complex and seemingly chaotic situations, God remains in ultimate control. He can use various means, including the deceptive actions of others, to bring about His righteous purposes and judgments. This offers comfort that His plan will always prevail, even amidst human folly and evil.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:11 (2 votes)

    And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:12 (2 votes)

    That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

  • Isaiah 54:16 (2 votes)

    Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:8 (2 votes)

    But if thou wilt go, do [it], be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.

  • Ezekiel 14:9 (2 votes)

    And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.

  • 1 Kings 22:20 (2 votes)

    And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:19 (2 votes)

    Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to [thine] hurt, that thou shouldest fall, [even] thou, and Judah with thee?