Translations
Modern
So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and God will deliver it into the hand of the king.”
Traditional
Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramoth–gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king’s hand.
Literal
And the king of Israel gathered together the prophets, four hundred men, and he said to them, “Shall we go against Ramoth-gilead to war, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for God will deliver it into the hand of the king.”
Latin
Congregavit igitur rex Israël prophetarum quadringentos viros, et dixit ad eos: In Ramoth Galaad ad bellandum ire debemus, an quiescere? At illi: Ascende, inquiunt, et tradet Deus in manu regis.
Original
Hebrew
English
So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and God will deliver it into the hand of the king.”
Notes
The 400 prophets were Ahab’s "yes-men." Jehoshaphat wanted to hear from a prophet of the Lord, but Ahab knew that such a prophet would disagree with his court prophets.
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
People
Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes
Places
Ramoth: City of refuge east of the Jordan
Glossary
Ahab (King) Alliance Chronicles, Books of First and Second Genealogy Jehoshaphat (Person) Ramoth-Gilead
Topics
Micaiah: A Prophet Who Reproved King Ahab Prophets: False: 400 in Samaria