Ahab and Jehoshaphat Seek Counsel; Micaiah's True Prophecy
1 Kings 22:1-28
1 K.22.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אין: PART,neg
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בין: PREP
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chr.18:1 (quotation): Direct retelling in Chronicles: records the same statement that there was no war between Aram and Israel for three years.
- 1 Kgs.20:34 (structural): Earlier chapter in Kings describes a covenant/treaty with Ben‑Hadad and his departure in peace, which provides the immediate background for the ensuing three‑year period of no war.
- Judg.3:11 (thematic): After military victory, the text reports a subsequent period of rest/peace for Israel (’and the land had rest forty years’), reflecting the common biblical motif of a defined era of peace following conflict.
- Judg.8:28 (thematic): Similarly describes a prolonged period of peace after Gideon’s victories (‘and there was peace in the land forty years’), paralleling the literary theme of post‑war tranquility found in 1 Kgs 22:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- For three years there was no war between Aram and Israel.
- And there were three years of no war between Aram and Israel.
1 K.22.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בשנה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- השלישית: ADJ,f,sg,def
- וירד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אל: NEG
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:2 (verbal): Direct parallel account of the same event — Chronicles also records that in the third year Jehoshaphat went down to the king of Israel.
- 1 Kings 22:1 (structural): Immediate context in Kings: describes the peace/alliance between Ahab and Jehoshaphat that leads to Jehoshaphat's visit.
- 1 Kings 18:1 (thematic): Uses the same chronological marker “in the third year” to mark significant events in the conflict between Ahab/Israel and the LORD’s prophet (Elijah), situating the narrative timeframe.
- 1 Kings 22:3 (structural): Continues the same episode — explains Jehoshaphat’s purpose in associating with the king of Israel (inquiring about a prophet and joining Ahab’s campaign).
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass in the third year that Jehoshaphat king of Judah went down to the king of Israel.
- And it came to pass in the third year that Jehoshaphat king of Judah went down to the king of Israel.
1 K.22.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- הידעתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- רמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- גלעד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנחנו: CONJ+PRON,1,pl
- מחשים: VERB,qal,part,1,m,pl
- מקחת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- מיד: PREP
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2Chron.18.3 (verbal): Parallel account of the same scene in Chronicles; nearly identical wording about Ramoth‑Gilead belonging to Israel and the desire to take it from the king of Aram.
- 1Kgs.22.4 (structural): Immediate continuation in the same narrative: Ahab proposes to recover Ramoth‑Gilead and seeks Jehoshaphat’s alliance, developing the plan alluded to in v.3.
- Josh.13.27 (thematic): Notes the allotment of Gilead to the tribe (half) of Manasseh, providing the legal/territorial basis for Israel’s claim to Ramoth‑Gilead referenced in 1 Kgs 22:3.
- Judg.11.26 (thematic): Jephthah’s argument about ancestral possession of land (Gilead) and refusal to yield territory parallels the theme of contested frontier claims and Israelite assertions of rights to Gilead/Ramoth‑Gilead.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you not know that Ramoth Gilead belongs to us, and we are holding it from the hand of the king of Aram?”
- And the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you not know that Ramoth‑Gilead is ours, and that we even hold it? Why then do we sit idly and not take it out of the hand of the king of Aram?”
1 K.22.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התלך: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- גלעד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כמוני: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- כמוך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- כעמי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg+PRON,1,sg
- כעמך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cons+2,m
- כסוסי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl+PRON,1,sg
- כסוסיך: PREP+NOUN,m,pl+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:3 (verbal): Direct retelling of the same exchange between Ahab and Jehoshaphat in the parallel Deuteronomistic account; language and meaning closely match 1 Kings 22:4.
- Ruth 1:16 (thematic): Ruth’s vow (“your people shall be my people, and your God my God”) parallels the pledge of shared identity and loyalty expressed by Jehoshaphat (‘my people as your people’).
- Genesis 31:44-54 (structural): Jacob and Laban’s covenant/settlement models the broader ancient Near Eastern practice of making formal agreements and mutual commitments between leaders/households, comparable to the alliance implied in 1 Kings 22:4.
- Joshua 9:15 (structural): The treaty between Israel and the Gibeonites illustrates another instance of negotiated alliance and obligations between groups/kingdoms—similar in function to Jehoshaphat joining Ahab for a military venture.
