Definition: And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, [then] hath not the LORD spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 18:27. It’s a really interesting and somewhat unsettling part of a story about King David’s long journey in exile. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: David is exiled: David, the king of Israel, has been banished to faraway lands for many years due to his sins and choices. Micaiah is present: A man named Micaiah is with David. He’s a wise man, but he's feeling anxious and worried about the situation. Micaiah questions David: Micaiah says, “David, if you return to peace, then has the LORD spoken to me?” This means he’s asking, "Does God really speak to you now , considering you’re in exile?" What's Going On – It’s a Bit Mysterious The key part is that Micaiah doesn’t seem to be believing what he’s hearing. The phrase “he said, Hearken, all ye people” suggests something significant is happening. It means that the LORD (God) is speaking to Micaiah. Possible Interpretations – Here's where it gets interesting: This verse is often interpreted in a few ways, and there’s no single "correct" answer: 1. A Test of Faith: It could be that God is testing David's faith. He’s asking Micaiah to listen carefully, because the LORD might be revealing something important about His plan for him. 2. God's Presence in Exile: It suggests God isn't just observing from a distance. God is actively involved with David, even though he's separated from his people. 3. A Warning: It could be a warning to Micaiah – perhaps he needs to understand that the LORD’s plan for him might be different than what he expects. In essence, this verse is a moment of intense questioning and anticipation in a difficult situation. It's like a pause before something significant happens. Important Note: This passage has been interpreted in many ways throughout history. It's a classic example of how religious texts can be open to different understandings based on the context and the reader’s perspective. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to: Discuss the historical background of this passage? Explore the different interpretations of the verse? Explain why it's considered a significant part of biblical literature?