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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 22 - Verse 15

22:15
So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.

Meaning

In the verse mentioned, King Ahab of Israel seeks the counsel of the prophet Micaiah regarding whether to go to battle against Ramothgilead. Micaiah initially gives a sarcastic response, telling the king to go and prosper as the Lord will deliver it into his hand. However, Micaiah then goes on to reveal a vision from the Lord in which he sees the throne room of heaven and God asking for a plan to entice Ahab into battle, leading to his downfall. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring God's counsel and trusting in one's own plans. It highlights the importance of seeking guidance from God before making important decisions, as He alone knows what is best for us. Ultimately, the verse conveys the message that true prosperity can only come from aligning our will with God's and trusting in His divine guidance.

Theological Overview

When King Ahab seeks advice from the prophet Micaiah on whether to go to battle against Ramothgilead, Micaiah initially tells the king to go and prosper, assuring him that the Lord will deliver the city into his hands. However, this response is not a straightforward endorsement of the king's plans. The word "prosper" used in this verse carries a deeper meaning in the original Hebrew. In this context, it implies that the king will succeed in his military campaign, but the consequences of his actions may not ultimately be positive or in alignment with God's will. It serves as a cautionary message to the king, indicating that he may achieve victory in battle, but it may not be a true blessing from the Lord. The theological interpretation of this verse warns against seeking advice merely to confirm one's own desires, rather than humbly submitting to God's will and guidance.

American Standard Version

And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go up and prosper; and Jehovah will deliver it into the hand of the king.
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