2 Chronicles 18:16
New International Version
Then Micaiah answered, “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the LORD said, ‘These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace.’”

New Living Translation
Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.’”

English Standard Version
And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.’”

Berean Standard Bible
So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’”

King James Bible
Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.

New King James Version
Then he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
So he said, “I saw all Israel Scattered on the mountains, Like sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master. Each of them is to return to his house in peace.’”

NASB 1995
So he said, “I saw all Israel Scattered on the mountains, Like sheep which have no shepherd; And the LORD said, ‘These have no master. Let each of them return to his house in peace.’”

NASB 1977
So he said, “I saw all Israel Scattered on the mountains, Like sheep which have no shepherd; And the LORD said, ‘These have no master. Let each of them return to his house in peace.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
So he said, “I saw all Israel Scattered on the mountains, Like sheep which have no shepherd; And Yahweh said, ‘These have no master. Let each of them return to his house in peace.’”

Amplified Bible
Then Micaiah said, “I saw all [the people of] Israel Scattered on the mountains, As sheep that have no shepherd; And the LORD said, ‘These have no master. Let each one return to his house in peace.’”

Christian Standard Bible
So Micaiah said: I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, “They have no master; let each return home in peace.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Micaiah said: I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, “They have no master; let each return home in peace.”

American Standard Version
And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and Jehovah said, These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace.

Contemporary English Version
Micaiah answered, "In a vision I saw Israelite soldiers wandering around, lost in the hills like sheep without a shepherd. The LORD said, 'These troops have no leader. They should go home and not fight.'"

English Revised Version
And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Micaiah said, "I saw Israel's troops scattered in the hills like sheep without a shepherd. The LORD said, 'These sheep have no master. Let each one go home in peace.'"

Good News Translation
Micaiah answered, "I can see the army of Israel scattered over the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, 'These men have no leader; let them go home in peace.'"

International Standard Version
And so Micaiah replied: I saw all of Israel scattered on the mountains like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD told me, 'These have no master, so let them each return to his own home in peace.'"

Majority Standard Bible
So Micaiah declared: ?I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ?These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.??

NET Bible
Micaiah replied, "I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains like sheep that have no shepherd. Then the LORD said, 'They have no master. They should go home in peace.'"

New Heart English Bible
He said, "I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. The LORD said, 'These have no master. Let them return every man to his house in peace.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
Then he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.

World English Bible
He said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. Yahweh said, ‘These have no master. Let them each return to his house in peace.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he says, “I have seen all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd, and YHWH says, There are no masters for these, they each return to his house in peace.”

Young's Literal Translation
And he saith, 'I have seen all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd, and Jehovah saith, There are no masters to these, they turn back each to his house in peace.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say, I saw all Israel being dispersed upon the mountains as sheep which not to them a shepherd: and Jehovah will say, No lords to these; they shall turn back each to his house in peace.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then he said: I saw all Israel scattered in the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd : and the Lord said: These have no masters: let every man return to his own house in peace.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then he said: “I saw all of Israel scattered amid the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the Lord said: ‘These have no masters. Let each one return in peace to his own house.’ ”

New American Bible
So Micaiah said: “I see all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd, And the LORD saying, These have no masters! Let each of them go back home in peace.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Micaiah said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd; and the LORD said, ‘These have no master; let each one go home in peace.’”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains as sheep that have no shepherd; and the LORD said, These have no king; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he said: “I have seen all Israel scattered among the mountains and they are like a flock without a Shepherd, and LORD JEHOVAH said: ‘These have no King. Let a man return to his house in peace.’”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he said: 'I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd; and the LORD said: These have no master, let them return every man to his house in peace.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he said, I saw Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep without a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no commander; let each return to his home in peace.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
15But 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?” 16So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’” 17Then the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he never prophesies good for me, but only bad?”…

Cross References
1 Kings 22:17
So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’”

Matthew 9:36
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Mark 6:34
When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.

Ezekiel 34:5-6
They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild beasts. / My flock went astray on all the mountains and every high hill. They were scattered over the face of all the earth, with no one to search for them or seek them out.’

Jeremiah 23:1-2
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. / Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD.

Zechariah 10:2
For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd.

John 10:11-16
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...

