Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand.

2 CHRONICLES 18:5KJV
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2 Chronicles 18:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 18:5 mean?

2 Chronicles 18:5 describes how the king of Israel gathered four hundred prophets and asked them whether he should go to battle at Ramothgilead or hold back. All the prophets answered that he should go, assuring him that God would give the victory into his hand.

In this verse, King Ahab of Israel is seeking advice about going to war, and he gathers a large group of prophets to get their opinion. The setting is a royal court, with Ahab consulting these prophets in front of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. The verse shows a unified and confident answer from the prophets, which sets up the tension for what follows in the story.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 18:5

  • "Prophets" (נָבִיא, nāvî’): This word refers to those who claim to speak on behalf of God. In this context, the large number (four hundred) suggests a formal, possibly state-supported group, which raises questions about their independence or true authority.
  • "Go" (יָלַךְ, yālak): This is the verb used when the king asks if he should proceed to Ramothgilead. It is a straightforward word for movement or travel, but here it means to undertake a military campaign.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, ’elohîm): The prophets use this general term for God, not the specific name of Israel’s God (Yahweh), which may hint at a more generic or less personal claim of divine approval.
  • "Deliver" (נָתַן, nātan): This verb means "to give" or "to deliver." The prophets assure the king that God will "deliver" the city into his hand, promising success and victory.

Why 2 Chronicles 18:5 matters

  • This verse highlights the pressure for prophets to give a favorable answer to the king, which becomes important as the story questions whether these prophets are truly speaking for God.
  • The use of four hundred prophets and their unanimous answer sets up a contrast with the lone dissenting voice that appears later, showing the difference between true and false prophecy.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in 2 Chronicles 18 about discerning genuine guidance from God versus simply hearing what one wants to hear.

Where else these words appear

“Ramothgilead” Hebrew H7433 · used in 22 verses

  • Joshua 21:38 And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,
  • 1 Kings 22:20 And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:3 And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war.

“forbear” Hebrew H2308 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 11:8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
  • Ruth 1:18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
  • Job 19:14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.

“together” Hebrew H6908 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 41:35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:6 And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying,
  • Jeremiah 31:8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.

“Ramothgilead” Hebrew H1568 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
  • Judges 10:17 Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.
  • 2 Kings 9:1 And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead: