English (YLT) 1898 Young's Literal Translation by Robert Young
2 Chronicles 18:11 — English (YLT) 1898 Young's Literal Translation by Robert Young
With these thou dost push Aram till thou hast consumed them.` And all the prophets are prophesying so, saying, `Go up [to] Ramath-Gilead and prosper, and Jehovah hath given [it] into the hand of the king.`
What Does This Mean?
The verse describes a situation where all the prophets are telling King Ahab to attack Ramothgilead, promising success because God will deliver the city into the king's hands. However, this is a deceptive prophecy.
Explained for Children
Imagine a group of friends telling you that you can win a big game if you try, but they're not being honest. In this story, the prophets are like those friends, telling the king he can win a battle, but they're not telling the truth.
Historical Background
2 Chronicles was written by Jewish scribes after the Babylonian exile, likely around 300 BCE. It was written for the returning exiles to remind them of their history and the consequences of their past choices, set in the context of the divided kingdom of Israel.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, this could be like a group of friends encouraging you to take a risky business venture, promising huge success but ignoring potential downsides. It's important to discern the truth and seek wise counsel.
The prophets were likely motivated by fear or personal gain, as they knew the truth might lead to their own demise or loss of influence.
What was the result of the battle at Ramothgilead?
The battle resulted in King Ahab's death, as the true prophecy indicated, showing the consequences of following false counsel.
How can we avoid false prophecies today?
To avoid false prophecies, we should seek wisdom from multiple sources, including the Bible, and test the spirits to ensure they align with God's truth.
What does this teach us about leadership?
This teaches us that leaders must be discerning and seek honest counsel, avoiding the influence of flattery and false promises.