- 1 Samuel 18:3 (thematic): Jonathan’s covenant with David (a personal/political pledge of loyalty) echoes the interpersonal/ political commitment language of ‘as you, my people as your people’ in 1 Kings 22:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to battle at Ramoth Gilead?” And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.”
- And he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to battle at Ramoth‑Gilead?” And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “As you are, so am I; my people as your people, my horses as your horses.”
1 K.22.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דרש: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- נא: PART
- כיום: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2Chron.18.4-5 (structural): Direct parallel account of the same episode (Jehoshaphat urging Ahab to inquire of the LORD before going to battle); the narrative repeats the request and consultation scene.
- 1Sam.23.2-4 (verbal): David 'inquires of the LORD' about whether to go up against the Philistines — a similar formula of seeking divine guidance before military action.
- Judg.20.18 (verbal): The tribes of Israel 'inquire of the LORD' before engaging in battle at Gibeah; shares the communal practice and wording of seeking the word of YHWH prior to conflict.
- 2Chron.20.3-4 (thematic): Jehoshaphat's response to imminent threat — calling for fasting and seeking the LORD — echoes the theme of turning to YHWH for direction and decision-making in crisis.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire today for the word of the LORD.”
- Then Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please first seek the word of the LORD today.”
1 K.22.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקבץ: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הנביאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- כארבע: NUM,card
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- האלך: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- על: PREP
- רמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- גלעד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- אחדל: NUM,card,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:5-27 (structural): A parallel retelling of the same episode (Ahab assembling prophets about Ramoth‑Gilead); many details and the opposition between the court prophets and Micaiah are duplicated.
- 1 Kings 18:19-40 (thematic): Elijah's confrontation with the large corps of Baal's prophets (and the theme of many false or misguided prophets set against one true prophet) parallels the dynamic of many prophets assuring the king here.
- Micah 3:11 (thematic): Condemns leaders and prophets who give favorable messages for gain and say 'No disaster shall come' — thematically similar to the court prophets promising victory to the king.
- Jeremiah 23:16-17 (thematic): Denounces prophets who prophesy from their own heart and give what people want to hear rather than God’s word; resonates with the false/assuring prophecies given to Ahab.
- Deuteronomy 18:20-22 (verbal): Gives the criterion for distinguishing true and false prophets (test of fulfilled word); relevant to the episode where Micaiah's true prophecy is contrasted with the 400 prophets' message.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the king of Israel gathered the prophets—about four hundred men—and said to them, “Shall I go against Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I desist?” And they said, “Go up; and the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.”
- So the king of Israel gathered the prophets — about four hundred men — and said to them, “Shall I go up to Ramoth‑Gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up; and the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.”
1 K.22.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האין: PART
- פה: ADV
- נביא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- עוד: ADV
- ונדרשה: VERB,nifal,imperfect,1,pl
- מאותו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chr.18:5-6 (verbal): Parallel retelling of the same incident; Jehoshaphat’s request for a prophet to inquire of the LORD is expressed almost identically.
- 2 Kgs.3:11 (verbal): Very similar wording—another episode where a king (and Jehoshaphat) asks, 'Is there not here a man of the LORD to inquire?,' showing a common royal practice of seeking prophetic counsel.
- 1 Sam.28:6 (thematic): Describes a king (Saul) seeking the LORD and the role of prophets in providing divine answers; thematically linked to royal attempts to obtain prophetic guidance.
- 1 Sam.9:9 (thematic): Explains the established practice of consulting a seer/prophet ('to inquire of God'); provides cultural background for why a king would ask for a prophet to inquire.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we may inquire of him?”
- And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him?”
1 K.22.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עוד: ADV
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- לדרש: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מאתו: PREP
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- שנאתיו: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- יתנבא: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,sg
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מיכיהו: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימלה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כן: ADV
Parallels
- 2 Chron.18:6-7 (structural): Parallel account of the same episode (Ahab, Jehoshaphat, and the dissenting prophet Micaiah); Chronicles retells the narrative found in 1 Kings.
- Jer.23:16-17 (thematic): Condemns prophets who speak what people want to hear (prophesy peace) rather than true divine warning—similar critique of rulers preferring flattering prophecy to honest rebuke.
- Ezek.13:2-3 (thematic): God rebukes false prophets who follow their own spirit and lead people astray; thematically close to the rejection of a true but unwelcome prophet in 1 Kings 22:8.