Isaiah 53:6
We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

Numbers 27:17
who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”

Jeremiah 50:6
My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place.

Psalm 23:1-2
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

Micah 5:4
He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.

John 10:27-28
My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. / I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand.

1 Peter 2:25
For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.


Treasury of Scripture

Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.

he said

Matthew 26:64
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

as sheep

2 Chronicles 18:33,34
And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am wounded…

1 Kings 22:17,34-36
And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace…

Jeremiah 23:1,2
Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD…

master

2 Samuel 2:7
Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.

2 Samuel 5:2
Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

2 Kings 10:3
Look even out the best and meetest of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house.

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2 Chronicles 18
1. Jehoshaphat, joined in affinity with Ahab, is persuaded to go against Ramoth Gilead
4. Ahab, seduced by false prophets, according to the word of Micaiah, is slain there














I saw
The phrase "I saw" indicates a prophetic vision given to Micaiah, the prophet. In the Hebrew context, the verb "saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah) often implies a divine revelation or insight beyond ordinary sight. This vision is not merely a physical observation but a spiritual insight granted by God, emphasizing the role of prophets as seers who convey God's truth to His people.

all Israel
"All Israel" refers to the collective nation, encompassing the twelve tribes. Historically, this term underscores the unity of God's chosen people, despite the political division into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah) at the time. The use of "all" highlights the comprehensive nature of the vision, indicating that the message is relevant to the entire nation.

scattered on the hills
The imagery of being "scattered on the hills" evokes a sense of disarray and vulnerability. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hills were often places of refuge or worship, but here they symbolize a lack of direction and protection. The Hebrew word for "scattered" (נָפֹץ, nafots) suggests a forceful dispersion, indicating a consequence of divine judgment or the absence of leadership.

like sheep without a shepherd
This simile draws on the pastoral imagery common in the Bible, where leaders are often depicted as shepherds. The absence of a shepherd implies a lack of guidance, care, and protection. In the Hebrew tradition, a shepherd symbolizes a king or leader, and the phrase underscores the failure of Israel's leadership, particularly King Ahab, to provide spiritual and moral direction.

and the LORD said
The phrase "and the LORD said" introduces divine speech, affirming the authority and authenticity of the message. In Hebrew, "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness. This divine pronouncement underscores that the vision is not merely Micaiah's opinion but a revelation from God Himself.

‘These people have no master
The term "master" (אָדוֹן, adon) in Hebrew can refer to a lord or ruler. The statement "These people have no master" highlights the absence of effective leadership. In the context of the narrative, it foreshadows the impending death of King Ahab, who, despite his position, failed to lead the people according to God's will.

let each one return home in peace
This directive, "let each one return home in peace," is both a command and a promise. The Hebrew word for "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) encompasses wholeness, safety, and well-being. Despite the chaos and impending judgment, God offers a path to peace for the individuals who heed His warning. It reflects God's mercy and desire for His people to find rest and security, even amidst national turmoil.

(16) Upon the mountains.--Kings, "unto the mountains."

As sheep.--Like the flock, both of sheep and goats.

Verse 16. - The brief parable smote the very heart of Ahab (Numbers 27:17); and Ahab felt it, like "the sentence of death" in him; in a way all different, indeed, from that in which an apostle of many a century afterward felt it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Micaiah declared:
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I saw
רָאִ֤יתִי (rā·’î·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

scattered
נְפוֹצִ֣ים (nə·p̄ō·w·ṣîm)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6327: To be dispersed or scattered

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the hills
הֶֽהָרִ֔ים (he·hā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

like sheep
כַּצֹּ֕אן (kaṣ·ṣōn)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

without
אֵין־ (’ên-)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

a shepherd.
רֹעֶ֑ה (rō·‘eh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

And the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

said,
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘These [people]
לָאֵ֔לֶּה (lā·’êl·leh)
Preposition-l | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

have no
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

master;
אֲדֹנִ֣ים (’ă·ḏō·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

let each one
אִישׁ־ (’îš-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

return
יָשׁ֥וּבוּ (yā·šū·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

home
לְבֵית֖וֹ (lə·ḇê·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

in peace.’”
בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃ (bə·šā·lō·wm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 18:16 He said I saw all Israel scattered (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 18:15
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