Micaiah

Micaiah (or Micahu), a prophet, foretold the death of King Ahab of Israel in battle against the Arameans.

Micaiah, also referred to as Micahu, was a prophet who lived during the reign of King Ahab of Israel (1Ki.22; 2Ch.18). When Ahab and King Jehoshaphat of Judah planned to go to war against the Arameans at Ramoth-gilead, they sought the counsel of prophets. While the false prophets assured victory, Micaiah was summoned to provide a true word from the Lord. Initially, Micaiah sarcastically affirmed the false prophets' message, but when pressed by Ahab, he delivered a vision of Israel scattered like sheep without a shepherd, indicating Ahab's impending death (1Ki 22:17; 2Ch 18:16). Micaiah also revealed that the Lord had put a lying spirit in the mouth of the false prophets to entice Ahab to his doom (1Ki 22:19-23; 2Ch 18:18-22). Angered by this prophecy, Ahab ordered Micaiah to be imprisoned and fed only bread and water until his safe return (1Ki 22:26-27; 2Ch 18:25-26). However, Micaiah declared that if Ahab returned safely, then the Lord had not spoken through him (1Ki 22:28; 2Ch 18:27). Ahab disguised himself in battle but was killed by a random arrow, fulfilling Micaiah's prophecy (1Ki 22:29-40; 2Ch 18:28-34). Micaiah's unwavering commitment to speaking the truth, even in the face of opposition and personal risk, stands as an example of a faithful prophet of God.

Who is like Jehovah?, the son of Imlah, a faithful prophet of Samaria (1 Kings 22:8-28). Three years after the great battle with Ben-hadad (20:29-34), Ahab proposed to Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, that they should go up against Ramoth-Gilead to do battle again with Ben-hadad. Jehoshaphat agreed, but suggested that inquiry should be first made “at the word of Jehovah.” Ahab’s prophets approved of the expedition; but Jehoshaphat, still dissatisfied, asked if there was no other prophet besides the four hundred that had appeared, and was informed of this Micaiah. He was sent for from prison, where he had been confined, probably on account of some prediction disagreeable to Ahab; and he condemned the expedition, and prophesied that it would end, as it did, in disaster. We hear nothing further of this prophet. Some have supposed that he was the unnamed prophet referred to in 1 Kings 20:35-42.