- Amos 7:12-13 (thematic): Official hostility toward a prophet’s message (Amaziah telling Amos to flee and prophesy elsewhere) parallels the way rulers or officials oppose prophets who deliver unwelcome or judgmental words.
- Isa.30:10-11 (thematic): Criticizes those who ask for or accept soothing, deceitful oracles rather than true instruction—echoes the king’s preference for flattering prophecy and rejection of the truthful prophet.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but only evil—Micaiah son of Imlah.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.”
- And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good to me but only evil — Micaiah the son of Imlah.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.”
1 K.22.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- סריס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מהרה: ADV
- מיכיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימלה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:8 (quotation): Direct parallel account of the same episode; the Chronicler reproduces Ahab’s command to fetch Micaiah (same wording and context).
- 1 Kings 22:14 (structural): Immediate literary continuation showing the result of the summons—Micaiah is brought before Ahab and speaks, linking the call to its prophetic confrontation.
- 1 Samuel 9:6-10 (thematic): Saul seeks out a seer and instructs his servant to find him—similar royal practice of urgently procuring prophetic counsel for a decision.
- 1 Kings 21:17 (thematic): God sends Elijah to confront Ahab after Naboth’s death; contrasts prophets being sent by God with a king’s attempt to summon a prophet for his own purposes.
- 1 Kings 18:17 (thematic): Ahab’s hostile encounter with Elijah (’Art thou he that troubleth Israel?’) highlights the recurring motif of tense confrontations between the king and a prophet summoned or encountered at court.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king of Israel called a court official and said, “Quick, bring Micaiah son of Imlah.”
- Then the king of Israel called a courtier and said, “Hasten, bring Micaiah the son of Imlah.”
1 K.22.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהושפט: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ישבים: VERB,qal,part,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- כסאו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- מלבשים: VERB,piel,part,m,pl
- בגדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בגרן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמרון: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הנביאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מתנבאים: VERB,hitpael,ptcp,m,pl
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chr.18.9-10 (verbal): Direct parallel retelling in Chronicles with nearly identical wording: both kings seated on their thrones at the gate of Samaria and the prophets prophesying before them.
- 1 Kgs.22.6 (structural): Immediate narrative neighbor in the same chapter that describes Ahab's gathering of about four hundred prophets; sets the scene for verse 10 where those prophets prophesy before the kings.
- 1 Kgs.22.19 (thematic): Micaiah's vision of the LORD on his throne provides the authoritative prophetic counterpoint to the court prophets who are prophesying favorably before the kings; contrasts true prophecy with the court scene.
- Jer.23.16-17 (thematic): Prophets condemned for speaking 'peace' and false visions from their own heart—a thematic parallel criticizing prophets who give reassuring prophecies to please rulers, as the court prophets do in 1 Kgs 22:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting each on his throne, clothed in their robes, at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.
- And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat each on his throne, clothed in their robes, in the threshing‑floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.
1 K.22.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- צדקיה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כנענה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קרני: NOUN,f,sg,suff1
- ברזל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- באלה: PREP+DEM,pl
- תנגח: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- כלתם: VERB,qal,inf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chr.18.10 (quotation): Direct parallel account (Chronicles retells Kings): Zedekiah son of Kenaanah fashions iron horns and proclaims, 'Thus says the LORD...'—verbatim/near-verbatim repetition of 1 Kgs 22:11.
- 1 Kgs.22.19-23 (structural): Immediate literary context: Micaiah's vision of the divine council and the 'lying spirit' explains the theological mechanism by which false prophecies such as Zedekiah's came about.
- Jer.28.2-17 (thematic): Hananiah is a false prophet who performs a public sign and proclaims 'Thus says the LORD,' paralleling the use of a dramatic sign-action to lend authority to a spurious prophetic message.
- Deut.18.20-22 (thematic): Legal criterion for testing prophets: a prophet who speaks in God's name but whose word does not come to pass is false—principle that judges acts like Zedekiah's iron-horns prophecy.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Zedekiah son of Kenaanah made for himself iron horns and said, “Thus says the LORD: With these you shall gore Aram until you have destroyed them.”
- Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made for himself horns of iron, and he said, “Thus says the LORD: With these you shall push Aram until he is destroyed.”
