Imla
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Overview:
Imla is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the narrative involving the kings of Israel and Judah. He is primarily recognized as the father of the prophet Micaiah, who played a significant role during the reign of King Ahab of Israel.

Biblical References:
The primary reference to Imla is found in 1 Kings 22:8-9 and 2 Chronicles 18:7-8. In these passages, Imla is identified as the father of Micaiah, a prophet who delivered a message from the Lord to King Ahab.

1 Kings 22:8-9 :
"The king of Israel answered, 'There is still one man who can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imla.' 'The king should not say that,' Jehoshaphat replied. So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, 'Bring Micaiah son of Imla at once.'"

2 Chronicles 18:7-8 :
"The king of Israel answered, 'There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imla.' 'The king should not say that,' Jehoshaphat replied. So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, 'Bring Micaiah son of Imla at once.'"

Historical and Theological Context:
Imla's significance in the biblical narrative is primarily through his son, Micaiah, who is known for his boldness and faithfulness in delivering God's message, even when it was unfavorable to the king. This account takes place during a time of political tension and spiritual decline in Israel, where false prophets often spoke what the king wanted to hear rather than the truth from God.

Micaiah, son of Imla, stands in contrast to these false prophets, demonstrating the importance of fidelity to God's word. The narrative highlights the tension between true and false prophecy and the courage required to speak truth to power.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
In the broader biblical context, Imla's mention underscores the role of prophets and their families in the spiritual life of Israel. Prophets were often seen as outsiders or adversaries by those in power, especially when their messages contradicted the desires of the ruling class. The account of Micaiah, son of Imla, serves as a reminder of the prophetic tradition's critical role in calling the people and their leaders back to covenant faithfulness.

Legacy:
While Imla himself is not a central figure, his legacy is carried through his son Micaiah's courageous stand for truth. This account has been an inspiration for believers throughout history, emphasizing the importance of integrity and the willingness to speak God's truth, regardless of the personal cost.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Imla

(whom God will fill up), father or progenitor of Micaiah the prophet. (2 Chronicles 18:7,8) The form IMLAH is employed in the parallel narrative. (1 Kings 12:8,9) (B.C. before 896.)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Replenisher, the father of Micaiah the prophet (2 Chronicles 18:7, 8).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
IMLA; IMLAH

im'-la (yimlah, "fullness"?): Father of the prophet Micaiah (1 Kings 22:8, 9 2 Chronicles 18:7, 8).

Strong's Hebrew
3229. Yimla -- father of the prophet Micaiah
... Imlah. Word Origin from male Definition father of the prophet Micaiah NASB
Word Usage Imla (1), Imla's (1), Imlah (2). Imla, Imlah. Or ...
/hebrew/3229.htm - 6k
Library

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... 30), and Shemaiah in the reign of Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:22-24), Jehu son of Hananiah
under Baasha (1 Kings 16:1-4, 7, 12, 13), Micaiah son of Imla, and Zedekiah ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Thesaurus
Imla (2 Occurrences)
... 7, 8). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. IMLA; IMLAH. im'-la (yimlah ... 7, 8).
Multi-Version Concordance Imla (2 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 18 ...
/i/imla.htm - 7k

Imla's (1 Occurrence)
...Imla's (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 18:8 Then the king of Israel called an officer,
and said: 'Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.' (See NAS). ...
/i/imla's.htm - 6k

Imlah (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia IMLA; IMLAH. im'-la (yimlah, "fullness"?): Father
of the prophet Micaiah (1 Kings 22:8, 9 2 Chronicles 18:7, 8). ...
/i/imlah.htm - 8k

Micai'ah (27 Occurrences)
... we may inquire of the LORD; but I hate him; for he never prophesieth good concerning
me, but always evil; the same is Micaiah the son of Imla.' And Jehoshaphat ...
/m/micai'ah.htm - 13k

Imitators (8 Occurrences)

/i/imitators.htm - 8k

Micaiah (27 Occurrences)
... yet one man by whom we may inquire of Yahweh: but I hate him; for he never prophesies
good concerning me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. ...
/m/micaiah.htm - 21k

Immaculate

/i/immaculate.htm - 16k

Unsexed (26 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Chronicles 18:8 Then the king of Israel sent for one of his unsexed servants
and said, Go quickly and come back with Micaiah, the son of Imla. (BBE). ...
/u/unsexed.htm - 15k

Prophesieth (13 Occurrences)
... yet one man by whom we may inquire of Jehovah: but I hate him; for he never prophesieth
good concerning me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla...
/p/prophesieth.htm - 10k

Resources
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Concordance
Imla (2 Occurrences)

2 Chronicles 18:7
The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of Yahweh: but I hate him; for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. Jehoshaphat said, Don't let the king say so.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 18:8
Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Get quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Imla

Imla: Father of Michaiah the Prophet

Related Terms

Imla's (1 Occurrence)

Imlah (4 Occurrences)

Micai'ah (27 Occurrences)

Imitators (8 Occurrences)

Micaiah (27 Occurrences)

Immaculate

Unsexed (26 Occurrences)

Prophesieth (13 Occurrences)

Prophesies (17 Occurrences)

Micah (54 Occurrences)

Prophesied (57 Occurrences)

Enquire (42 Occurrences)

Jehosh'aphat (75 Occurrences)

Fetch (45 Occurrences)

Officer (70 Occurrences)

Directions (100 Occurrences)

Summoned (103 Occurrences)

Inquire (95 Occurrences)

Bad (129 Occurrences)

Jehoshaphat (79 Occurrences)

Hate (177 Occurrences)

Imitators of God
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