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1 Kings 22:16

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

And the king said to him, 'How many times do I have to make you swear by God's name to tell me only the truth?'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

King Ahab is frustrated with the prophet Micaiah because he keeps demanding that the prophet swear to tell him only God's truth, knowing the prophet will give him bad news.

📚 Historical Context

This occurs when King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah are planning to attack Ramoth-gilead. While other prophets told Ahab what he wanted to hear (victory), Micaiah had a reputation for prophesying unfavorable outcomes for the wicked king. Ahab reluctantly called for Micaiah at Jehoshaphat's insistence, but he was already annoyed because he knew Micaiah would deliver an unwelcome message from God.

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