1 K.22.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הנבאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נבאים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כן: ADV
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- גלעד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והצלח: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,sg
- ונתן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:10-12 (verbal): Parallel account of the same scene: the four hundred prophets who tell Ahab to go up to Ramoth‑Gilead and promise success; wording and narrative function closely mirror 1 Kings 22:12.
- Jeremiah 23:16-17 (thematic): Condemns prophets who speak 'peace' when there is no peace—similar theme of false or misleading prophetic assurances given to rulers and the people.
- Ezekiel 13:2-7 (thematic): Ezekiel rebukes false prophets who prophesy out of their own hearts and give lies to the people, comparable to the misleading collective prophecy urging Ahab to attack.
- Deuteronomy 18:20-22 (thematic): Provides the criterion for identifying a false prophet—if a prophet's word does not come to pass he is a false prophet—relevant to evaluating the 400 prophets' assurance of victory.
- Jeremiah 28:2-4 (thematic): The prophet Hananiah publicly proclaims release and peace contrary to Jeremiah's warnings; illustrates the phenomenon of competing prophetic voices offering optimistic assurances to political authorities, as in 1 Kings 22:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the prophets prophesied likewise, saying, “Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, for the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.”
- And all the prophets prophesied likewise, saying, “Go up to Ramoth‑Gilead and prosper; the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.”
1 K.22.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והמלאך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לקרא: VERB,qal,infc
- מיכיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הנה: PART
- נא: PART
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- הנביאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- פה: ADV
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהי: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- דברך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- כדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- מהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ודברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:11-12 (structural): Parallel account of the same scene — the messenger urges Micaiah to prophesy like the other prophets and speak favorably; language closely mirrors 1 Kgs 22:13.
- Isaiah 30:10-11 (verbal): Condemns people who tell seers not to give true warnings but to 'speak smooth things' — echoes the demand that the prophet speak what is pleasing rather than the truth.
- Jeremiah 5:31 (thematic): Speaks of prophets who 'prophesy falsely' because the people prefer comforting lies — reflects the dynamic of authorities and audiences preferring favorable prophecy over honest warning.
- Ezekiel 13:17-23 (thematic): Condemns false prophets who 'lead my people astray with lying visions' and promise peace — thematically parallels the pressure on prophets to deliver reassuring, untruthful messages.
Alternative generated candidates
- The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Behold now, the words of the prophets are with one accord for good to the king; let your word be like one of them, and speak favorably.”
- And the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Behold now, the words of the prophets are unanimous for the king; let your word be like one of them, and speak favorably.”
1 K.22.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מיכיהו: NOUN,prop,sg,m,abs
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אדבר: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chron. 18:13 (structural): Direct parallel account of the same scene (Micaiah before Ahab); repeats Micaiah's oath and role as mouthpiece of the LORD.
- Deut. 18:18-19 (thematic): God's promise that He will raise a prophet who must speak only the words God gives — parallels Micaiah's commitment to speak whatever the LORD tells him.
- Jer. 1:7-10 (thematic): God commissions Jeremiah and requires him to speak God's message; parallels the idea of a prophet obligated to deliver whatever the LORD commands.
- Ezek. 3:10-11 (thematic): God charges Ezekiel to receive and relay His words to Israel—emphasizes the prophet's duty to speak only what the LORD has revealed, like Micaiah's oath.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me I will speak.”
- And Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, whatever the LORD says to me, that I will speak.”
1 K.22.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבוא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מיכיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- רמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- גלעד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- נחדל: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והצלח: VERB,hiphil,impv,2,m,sg
- ונתן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:14-27 (structural): Direct parallel account of Ahab, Micaiah and the other prophets; repeats the story of prophets assuring victory and Micaiah’s contrary prophecy.
- 1 Kings 22:19-23 (verbal): Immediate literary parallel within the same chapter describing Micaiah’s vision of the heavenly council and the lying spirit sent to deceive the king’s prophets, explaining why they prophesied success.
- Jeremiah 28:2-4 (thematic): Hananiah’s false prophecy of peace to the king resembles the phenomenon of prophets falsely assuring a ruler of success/peace contrary to true prophetic warning.
- Deuteronomy 18:20-22 (structural): Legal criterion for discerning true and false prophets: a prophet whose prediction does not come to pass is false—directly relevant to the congregation’s evaluation of prophets who promise victory.
