1 Kings 22:17 So Micaiah declared: "I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, 'These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.'"

◄ 1 Kings 22:17 ►

New International Version
Then Micaiah answered, “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the LORD said, ‘These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace.’”

New Living Translation
Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.’”

English Standard Version
And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.’”

Berean Standard Bible
So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’ ”

King James Bible
And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.

New King James Version
Then he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
So he said, “I saw all Israel Scattered on the mountains, Like sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master. Each of them is to return to his house in peace.’”

NASB 1995
So he said, “I saw all Israel Scattered on the mountains, Like sheep which have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master. Let each of them return to his house in peace.’”

NASB 1977
So he said, “I saw all Israel Scattered on the mountains, Like sheep which have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master. Let each of them return to his house in peace.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
So he said, “I saw all Israel Scattered on the mountains, Like sheep which have no shepherd. And Yahweh said, ‘These have no master. Let each of them return to his house in peace.’”

Amplified Bible
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 of them return to his house in peace.’”

Christian Standard Bible
So Micaiah said: I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, “They have no master; let everyone return home in peace.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Micaiah said: I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said,” They have no master; let everyone return home in peace.”

American Standard Version
And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and Jehovah said, These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace.

Contemporary English Version
He answered, "In a vision I saw Israelite soldiers walking around in the hills like sheep without a shepherd to guide them. The LORD said, 'This army has no leader. They should go home and not fight.'"

English Revised Version
And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Micaiah said, "I saw Israel's troops scattered in the hills like sheep without a shepherd. The LORD said, 'These [sheep] have no master. Let each one go home in peace.'"

Good News Translation
Micaiah answered, "I can see the army of Israel scattered over the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, 'These men have no leader; let them go home in peace.'"

International Standard Version
So Micaiah replied: "I saw all of Israel scattered on the mountains like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD told me, 'These have no master, so let them each return to his own home in peace.'"

Majority Standard Bible
So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’”

NET Bible
Micaiah said, "I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains like sheep that have no shepherd. Then the LORD said, 'They have no master. They should go home in peace.'"

New Heart English Bible
He said, "I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. The LORD said, 'These have no master. Let them each return to his house in peace.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.

World English Bible
He said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. Yahweh said, ‘These have no master. Let them each return to his house in peace.’”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And he says, “I have seen all Israel scattered on the hills as sheep that have no shepherd, and YHWH says, These have no master; let them return—each to his house in peace.”

Young's Literal Translation
And he saith, 'I have seen all Israel scattered on the hills as sheep that have no shepherd, and Jehovah saith, These have no master; they turn back each to his house in peace.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say, I saw all Israel scattered to the mountains as sheep which not to them a shepherd: and Jehovah will say, No lords to these; they shall turn back a man to his house in peace.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said: I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, like sheep that have no shepherd: and the Lord said: These have no master: let every man of them return to his house in peace.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said: “I saw all of Israel scattered among the hills, like sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said: ‘These have no master. Let each of them return to his own house in peace.’ ”

New American Bible
So Micaiah said: “I see all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd, And the LORD saying, These have no master! Let each of them go back home in peace.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Micaiah said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep that have no shepherd; and the LORD said, ‘These have no master; let each one go home in peace.’”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Micah said, I saw Israel scattered upon the mountains like sheep that have no shepherd; and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return every man to his own house in peace.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Mikah said: “I have seen Israel scattered on the mountains as sheep without a Shepherd, and LORD JEHOVAH said: “They have no Master. Let them return each man to his house in peace.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And he said: 'I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd; and the LORD said: These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he said, Not so. I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains as a flock without a shepherd: and the Lord said, Is not God lord of these? let each one return to his home in peace.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
…16But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?” 17So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’” 18Then the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he never prophesies good for me, but only bad?”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Chronicles 18:16
So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’”

Ezekiel 34:5-6
They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild beasts. / My flock went astray on all the mountains and every high hill. They were scattered over the face of all the earth, with no one to search for them or seek them out.’

Matthew 9:36
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Mark 6:34
When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.

Jeremiah 23:1-2
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. / Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD.

Zechariah 10:2
For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd.

Numbers 27:17
who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”

Isaiah 53:6
We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

John 10:11-16
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...

Jeremiah 50:6
My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place.

Micah 5:4
He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.

Psalm 23:1-2
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

Matthew 26:31
Then Jesus said to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

Zechariah 13:7
Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.

Luke 15:4-6
“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’

Treasury of Scripture

And he said, I saw all Israel scattered on the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.

