2 Chronicles 18:12
New International Version
The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably.”

New Living Translation
Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success.”

English Standard Version
And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.”

King James Bible
And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good.

New King James Version
Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Now listen, the words of the prophets with one accord encourage the king. Therefore please let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak encouragement.”

New American Standard Bible
Then the messenger who went to summon Micaiah spoke to him saying, “Behold, the words of the prophets are unanimously favorable to the king. So please let your word be like one of them, and speak favorably.”

NASB 1995
Then the messenger who went to summon Micaiah spoke to him saying, “Behold, the words of the prophets are uniformly favorable to the king. So please let your word be like one of them and speak favorably.”

NASB 1977
Then the messenger who went to summon Micaiah spoke to him saying, “Behold, the words of the prophets are uniformly favorable to the king. So please let your word be like one of them and speak favorably.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the messenger who went to summon Micaiah spoke to him saying, “Behold, the words of the prophets, as if from one mouth, are good to the king. So please let your word be like one of them and speak that which is good.”

Amplified Bible
The messenger who went to call Micaiah said to him, “Listen, the words of the prophets are of one accord, foretelling a favorable outcome for the king. So just let your word be like one of them and speak favorably.”

Christian Standard Bible
The messenger who went to call Micaiah instructed him, “Look, the words of the prophets are unanimously favorable for the king. So let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The messenger who went to call Micaiah instructed him, “Look, the words of the prophets are unanimously favorable for the king. So let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.”

American Standard Version
And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one mouth: let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good.

Contemporary English Version
Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah whispered, "Micaiah, all the prophets have good news for Ahab. Now go and say the same thing."

English Revised Version
And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one mouth: let thy word, therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The messenger who went to call Micaiah told him, "The prophets have all told the king the same good message. Make your message agree with their message. Say something good."

Good News Translation
Meanwhile, the official who had gone to get Micaiah said to him, "All the other prophets have prophesied success for the king, and you had better do the same."

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, the messenger who had gone off to summon Micaiah advised him, "Look, everything that the other prophets were saying has been unanimously favorable to the king. So please, cooperate with them and speak favorably."

Majority Standard Bible
Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, ?Behold, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.?

NET Bible
Now the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, "Look, the prophets are in complete agreement that the king will succeed. Your words must agree with theirs; you must predict success!"

New Heart English Bible
The messenger who went to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, "Look, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one mouth. Let your word therefore, please be like one of theirs, and speak good."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one consent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good.

World English Bible
The messenger who went to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one mouth. Let your word therefore, please be like one of theirs, and speak good.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the messenger who has gone to call for Micaiah has spoken to him, saying, “Behold, the words of the prophets [as] one mouth [are] good toward the king, and please let your word be like one of theirs: and you have spoken good.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the messenger who hath gone to call for Micaiah hath spoken unto him, saying, 'Lo, the words of the prophets -- one mouth -- are good towards the king, and let, I pray thee, thy word be like one of theirs: and thou hast spoken good.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the messenger who went to call for Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets with one mouth good to the king; and now will thy word be as one of them, and speak good.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the messenger that went to call Micheas, said to him: Behold the words of all the prophets with one mouth declare good to the king: I beseech thee therefore let not thy word disagree with them, and speak thou also good success.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him: “Lo, the words of all the prophets, with one mouth, announce good to the king. Therefore, I ask you that you not dissent from them in your word, and that you speak prosperity.”

New American Bible
Meanwhile the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah said to him: “Look now, the words of the prophets are as one in speaking good for the king. Let your word be at one with theirs; speak a good word.”

New Revised Standard Version
The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, “Look, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king; let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the messenger who went to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, Behold, the words of the false prophets have declared good to the king with one accord; let your words, therefore, be pleasant like one of theirs, and you also prophesy good.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a Messenger who went to call Mika spoke with him and said to him: ”Behold, the words of the lying Prophets are alike, speaking good as one before the King. Let your words be sweet like those of one of them, and you should prophesy good also.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying: 'Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one mouth; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the messenger that went to call Michaias spoke to him, saying, Behold, the prophets have spoken favourably concerning the king with one mouth; let now, I pray thee, thy words be as the words of one of them, and do thou speak good things.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
12Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.” 13But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever my God tells me.”…

Cross References
1 Kings 22:13
Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold now, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.”

Jeremiah 23:16
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.

Ezekiel 13:2-3
“Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Tell those who prophesy out of their own imagination: Hear the word of the LORD! / This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing.

Jeremiah 14:14
“The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.

Micah 3:5
This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths:

Jeremiah 23:26
How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds?

Ezekiel 22:28
Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ when the LORD has not spoken.

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

2 Peter 2:1
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Jeremiah 6:14
They dress the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all.

Ezekiel 13:10
Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built,

Jeremiah 8:11
They dress the wound of the daughter of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all.

Matthew 24:11
and many false prophets will arise and deceive many.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.


Treasury of Scripture

And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let your word therefore, I pray you, be like one of their's, and speak you good.

