2 Chronicles 18:7
Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
فَقَالَ أخآبُ لِيَهُوشَافَاطَ: «لَا يُوجَدُ إلَّا نَبِيٌّ وَاحِدٌ بَعْدُ لِنَسْألَ مِنْ خِلَالِهِ عَنْ إرَادَةِ اللهِ هُوَ النَّبِيُّ مِيخَا بْنُ يَمْلَةَ. لَكِنِّي أبغَضُهُ. فَحِينَ يَنْقُلُ كَلَامَ اللهِ ، لَا يَقُولُ أبَدًا شَيْئًا حَسَنًا عَنِّي. فَهُوَ يَقُولُ عَنِّي مَا لَا أُحَبُّ.» لَكنَّ يَهُوشَافَاطَ قَالَ لِأخآبَ: «لَا تَقُلْ هَذَا أيُّهَا المَلِكُ!»
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, King Ahab of Israel tells Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, that he can consult Micaiah, a prophet, to inquire from God, but he dislikes Micaiah because Micaiah only gives bad prophecies. Jehoshaphat advises Ahab not to speak so negatively.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a friend who always tells you the truth, even when it's not what you want to hear. King Ahab has a friend like that, named Micaiah. Ahab doesn't like Micaiah because Micaiah always tells him bad news. But Jehoshaphat, Ahab's friend, tells Ahab not to talk badly about Micaiah.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the Book of 2 Chronicles, written by an anonymous author believed to be a priest or scribe around 538-515 BCE. It was written for the post-exilic community to remind them of their history and the importance of following God's will. The cultural setting involves kings consulting prophets for guidance on military and political matters.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this verse can be applied to situations where people avoid seeking advice from those who are honest but deliver difficult truths. For example, an employee might avoid feedback from a colleague who is known for giving harsh but constructive criticism, but the colleague's insights could be crucial for improvement.
Topics
truthadvicekingshipprophetsleadershiphonesty
Related Verses
1 Kings 22:8Jeremiah 28:1-171 Samuel 15:10-23Amos 5:10-15John 3:19-21
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does King Ahab hate Micaiah?
King Ahab dislikes Micaiah because Micaiah consistently gives negative prophecies, which Ahab finds unpleasant and discouraging.
What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's advice?
Jehoshaphat's advice teaches us to be careful about how we speak about others, especially those who are honest but deliver difficult truths, and to not let personal feelings cloud our judgment.
How do kings and prophets interact in the Bible?
In the Bible, kings often consult prophets for divine guidance, especially before making significant decisions. However, kings sometimes reject or even persecute prophets who deliver unwelcome messages.
What is the significance of this interaction in the broader context of the Bible?
This interaction highlights the importance of seeking and accepting divine counsel, even when it's hard to hear, and the consequences of rejecting such counsel for leadership and the community.