Micai'ah
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Introduction:
Micai'ah, a prophet in the Hebrew Bible, is a significant yet often overlooked figure known for his unwavering commitment to truth and his role in the narrative of King Ahab's reign. His account is primarily found in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18. Micai'ah's interactions with Ahab and Jehoshaphat highlight the tension between true prophecy and false assurances, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of fidelity to God's word.

Biblical Account:
Micai'ah, the son of Imlah, is introduced during a critical moment in the history of Israel and Judah. King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah were contemplating a joint military campaign against Ramoth-gilead, a city under Aramean control. Jehoshaphat, seeking divine guidance, requested that Ahab inquire of the LORD before proceeding. Ahab summoned about four hundred prophets, who unanimously predicted success, saying, "Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king" (1 Kings 22:6).

Despite the favorable prophecy, Jehoshaphat remained skeptical and asked if there was another prophet of the LORD to consult. Ahab reluctantly mentioned Micai'ah, whom he disliked because "he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil" (1 Kings 22:8). Nevertheless, Micai'ah was summoned.

Micai'ah's Prophecy:
When Micai'ah arrived, he initially echoed the other prophets' assurances, but his tone was sarcastic, prompting Ahab to demand the truth. Micai'ah then revealed a vision of Israel scattered on the mountains "like sheep without a shepherd" (1 Kings 22:17), indicating disaster for Ahab. He further disclosed a heavenly scene where the LORD permitted a deceiving spirit to entice Ahab's prophets, ensuring his downfall.

Micai'ah's prophecy was a bold declaration of divine judgment against Ahab, contrasting sharply with the false optimism of the other prophets. His message underscored the sovereignty of God and the futility of opposing His will.

Response and Outcome:
Ahab, angered by Micai'ah's prophecy, ordered him imprisoned, instructing that he be fed "only bread and water until I return safely" (1 Kings 22:27). Micai'ah's response was resolute: "If you ever return safely, the LORD has not spoken through me" (1 Kings 22:28). True to Micai'ah's prophecy, Ahab was killed in battle, and the Israelite forces were defeated.

Theological Significance:
Micai'ah's account is a profound testament to the courage required to speak God's truth in the face of opposition. His willingness to stand alone against a multitude of false prophets highlights the importance of integrity and faithfulness to God's word. Micai'ah's prophecy and its fulfillment serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of ignoring divine warnings and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes.

Legacy:
Though Micai'ah's narrative is brief, his legacy endures as an exemplar of prophetic fidelity. His account challenges believers to discern truth amidst deception and to remain steadfast in proclaiming God's message, regardless of personal cost. Micai'ah's life and ministry continue to inspire those who seek to uphold the truth of Scripture in a world often swayed by popular opinion and false assurances.
Concordance
Micai'ah (27 Occurrences)

1 Kings 22:8
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat: 'There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, Micaiah the son of Imlah; but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.' And Jehoshaphat said: 'Let not the king say so.'
(See RSV)

1 Kings 22:9
Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said: 'Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imlah.'
(See RSV)

1 Kings 22:13
And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spoke unto him, saying: 'Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth, let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak thou good.'
(See RSV)

1 Kings 22:14
And Micaiah said: 'As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.'
(See RSV)

1 Kings 22:15
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 the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.'
(See RSV)

1 Kings 22:19
Micaiah said, "Therefore hear the word of Yahweh. I saw Yahweh sitting on his throne, and all the army of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
(See RSV)

1 Kings 22:24
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah on the check, and said: 'Which way went the spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?'
(See RSV)

1 Kings 22:25
And Micaiah said: 'Behold, thou shalt see on that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.'
(See RSV)

1 Kings 22:26
And the king of Israel said: 'Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;
(See RSV)

1 Kings 22:28
And Micaiah said: 'If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me.' And he said: 'Hear, ye peoples, all of you.'
(See RSV)

2 Kings 22:12
And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying:
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 13:2
Three years reigned he in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Micaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 17:7
Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah;
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 18:7
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat: 'There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD; but I hate him; for he never prophesieth good concerning me, but always evil; the same is Micaiah the son of Imla.' And Jehoshaphat said: 'Let not the king say so.'
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 18:8
Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said: 'Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.'
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 18:12
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.'
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 18:13
And Micaiah said: 'As the LORD liveth, what my God saith, that will I speak.'
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 18:14
And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him: 'Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?' And he said: 'Go ye up, and prosper; and they shall be delivered into your hand.'
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 18:18
Micaiah said, "Therefore hear the word of Yahweh: I saw Yahweh sitting on his throne, and all the army of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 18:23
Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the check, and said: 'Which way went the spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?'
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 18:24
And Micaiah said: 'Behold, thou shalt see on that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.'
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 18:25
And the king of Israel said: 'Take ye Micaiah; and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 18:27
And Micaiah said: 'If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me.' And he said: 'Hear, ye peoples, all of you.'
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 12:35
and certain of the priests' sons with trumpets: Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph;
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 12:41
and the priests, Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 36:11
And Michaiah son of Gemariah, son of Shaphan, heareth all the words of Jehovah from off the book,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 36:13
And declare to them doth Micaiah all the words that he hath heard, when Baruch readeth in the book in the ears of the people;
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Micai'ah (27 Occurrences)
Micai'ah. Micaiah, Micai'ah. Mice . Multi-Version Concordance Micai'ah
(27 Occurrences). 1 Kings 22:8 And the king of Israel said ...
/m/micai'ah.htm - 13k

Mice (5 Occurrences)

/m/mice.htm - 10k

Micaiah (27 Occurrences)

/m/micaiah.htm - 21k

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