Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
Then the king of Israel brought together about four hundred prophets and asked them, 'Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I hold back?' And they answered, 'Go ahead and attack! The LORD will give you victory and put the city in your hands.'
The king of Israel asks his court prophets whether he should go to war, and they all encourage him to fight, promising that God will give him victory.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place during the reign of King Ahab of Israel, who was planning to recapture the city of Ramoth-gilead from the Arameans (Syrians). These four hundred prophets were likely court prophets who served the king and told him what he wanted to hear, rather than true prophets of God. The context shows the difference between false prophets who flatter rulers and true prophets who speak God's actual message.
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