8 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man who can inquire of the Lord, but I hate himy because he never prophesies good about me,z but only disaster. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.”

“The king shouldn’t say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.

9 So the king of Israel called an officer and said, “Hurry and get Micaiah son of Imlah!”

10 Now the king of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah,aa clothed in royal attire, were each sitting on his own throne. They were on the threshing floorab at the entrance to the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets were prophesying in front of them. 11 Then Zedekiahac son of Chenaanah made iron hornsad and said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘You will gore the Arameans with these until they are finished off.’ ” 12 And all the prophets were prophesying the same: “March up to Ramoth-gileadae and succeed, for the Lord will hand it over to the king.”

MICAIAH’S MESSAGE OF DEFEAT

13 The messengeraf who went to call Micaiah instructed him, “Look, the words of the prophets are unanimously favorable for the king. So let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.”

14 But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives,ag I will say whatever the Lord says to me.”ah

15 So he went to the king, and the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to Ramoth-gilead for war, or should we refrain?”

Micaiah told him, “March up and succeed. The Lord will hand it over to the king.”

16 But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the Lord?”