1 Kings 22:28

Verse

But Micaiah replied, “If you ever return safely, the LORD has not spoken through me.” Then he added, “Take heed, all you people!”

American Standard Version (1901)

And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, Jehovah hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hear, ye peoples, all of you.

Bible in Basic English

And Micaiah said, If you come back at all in peace, the Lord has not sent his word by me.

Free Bible Version

“If you do in fact return safely then the Lord has not spoken through me,” Micaiah declared. “Pay attention everyone to all I've said!”

Geneva Bible 1599

And Michaiah sayde, If thou returne in peace, the Lord hath not spoken by me. And he sayd, Hearken all ye people.

King James (Authorized) Version

And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.

Translation for Translators

Micaiah replied, “If you return safely, it will be clear that it was not Yahweh who told me what to say to you!” Then he said to all those who were standing there, “Do not forget what I have said to King Ahab!”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then Micaiah said, “If you return safely, then Yahweh has not spoken by me.” Then he added, “Listen to this, all you people.”

Noah Webster Bible

And Micaiah said, If thou shalt return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.

World English Bible

Micaiah said, “If you return at all in peace, Yahweh has not spoken by me.” He said, “Listen, all you people!”

Young's Literal Translation

And Micaiah saith, 'If thou at all return in peace — Jehovah hath not spoken by me;' and he saith, 'Hear, O peoples, all of them.'

Context

Micaiah Prophesies against Ahab

²⁷and tell them that this is what the king says: ‘Put this man in prison and feed him only bread and water until I return safely.’”²⁸But Micaiah replied, “If you ever return safely, the LORD has not spoken through me.” Then he added, “Take heed, all you people!”

Summary

In this verse, Micaiah the prophet sarcastically tells King Ahab to go and fight in the battle at Ramoth-gilead, assuring him of victory. However, Micaiah's true message is that Ahab will not return safely from the battle, as the Lord has decreed his downfall. This verse serves as a warning against false prophets who tell people what they want to hear rather than delivering the true word of God. It also demonstrates the sovereignty of God in fulfilling His purposes and judgments, even when individuals seek to avoid or manipulate them.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat,.... In his royal robes: that they said, surely it is the king of Israel; for they might not know the persons either of Ahab or him, but judged by his habit: and they turned aside to fight against him; pressed upon him with all their force, either to take him or slay him: and Jehoshaphat cried out; with a loud voice, either to the captains to let them know who he was, or to his men to come to his assistance, or rather to God to help and deliver him; since it is said in Ch2 18:31 that the Lord helped him, and moved or inclined the hearts of the captains to depart from him, as it follows here.