Bible Commentaries

Now. &c. This chapter is complementary to 1Ki 22.

riches and honour in abundance. This is repeated from 2 Chronicles 17:5, to show that there was no need for any alliance of any kind.

joined affinity. By marrying his son Jehoram to Athaliah the daughter of Ahab (2 Chronicles 21:6; 2 Kings 8:18). Contrast 2 Chronicles 17:1, where he began by strengthening himself against Ahab, and now "joined affinity" with him. See App-55. Compare Asa's alliance with Syria (1 Kings 15:17-19). Note the three alliances or unequal yokes: (1) Marriage (2 Chronicles 18:1; 2 Chronicles 21:6); (2) War (2 Chronicles 18:2-34); (3) Commerce (2 Chronicles 20:35, 2 Chronicles 20:36). The consequence of this alliance was that Jerusalem ran with blood. The same was seen when James I of England married his son Charles I to Henrietta of France. England ran with blood, Charles lost his head, and his son James II lost his throne.

And. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6), emphasizing the consequent details.

after certain years. The third year of the peace between Ahab and Syria (1 Kings 22:1, 1 Kings 22:2).

And Ahab killed, &c. Ahab's "sheep and oxen" did what all his men of war could never have done (2 Chronicles 17:2, 2 Chronicles 17:10-19).

persuaded = seduced. Hebrew suth, to incite; our "sooth"; hence to deceive (Deuteronomy 13:6. 1 Samuel 26:19. 1 Kings 21:25. Jeremiah 38:22).

Rarnoth-gilead. Now, probably Reimum, in Gileacl. One of the cities of" refuge (Deuteronomy 4:43). God's gift to Israel.

we will be with thee. Jehoshaphat was deceived by its seeming to be a "good work". But "good" works are only "prepared" works (Ephesians 2:10). It could not be "good" if done "with thee" (Compare 2 Chronicles 19:2). "Better is he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" (Proverbs 16:32). But Jehoshaphat did not "take it".

Enquire, &c. This shows his consciousness that he was not doing right.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

prophets: i.e. the false prophets of Baal.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4. They knew not experimental relationship with Jehovah.

besides. He thus shows that he knew they were false prophets.

I hate him = I have always hated him. True prophets are always hated by the Lord's enemies.

evil Hebrew. ra"a". App-44.

Micaiah = Who is like Jehovah?

prophesied before them. Jehoshaphat well knowing that they were not the prophets of Jehovah.

they. Note the characteristic ambiguity of such communications.

assent = mouth. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) for what is spoken by it.

we . . . I. . . ye. Note the change in number.

spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9.

these. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "all these".

thou shalt see = art going to see; or, art about to see; or, thou wilt soon see.

Put this fellow. One of the eleven rulers offended with God's servants. See note on Exodus 10:28, and App-10.

bread of affliction. Genitive of relation. Bread accompanied by, or eaten in, affliction; also because of its quality, or scant allowance.

people = Peoples.

they went = they entered. But some codices, with two early printed editions, Aramaean, Syriac, and Vulg, read "he entered". Compare 1 Kings 22:30.

carry him back. Implying that Micaiah was already a prisoner.

Now, &c. Having been taken into the camp of Israel and allowed to hear what Ahab said, we are now taken into the camp of Syria to overhear what the king of Syria said. This is to enable us to understand what follows.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

helped him: i.e. Jehoshaphat, for Jehovah was his Covenant God.

God moved them. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4. He stood, to the Syrians, only in the relation of the Creator to His creatures.

at a venture = in his innocence, or ignorance.

of the harness = of the armour.

that thou mayest = and.

wounded = sore wounded.

he died. Not fell asleep! No details of his death, here, in Chronicles, which is concerned only with Judah. Details given in Kings (1 Kings 22:35-38).