Credible Theories
ProfileSources (2)Mentioned in (2)
Mifl. 9th c. BCE
Person · Legendary

Micaiah

Prophet who saw the heavenly council plot against Ahab

Father
Imlah
Known for
Vision of the host of heaven and a lying spirit
King opposed
Ahab of Israel
Outcome
Imprisoned; Ahab died at Ramoth-gilead
Main texts
1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18

The lone prophet who tells King Ahab he saw God's heavenly court send a lying spirit to lure the king to his death.

What is Micaiah known for?

Micaiah son of Imlah appears in a single story, told in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18. Ahab of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah plan to attack Ramoth-gilead, and four hundred prophets promise victory. Jehoshaphat asks for another opinion, and Ahab reluctantly calls Micaiah, whom he says never prophesies good about him.

Micaiah describes a vision: the Lord sitting on his throne with all the host of heaven standing on his right and left. God asks who will entice Ahab to go to battle and fall. A spirit steps forward and offers to be a lying spirit in the mouths of the king's prophets. Micaiah is struck and imprisoned, but Ahab dies in the battle as he foretold.

Scholars cite this passage as one of the clearest biblical pictures of a divine council, a heavenly assembly in which God deliberates with other beings. Micaiah is known only from this story.

Why it is on Credible Theories

Micaiah's vision is the site's key text for the divine council deliberating in heaven.

Mentioned on these pages

Sources

  1. 1 Kings 22 (KJV), Bible GatewayPrimary text
  2. Wikipedia, 'Micaiah'Reference

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