What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 18:6? But Jehoshaphat asked - Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, has just listened to Ahab’s four hundred court prophets who unanimously promise victory (2 Chron 18:5). - His request shows discernment; he is uneasy despite the majority opinion. Compare 1 Kings 22:7, where the parallel account records the same question, highlighting his consistent concern for genuine revelation. - Earlier, Jehoshaphat had “sought the God of his father and walked in His commandments” (2 Chron 17:3-4). His character inclines him to look beyond political alliances to divine guidance. Is there not still a prophet - The phrase implies Jehoshaphat senses something lacking in the voices already heard. He suspects these men speak for the king rather than for God. - Genuine prophets were sometimes few and isolated (1 Kings 18:22), yet God always preserved a witness to truth (2 Kings 6:16-17). - His wording hints at hope: “still” suggests that, despite corruption at Ahab’s court, a true spokesman may remain. of the LORD here - Jehoshaphat specifies “of the LORD” (YHWH), not merely any religious figure. He wants a prophet who stands in covenant relationship with Israel’s God. - His insistence mirrors Deuteronomy 18:18-22, where God promises to raise up prophets who will speak His words faithfully. - By adding “here,” Jehoshaphat presses for an immediate, onsite source of divine counsel—one not imported or delayed, underscoring urgency. of whom we can inquire? - Inquire implies submission: the kings are to ask and then obey. Psalm 25:4-5 portrays the righteous seeking God’s ways; Jehoshaphat desires that posture. - He uses “we,” including Ahab, inviting the northern king to honor the same God. This reflects the ideal of united covenant faithfulness (2 Chron 15:12). - The question sets up the introduction of Micaiah, whose solitary stand (2 Chron 18:13) contrasts sharply with the compliant crowd, proving that truth is not decided by majority vote. summary Jehoshaphat’s simple question exposes the difference between human consensus and divine authority. By seeking “a prophet of the LORD,” he demonstrates discernment, covenant loyalty, and willingness to submit to God’s revealed will, reminding us that authentic guidance comes from faithful voices speaking God’s unchanging word, not from popular opinion. |
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