Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah.

1 KINGS 22:9KJV
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1 Kings 22:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 22:9 mean?

1 Kings 22:9 describes the king of Israel giving an order to one of his officers to quickly bring Micaiah, the son of Imlah, before him. The verse shows the king’s urgency in summoning this particular prophet.

In this scene, the king of Israel (Ahab) is preparing for a decision about going to battle, and he wants to hear from Micaiah, a prophet known for speaking God’s truth, even when it is unpopular. The officer is told to hurry, highlighting the king’s impatience or anxiety about the situation. This moment sets up a confrontation between the king and a prophet who is not afraid to deliver difficult messages.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 22:9

  • "Hasten" (מַהֵר, maher): This word means to hurry or make haste. The king’s command uses a word that stresses speed, showing that he does not want any delay in bringing Micaiah.
  • "Officer" (סָרִיס, saris): This term often refers to a court official or attendant, not just a generic servant. The king is using a trusted member of his staff for this important task, which hints at the seriousness of the moment.
  • "Called" (קָרָא, qara): This word means to summon or call out. The king is not just speaking casually; he is issuing a formal command.

Why 1 Kings 22:9 matters

  • The verse highlights the king’s authority and the formal nature of his court, as he commands an official to act quickly.
  • It sets the stage for the dramatic encounter between Ahab and Micaiah, whose prophecies are known to challenge the king’s plans.
  • The urgency in the king’s command hints at the tension and high stakes in the story, as the decision about war is about to be influenced by a prophet’s message.

Where else these words appear

“Imlah” Hebrew H3229 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:7 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:8 And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.

“Micaiah” Hebrew H4321 · used in 20 verses

  • Judges 17:1 And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was Micah.
  • 1 Kings 22:24 But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?
  • 2 Chronicles 18:13 And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.

“officer” Hebrew H5631 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:8 And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.
  • Isaiah 56:3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

“Hasten” Hebrew H4116 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • Judges 9:48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.
  • Esther 5:5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.