Behold

Job 22:13
And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud?

Psalm 10:11
He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.

Isaiah 30:10
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

assent [heb] mouth

Joshua 9:2
That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord.

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2 Chronicles 18
1. Jehoshaphat, joined in affinity with Ahab, is persuaded to go against Ramoth Gilead
4. Ahab, seduced by false prophets, according to the word of Micaiah, is slain there














Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him
This phrase introduces the messenger sent by King Ahab to summon the prophet Micaiah. In the context of ancient Israel, messengers often played crucial roles in conveying royal commands. Micaiah, known for his commitment to truth, contrasts with the court prophets who often sought to please the king. This sets the stage for a confrontation between divine truth and human manipulation.

Behold, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king
The phrase highlights the unity among the court prophets in delivering a positive message to King Ahab. This reflects the cultural and political pressure to conform to the desires of the monarchy. The prophets' unanimous agreement suggests a lack of genuine divine inspiration, as true prophecy often stood in opposition to the desires of powerful rulers, as seen in the ministries of Elijah and Jeremiah.

So please let your words be like theirs
The messenger's plea to Micaiah underscores the expectation for prophets to align with the king's desires. This reflects the tension between speaking truth and maintaining favor with authority. The pressure to conform is a recurring theme in the lives of biblical prophets, who often faced persecution for delivering unpopular messages, as seen in the experiences of Daniel and John the Baptist.

and speak favorably
The request for Micaiah to speak favorably reveals the king's desire for affirmation rather than truth. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of leaders seeking validation rather than divine guidance, as seen in the actions of Saul and Herod. The expectation for favorable prophecy contrasts with the biblical mandate for prophets to speak God's truth, regardless of the consequences, exemplified by Jesus Christ, who consistently spoke truth to power.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Micaiah
A prophet of the Lord who is known for speaking the truth, regardless of the consequences. He is called upon to prophesy to King Ahab.

2. The Messenger
An unnamed individual sent to bring Micaiah to King Ahab. He attempts to persuade Micaiah to conform to the other prophets' favorable predictions.

3. King Ahab
The king of Israel, known for his idolatry and opposition to the prophets of the Lord. He seeks counsel from prophets before going to battle.

4. The Prophets
A group of prophets who unanimously predict success for King Ahab, likely influenced by the desire to please the king rather than speak the truth.

5. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah, who allies with Ahab and seeks a true word from the Lord, prompting the call for Micaiah.
Teaching Points
The Pressure to Conform
Micaiah faced pressure to conform to the majority opinion. As believers, we must be prepared to stand firm in God's truth, even when it is unpopular.

The Importance of Truth
Micaiah's commitment to speaking God's truth highlights the importance of integrity and faithfulness in delivering God's message.

Discernment in Leadership
Ahab's reliance on false prophets shows the danger of seeking counsel that aligns with personal desires rather than God's will. Leaders must seek and value truth over convenience.

The Role of a True Prophet
Micaiah exemplifies the role of a true prophet, who speaks God's word without fear of man. Believers are called to be bold in proclaiming God's truth.(12) The words of the prophets . . . one assent.--See margin, and comp. Joshua 9:2, "they assembled . . . to fight against Israel, one mouth "--i.e., with one consent.)

Probably instead of dibhre, "words," we should read dibb?r-, "they said," a far slighter change in Hebrew writing than in English: "Behold the prophets have with one mouth spoken good unto (or, of) the king." So LXX.

Like one of their's.--Literally, like one of them. Kings, like the word of one of them.

Verse 12. - This verse bespeaks very clearly the rotten condition of Church and state, prophets and king and "officers" (ver. 8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the messenger
וְהַמַּלְאָ֞ךְ (wə·ham·mal·’āḵ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

who
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

had gone
הָלַ֣ךְ ׀ (hā·laḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to call
לִקְרֹ֣א (liq·rō)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

Micaiah
לְמִיכָ֗יְהוּ (lə·mî·ḵā·yə·hū)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4321: Micaiah -- 'Who is like Yah?' three Israelites

instructed him,
דִּבֶּ֤ר (dib·ber)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

“Behold,
הִנֵּ֞ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

with one
פֶּֽה־ (peh-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

accord
אֶחָ֥ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

the words
דִּבְרֵ֧י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the prophets
הַנְּבִאִ֛ים (han·nə·ḇi·’îm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

are favorable
ט֖וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

to
אֵלָיו֙ (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the king.
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

So please
נָ֧א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

let your words
דְבָרְךָ֛ (ḏə·ḇā·rə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

be
וִֽיהִי־ (wî·hî-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

like
כְּאַחַ֥ד (kə·’a·ḥaḏ)
Preposition-k | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

theirs,
מֵהֶ֖ם (mê·hem)
Preposition-m | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

and speak
וְדִבַּ֥רְתָּ (wə·ḏib·bar·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

favorably.?
טּֽוֹב׃ (ṭō·wḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 18:12 The messenger who went to call Micaiah (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
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