Definition: And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 22:18. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling verse in the Old Testament. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core of the Verse: “And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?” What’s Happening – The Context is Key: This verse comes after King David has been imprisoned and facing a major crisis. The Israelites are facing a huge threat from the Philistines – they're invading and threatening their land. David is desperately trying to rally his people for a large military victory. Let’s unpack it step-by-step: “And the king of Israel…” : This refers to King David, who was imprisoned by his own son, Absalom. “…said unto Jehoshaphat…” : King David is speaking directly to Jehoshaphat, a powerful leader of the Israelites. “…Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me?” : This is the crucial part. King David is accusing Jehoshaphat of being unhelpful and destructive . He’s saying that David has been warning Jehoshaphat about a negative outcome – that prophecies from David would lead to disaster for the Israelites. “…but evil?” : This is where it gets significant. David isn't just worried about any prophecy; he's specifically concerned about a prophecy that would cause the Israelites to lose their land and be destroyed. What does this mean in broader terms? This verse speaks to a very difficult situation: a king attempting to guide his people through a crisis, and then accusing someone of deliberately causing harm. It’s a moment where David is grappling with a heavy burden – the responsibility of leading his people while also feeling like he’s being unfairly targeted. Important Note: The Bible doesn't give us a complete picture of what exactly Jehoshaphat was doing that David thought was bad. However, this verse paints a picture of a king trying to influence events in a way that appears to be causing harm. --- In short, the verse is about a king accusing someone of actively undermining his efforts to save his people. It’s a challenging passage that highlights themes of leadership, responsibility, and potential manipulation. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in the context of the Old Testament? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes?