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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 22 - Verse 18

22:18
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?

Meaning

In this verse, we see King Ahab of Israel expressing frustration with the prophet Micaiah for prophesying evil concerning him. This interaction between the king and the prophet highlights a common theme found throughout the Bible, which is the conflict between divine truth and human desires. King Ahab, in his pride and arrogance, only wanted to hear favorable prophecies about himself, even if they were false. However, Micaiah, as a true prophet of God, was called to speak the truth, regardless of whether it was pleasant or not. This verse serves as a reminder to us that we should always seek and appreciate the truth, even when it goes against our personal preferences or beliefs. It also teaches us the importance of staying faithful to God's word, even in the face of opposition or criticism.

Theological Overview

In the verse, the king of Israel expresses frustration towards the prophet Micaiah for his prediction of evil rather than good. This raises questions about the relationship between prophecy and the will of God. The theological interpretation here could suggest that Micaiah's prophecy of evil was against the king of Israel's expectation and desires, but ultimately aligned with God's plan. It highlights the concept of divine sovereignty and how prophecies, even if they seem negative, are ultimately part of God's greater purpose. The word "prophecy" in this context could refer to the communication of God's will and plan for the future through a chosen vessel, in this case, the prophet Micaiah. By examining the nuances of this verse, we can deepen our understanding of how God works through prophecy to reveal His intentions and fulfill His divine plan.

American Standard Version

And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?
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