1 Kings 22:8

8 The king of Isra'el said to Y'hoshafat, "Yes, there is still one man through whom we can consult ADONAI, Mikhay'hu the son of Yimlah; but I hate him, because he doesn't prophesy good things for me, but bad!" Y'hoshafat replied, "The king shouldn't say such a thing."

1 Kings 22:8 Meaning and Commentary

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 inquire of the Lord,
&c.] And but one in Samaria; Elijah and Elisha were elsewhere:

but I hate him, for he doth not prophesy of good concerning me, but
evil;
who is thought to be the same that was several times with him when engaged in the war with the king of Syria, ( 1 Kings 20:13 1 Kings 20:22 1 Kings 20:28 1 Kings 20:35 1 Kings 20:38 ) and each time, excepting the last, he brought him good tidings; but because, in his last message, he told him, that, since he had let Benhadad go, his life should go for his life, and his people for his people, for that he hated him:

and Jehoshaphat said, let not the king say so;
which was very modestly, though perhaps too gently, said; suggesting that the prophets of the Lord should be heard, respected, and honoured, let their message be as it would, since they spake not of their own mind and will, but what they were moved unto by the Spirit of God.

1 Kings 22:8 In-Context

6 So the king of Isra'el assembled the prophets, about 400 men. "Should I attack Ramot-Gil'ad?" he asked them, "Or should I hold off?" They said, "Attack! Adonai will hand it over to the king."
7 But Y'hoshafat said, "Besides these, isn't there a prophet of ADONAI here that we can consult?"
8 The king of Isra'el said to Y'hoshafat, "Yes, there is still one man through whom we can consult ADONAI, Mikhay'hu the son of Yimlah; but I hate him, because he doesn't prophesy good things for me, but bad!" Y'hoshafat replied, "The king shouldn't say such a thing."
9 Then the king of Isra'el called an officer and said, "Quickly! Bring Mikhay'hu the son of Yimlah."
10 Now the king of Isra'el and Y'hoshafat the king of Y'hudah were each sitting on his throne, dressed in their royal robes, on a threshing-floor at the entrance to the gate of Shomron; and all the prophets were there, prophesying in their presence.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.