And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.

2 CHRONICLES 18:8KJV
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2 Chronicles 18:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 18:8 mean?

2 Chronicles 18:8 describes how the king of Israel ordered one of his officers to quickly bring Micaiah, the son of Imla, to him. This verse shows the king taking action to summon a specific prophet, Micaiah, in the midst of a royal discussion.

The setting is a meeting between the kings of Israel and Judah as they consider going to war. King Ahab of Israel, after hearing from other prophets, calls for Micaiah, who is known for speaking difficult truths. The verse highlights the urgency ("quickly") and the authority of the king in commanding his officer to fetch Micaiah.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 18:8

  • "Quickly" (מַהֵר, maher): This word means to hurry or act with speed. Its use here stresses the king’s desire for an immediate response, suggesting the importance or tension of the moment.
  • "Officers" (סָרִיס, saris): This term often refers to a court official or attendant, not just a generic servant. It shows that the king is using someone of rank or trust for this task.
  • "Called" (קָרָא, qara): This verb means to summon or call out, emphasizing the king’s authority and the formal nature of the command.

Why 2 Chronicles 18:8 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Micaiah was not present with the other prophets, highlighting his outsider status and possible tension with the king.
  • The urgency in the king’s command hints at the seriousness of the situation and the king’s possible anxiety about what Micaiah might say.
  • This moment sets up the contrast between Micaiah and the other prophets, preparing the reader for the unique and challenging message Micaiah will deliver in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“Imla” 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.
  • 1 Kings 22:9 Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah.
  • 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.

“officers” 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.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:1 And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.
  • 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.

“quickly” 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.