- Jeremiah 23:16-22 (thematic): Condemnation of prophets who speak from their own heart and give people false security; stresses divine testing of prophets and the danger of deceptive assurances.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he came to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go against Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall we desist?” And he said, “Go up and prosper; and the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.”
- So he came to the king. The king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth‑Gilead to battle, or shall we refrain?” And he answered, “Go up and prosper; and the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.”
1 K.22.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עד: PREP
- כמה: ADV
- פעמים: NOUN,m,du,abs
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- משבעך: VERB,piel,ptcp,1,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- תדבר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- רק: PRT
- אמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:15 (structural): Direct parallel account of the same scene (Jehoshaphat, Ahab and Micaiah); the king likewise adjures Micaiah to speak the truth in the name of the LORD.
- Deuteronomy 18:20-22 (thematic): Gives the criterion for true and false prophecy—if one claims to speak in God's name, his prediction must be tested; relates to the king’s demand that the prophet speak only the LORD’s truth.
- 1 Kings 22:23 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: God permits a lying spirit to deceive Ahab’s prophets—connects to the tension between commanded truth-telling and the presence of false prophetic messages.
- Ezekiel 13:9 (thematic): Prophets who see false visions are condemned and held responsible; thematically connected to the demand for truthful prophecy and the problem of false prophecy addressed in 1 Kings 22:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king said to him, “How many times shall I adjure you to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?”
- Then the king said to him, “How many times shall I adjure you that you speak nothing to me but the truth in the name of the LORD?”
1 K.22.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ראיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נפצים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- ההרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- כצאן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אין: PART,neg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- אדנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לאלה: PREP+DEM,pl
- ישובו: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לביתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cs+PRON,3,m,sg
- בשלום: PREP
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:16 (structural): Direct parallel in the Chronicler’s retelling of the same prophetic report: same image of Israel 'scattered... like sheep without a shepherd' and the divine command to let them return home in peace.
- Ezekiel 34:5 (verbal): Uses the same motif of sheep scattered because there was no shepherd—criticizing failed leaders and describing the people's vulnerability.
- Matthew 9:36 (verbal): Jesus sees the crowds 'harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd,' echoing the exact image to describe pastoral neglect and need for guidance.
- Jeremiah 23:1-4 (thematic): Condemns the shepherds who 'scatter' the flock and promises God will gather and appoint true shepherds—same concern with leaders who leave Israel vulnerable.
- Zechariah 13:7 (allusion): Declares 'Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered'—a related prophetic motif about a shepherd’s fate leading to the scattering of the flock, later quoted/applied in the NT.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep that have no shepherd; and the LORD said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his house in peace.’”
- And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains like sheep that have no shepherd; and the LORD said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his house in peace.’”
1 K.22.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלוא: PART
- אמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- לוא: NEG
- יתנבא: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:16-17 (structural): A parallel account of the same scene in Chronicles; repeats Ahab’s complaint to Jehoshaphat that Micaiah would not prophesy good about him.
- 1 Kings 22:22-23 (verbal): Immediate context in Kings describing the ‘lying spirit’ sent to the prophets so they would prophesy what the king wanted—explains Ahab’s expectation that prophets would only tell him good.
- Isaiah 30:10 (thematic): Speaks against seeking ‘smooth’ or comforting prophecy instead of truth—parallels Ahab’s preference for favorable prophets over honest warning.
- Jeremiah 23:16-17 (thematic): Denounces false prophets who speak visions of their own heart and promise peace; thematically similar to prophets flattering rulers with false good news rather than true warnings.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but only evil?”
- And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good to me, but evil?”
1 K.22.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לכן: ADV
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ראיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כסאו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,const
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- מימינו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ומשמאלו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 6:1-4 (structural): Isaiah's throne-vision—'I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne' with heavenly beings attending—parallels Micaiah's picture of the LORD on his throne surrounded by the host of heaven.
- Daniel 7:9-10 (thematic): The 'Ancient of Days' seated on his throne with countless heavenly attendants ('thousands upon thousands') corresponds thematically to the divine throne and the celestial assembly in 1 Kgs 22:19.
- Job 1:6; Job 2:1 (thematic): The scenes where the 'sons of God' come to present themselves before the LORD depict a heavenly council/assembly, resonating with the image of the host of heaven standing around God's throne.
