Definition: And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee [that] he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 18:17. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about a king and his advisors. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: King Jehoshaphat was leading the Israelites during a time of great crisis – they were facing a massive threat from Moab, who had been raiding their land. He’d asked for advice from his advisors, and one of them, a man named Jehu, brought up a troubling situation. What Jehu Said: Jehu said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good things for me?” He was essentially accusing Jehoshaphat of deliberately trying to sabotage his efforts – to spread bad news and negativity. The Meaning - It’s a Bit Dark: This verse is a stark warning about the dangers of seeking selfish or malicious advice. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Jehu was trying to harm Jehoshaphat. He believed that by spreading negative news, he could weaken the Israelites and make them vulnerable. Jehoshaphat was ignoring Jehu’s warning. He was prioritizing Jehu’s agenda over his own well-being and the safety of his people. It's a Cautionary Tale: This verse is a reminder that: Don't trust everyone with your advice. Even people who seem friendly or helpful can sometimes have ulterior motives. Be wary of those who seek to harm you. It’s important to listen to wise counsel and not blindly accept the opinions of others, especially when they might be driven by selfish desires. In essence, it's a message about the importance of discernment – being able to recognize and resist negative influences. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 2 Chronicles? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about what this verse might teach us about leadership and trust?