I saw

1 Samuel 9:9
(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

Jeremiah 1:11-16
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree…

Ezekiel 1:4
And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.

as sheep

1 Kings 22:24-36
But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee? …

Numbers 27:17
Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

2 Chronicles 18:16,17
Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace…

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1 Kings 22

1. Ahab, seduced by false prophets, by Michaiah's word, is slain at Ramoth Gilead
37. The dogs lick up his blood, and Ahaziah succeeds him
41. Jehoshaphat's good reign
45. His acts
46. Jehoram succeeds him
51. Ahaziah's evil reign

Berean Study Bible

I saw
The phrase "I saw" indicates a prophetic vision granted to Micaiah. In Hebrew, the word used is "רָאָה" (ra'ah), which means to see or perceive. This vision is not merely a physical sight but a divine revelation, emphasizing the role of prophets as seers who receive insights from God. Micaiah's vision contrasts with the false assurances given by other prophets, highlighting the importance of true spiritual discernment.

all Israel
This phrase refers to the collective people of the northern kingdom, Israel. Historically, Israel was often led astray by kings who did not follow God's commandments. The mention of "all Israel" underscores the widespread impact of leadership decisions on the entire nation, reminding readers of the communal nature of faith and obedience in the biblical narrative.

scattered on the hills
The imagery of being "scattered on the hills" evokes a sense of vulnerability and disarray. In ancient times, hills were places of refuge but also of danger, as they were outside the protection of fortified cities. This scattering symbolizes the lack of direction and protection for the people, a direct consequence of poor leadership and disobedience to God.

like sheep without a shepherd
This simile draws on the pastoral imagery common in the Bible, where leaders are often depicted as shepherds. The Hebrew word for shepherd, "רֹעֶה" (ro'eh), implies guidance, care, and protection. Without a shepherd, sheep are prone to danger and misdirection. This phrase poignantly illustrates the spiritual and political vacuum in Israel due to King Ahab's failure to lead according to God's will.

the LORD said
The direct speech from the LORD signifies divine authority and the ultimate source of truth. In Hebrew, "יְהוָה" (YHWH) is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This declaration from God serves as a divine verdict on the situation, reinforcing the prophetic message's authenticity and urgency.

These people have no master
The term "master" here refers to a leader or king. In Hebrew, "אָדוֹן" (adon) can mean lord or master, indicating authority and responsibility. The absence of a master signifies a leadership crisis, where the king has failed to fulfill his God-given role. This statement is a divine acknowledgment of the people's plight and a call for introspection and repentance.

let each one return home in peace
This phrase offers a glimmer of hope amidst the dire prophecy. The Hebrew word for peace, "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), encompasses wholeness, safety, and well-being. God's instruction for the people to return home in peace suggests a temporary reprieve and a chance for renewal. It underscores God's mercy and desire for His people to find rest and restoration, even in times of judgment.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 17. - And he said [We may imagine how entire was the change of tone. He now speaks with profound seriousness. Thenius sees in the peculiarity and originality of this vision a proof of the historical truth of this history. "We feel that we are gradually drawing nearer to the times of the later prophets. It is a vision which might rank amongst those of Isaiah or Ezekiel" (Stanley)], I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace. [The last words are illustrated by the command of ver. 31; compare ver. 36. We may also picture the effect these words would have on the assembly at the city gate. For, however much they might be inclined to discredit Micaiah's words, and however much the reckless, unreasoning war spirit might possess them, there were none who did not understand that this vision portended the dispersion of the Israelite army and the death of its leader. King and people had been constantly represented under the figure of shepherd and sheep, and notably by Moses himself, who had used these very words, "sheep without a shepherd" (Numbers 27:17; cf. Psalm 78:70, 71; Isaiah 44:28; Jeremiah 23:1, 2; Ezekiel 34, passim. It is observable that Micaiah's vision, like Zedekiah's parable, borrows the language of the Pentateuch. Coincidences of this remote character are the most powerful proofs that the Pentateuch was then written.]

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So Micaiah declared:
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I saw
רָאִ֤יתִי (rā·’î·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

scattered
נְפֹצִ֣ים (nə·p̄ō·ṣîm)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6327: To be dispersed or scattered

on
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the hills
הֶהָרִ֔ים (he·hā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

like sheep
כַּצֹּ֕אן (kaṣ·ṣōn)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

without
אֵין־ (’ên-)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

a shepherd.
רֹעֶ֑ה (rō·‘eh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

And the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

said,
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘These [people]
לָאֵ֔לֶּה (lā·’êl·leh)
Preposition-l | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

have no
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

master;
אֲדֹנִ֣ים (’ă·ḏō·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

let each one
אִישׁ־ (’îš-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

return
יָשׁ֥וּבוּ (yā·šū·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

home
לְבֵית֖וֹ (lə·ḇê·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

in peace.’”
בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃ (bə·šā·lō·wm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace

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OT History: 1 Kings 22:17 He said I saw all Israel scattered (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)