- Revelation 4:2-11 (allusion): John's apocalyptic throne-vision—God seated on the throne with elders and living creatures around him—echoes and reworks Israelite throne-scene traditions exemplified in 1 Kgs 22:19.
- Psalm 89:5-7 (Heb. 89:6-8) (verbal): Speaks of the 'assembly of the holy ones' and God being feared 'in the council of the holy ones,' using language and imagery similar to the 'host of heaven' standing about the LORD.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said, “Hear therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
- And he said, “Hear therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.”
1 K.22.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- יפתה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויפל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ברמת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cnst
- גלעד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- בכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וזה: CONJ+PRON,dem,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:19 (quotation): Direct retelling of the same divine-council scene; recounts the question 'Who will entice Ahab…?' and the spirits' responses in language very close to 1 Kgs 22:20.
- 1 Kings 22:21-23 (structural): Immediate continuation of the episode: a spirit volunteers to be a lying spirit and carries out the deception that leads to Ahab's death, explaining how the council decision is effected.
- Job 1:6 (thematic): Another instance of the 'divine council' motif ('the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD'), where heavenly beings gather and decisions affecting humans are raised.
- Psalm 82:1 (thematic): Depicts God standing in the divine assembly/judgment council; thematically related to Yahweh presiding over a heavenly council in which affairs of nations and rulers are determined.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab that he may go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead?’ And one said one thing and another said another.
- And the LORD said, “Who will entice Ahab so that he goes up and falls at Ramoth‑Gilead?” And one said this, and another said that.
1 K.22.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הרוח: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- אפתנו: VERB,hiph,impf,1,na,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- במה: PREP+PRON,interr
Parallels
- 2 Chron.18:20-22 (quotation): Direct parallel account of the same scene—Chronicles retells the story of a spirit volunteering to entice Ahab, including the exchange before Yahweh.
- 1 Sam.16:14 (thematic): Similar motif of a spirit sent from the LORD to affect a king (an 'evil'/'distressing' spirit sent to trouble Saul), showing Yahweh as sender of spirits that influence human behavior.
- Ezek.14:9 (allusion): Speaks of the LORD deceiving a prophet when judgment is at hand ('I the LORD have deceived that prophet'), paralleling the idea of God permitting or sending deception as a form of judgment.
- 2 Thess.2:11 (thematic): Paul teaches that God will send a 'strong delusion' so that people believe a lie—a New Testament theological parallel to God sending/allowing a deceiving spirit.
- Isa.19:14 (verbal): Uses language of the LORD 'mingling' a perverse spirit causing error; verbal and conceptual resonance with a spirit standing before Yahweh to entice/deceive.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD and said, ‘I will entice him.’ And the LORD said to him, ‘By what means?’
- Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD and said, “I will entice him.” And the LORD said to him, “By what means?”
1 K.22.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אצא: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- והייתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בפי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,construct
- כל: DET
- נביאיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תפתה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- וגם: CONJ
- תוכל: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- צא: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- ועשה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כן: ADV
Parallels
- 2 Chr.18:21-22 (quotation): Parallel narrative in Chronicles recounts the same divine council decision — a spirit sent to entice Ahab’s prophets; language and sequence closely mirror 1 Kings 22:22.
- Ezek.14:9 (verbal): States that if a prophet is deceived and speaks, God has caused the deception — similar affirmation that God can bring a misleading spirit as part of judgment.
- Isa.19:14 (verbal): Speaks of the LORD mingling a perverse (or misleading) spirit causing error — thematically and verbally parallels the idea of God sending a spirit that leads astray.
- 1 Sam.16:14 (thematic): Reports an 'evil spirit from the LORD' troubling Saul after the Spirit departs, reflecting the motif of God permitting/sending a harmful spirit as part of divine action toward a king.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And the LORD said, ‘You shall entice him, and you shall prevail; go out and do so.’
- And he said, “I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.” And the LORD said, “You shall entice him and you shall prevail; go out and do so.”
1 K.22.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- הנה: PART
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בפי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,construct
- כל: DET
- נביאיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+2ms
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- ויהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chr.18.21-22 (verbal): Parallel account of the same episode (Micaiah's vision); language and sequence are virtually identical—God putting a lying spirit in the mouths of the prophets to entice Ahab.
- Ezek.14.9 (allusion): God’s role in permitting or bringing about prophetic deception as a form of judgment or testing—Ezekiel asserts that when a prophet is led astray, the LORD can allow or bring the deception.
- 2 Thess.2.11-12 (thematic): New Testament parallel theme: God judicially gives a deluding influence so people believe lies as punishment for rejecting truth—echoes the idea of God sending a spirit of falsehood.
- Rom.1.24 (thematic): Paul’s language that God 'gave them up' (to dishonorable passions, further verses to a reprobate mind) parallels the OT motif of God handing people over to deception or its consequences as divine judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now therefore, behold, the LORD has put a lying spirit into the mouth of all your prophets, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.”
- Now therefore behold, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets, and the LORD has declared disaster against you.”
1 K.22.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגש: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
- צדקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כנענה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויכה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מיכיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- הלחי: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אי: PRON,interrog
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מאתי: PREP,1,sg
- לדבר: INF,qal
- אותך: PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:25 (structural): Direct retelling of the same incident (Zedekiah son of Kenaanah striking Micaiah); parallel narrative with nearly identical action and dialogue.
- Jeremiah 20:2 (verbal): Pashhur the priest beats and humiliates the prophet Jeremiah (puts him in stocks) after Jeremiah's prophecy—parallel of a prophet physically assaulted for his word.
- 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 (thematic): Zechariah son of Jehoiada is struck and ultimately killed for speaking God's word to the people—another example of violent retaliation against a prophet's message.
- John 18:22 (verbal): Jesus is struck on the face during his interrogation—echoes the image of a prophetic figure being struck in the cheek as a response to a challenging word.
- Acts 7:52 (thematic): Stephen's speech recalls how the prophets were persecuted and killed by Israel's leaders—broad theme of hostile reaction to prophetic truth, as in Micaiah's case.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah drew near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “Which way did the spirit of the LORD go from me to speak to you?”
- Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah drew near and struck Micaiah on the cheek, saying, “Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go from me to speak to you?”
1 K.22.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מיכיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תבא: VERB,qal,impf,2,f,sg
- חדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להחבה: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:25 (quotation): Direct parallel account of Micaiah’s prophecy in the Chronicler’s retelling — repeats the prediction that the king will go into an inner chamber to hide.
- 1 Kings 22:29-35 (structural): Immediate narrative context and fulfillment in the same chapter: the king disguises himself, is wounded in battle, and the ensuing verses show how Micaiah’s words are realized.
- Isaiah 2:19 (thematic): Speaks of people going into caves and holes to hide from the terror of the LORD — a thematic parallel of seeking concealment at the time of divine judgment.
- Revelation 6:15-17 (allusion): Apocalyptic image of kings and great men hiding in caves and calling on the mountains to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb — later literature using the motif of hiding from divine retribution.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Micaiah said, “Behold, you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide yourselves.”
- And Micaiah said, “Behold, you shall see on that day when you enter an inner chamber to hide.”
1 K.22.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קח: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מיכיהו: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- והשיבהו: VERB,hif,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg,suff:3m
- אל: NEG
- אמן: INTJ
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- יואש: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:25-26 (structural): Parallel retelling of the same scene: Micaiah is seized and returned to Amon the city official and Joash son of the king. Chronicles preserves the same sequence and function of officials.
- Jeremiah 38:6 (thematic): Like Micaiah, Jeremiah is seized by officials and confined (thrown into a cistern) on account of his unpopular prophecy—an example of royal/official punishment of a prophet.
- Jeremiah 26:20-23 (thematic): The account of Uriah son of Shemaiah, a prophet who was seized and handed over to the authorities for proclaiming judgment— parallels the motif of prophets persecuted and delivered to royal officials for punishment.
- 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 (thematic): Zechariah son of Jehoiada is seized and put to death at the king's command; another example of a prophet suffering violence or official reprisal for speaking against the leadership.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king of Israel said, “Take Micaiah and bring him back to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the son of the king.”
- Then the king of Israel said, “Take Micaiah and carry him back to Amon the city official and to Joash the king’s son.”
1 K.22.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואמרת: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שימו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכלא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והאכילהו: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,pl
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחץ: ADV
- ומים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לחץ: ADV
- עד: PREP
- באי: PREP+VERB,qal,ptcp,m,pl
- בשלום: PREP
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 18:26-27 (structural): Direct parallel account of the same episode (Micaiah’s arrest). Chronicles repeats the royal order to imprison Micaiah and confine him until the king returns.
- Jeremiah 38:6-13 (thematic): Narrative of a prophet (Jeremiah) cast into a cistern/dungeon and effectively deprived of regular sustenance — a comparable motif of royal authorities imprisoning a prophet and subjecting him to harsh confinement.
- Deuteronomy 16:3 (verbal): Uses the phrase 'bread of affliction' (Hebrew idiom for food in hardship). Though context differs (Passover), the verbal parallel links the language of food given in circumstances of distress.
- Psalm 107:10-16 (thematic): Poetic portrayal of prisoners in 'darkness' and distress who suffer hunger and thirst and are later delivered — thematically resonant with captivity and food deprivation imposed by rulers.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall say, ‘Thus says the king: Put this fellow in the house of prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and water of affliction until I return in peace.’”
- And say, ‘Thus says the king: Put this fellow in the house of detention, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction until I return in peace.’”
1 K.22.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מיכיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- שוב: ADV
- תשוב: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- בשלום: PREP
- לא: PART_NEG
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- עמים: NOUN,pl,m,abs
- כלם: PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 18:21-22 (verbal): Gives the explicit criterion used to judge a prophet — if what he predicts does not come to pass, he has not spoken for the LORD — closely parallels Micaiah’s conditional test of his prophecy.
- Jeremiah 28:9 (thematic): States that a prophet who prophesies peace is confirmed by the fulfillment of his word; similarly Micaiah challenges the outcome as proof of whether the LORD spoke through him.
- Isaiah 8:20 (thematic): Commands testing prophetic claims against God’s word/standard; echoes the principle behind Micaiah’s conditional assertion about prophetic truth being shown by future events.
- Matthew 7:15-20 (thematic): Jesus teaches that prophets are known by their fruits (results), a New Testament parallel to judging prophetic authenticity by what actually happens, as Micaiah proposes.
- 1 Kings 22:19-23 (structural): Immediate narrative context: contains the vision of the heavenly council and the lying spirit that explains why Ahab’s prophets spoke favorably — provides the background for Micaiah’s oppositional prophecy and his conditional remark.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Micaiah said, “If you indeed return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples.”
- And Micaiah said, “If you indeed return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!”
For three years there was no war between Aram and Israel.
In the third year Jehoshaphat king of Judah went down to the king of Israel. And the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you not know that Ramoth‑Gilead is ours, and that we have claim to it? Why then do we remain idle while it is in the hand of the king of Aram?” And he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to war at Ramoth‑Gilead?” And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.” And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire today for the word of the LORD.”
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets—about four hundred men—and said to them, “Shall I go up to Ramoth‑Gilead to battle or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up; for the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we may inquire of him?” And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good for me, but only evil—Micaiah the son of Imlah.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.” So the king of Israel called a court official and said, “Quick, bring Micaiah the son of Imlah.” Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting each on his throne, clothed in garments, at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, while all the prophets prophesied before them. And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made for himself horns of iron and said, “Thus says the LORD: With these you shall push the Arameans until you have utterly destroyed them.”
All the prophets prophesied likewise, saying, “Go up to Ramoth‑Gilead and prosper; the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.” And the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Behold now, the words of the prophets are with one accord favorable to the king; please let your word be like the word of one of them and speak favorably.” And Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that will I speak.” So he came to the king. The king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth‑Gilead to battle, or shall we refrain?” And he said, “Go up and prosper; the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.” And the king said to him, “How many times must I adjure you to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?”
Then he said, “I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains like sheep that have no shepherd; and the LORD said, ‘They have no master; let each return to his house in peace.’”
The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but only evil?” And he said, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.” And the LORD said, “Who will entice Ahab so that he may go up and fall at Ramoth‑Gilead?” And one said one thing, and another said another.
Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD and said, “I will entice him.” And the LORD said to him, “By what means?” And he said, “I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.” And the LORD said, “You shall entice him and you shall succeed; go out and do so.” Now therefore behold, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all your prophets; and the LORD has declared disaster against you.”
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah drew near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “Which way did the spirit of the LORD pass from me to speak to you?” And Micaiah said, “Behold, you shall see on that day when you shall enter an inner chamber to hide.” And the king of Israel said, “Take Micaiah and bring him back to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king’s son. And say, ‘Thus says the king: Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction until I return in peace.’” And Micaiah said, “If you certainly return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!”