Imlah יִמְלָה
Father of the prophet Micaiah.
Who is Imlah in the Bible?
Imlah was the father of the prophet Micaiah, who served during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. Micaiah appears in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18 as a faithful prophet who refused to speak false prophecies, even when pressured by the king. When Ahab and Jehoshaphat prepared for battle against the Arameans at Ramoth-gilead, Ahab reluctantly summoned Micaiah after expressing his disdain, saying, "I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil" (1 Kings 22:8). Imlah's significance in Scripture lies primarily in his role as the father of a prophet whose unwavering commitment to truth stands as a contrast to the false prophets who sought to please the king, making him an ancestor of one of Israel's most courageous voices for God.
Biography
Imlah is mentioned in the Bible as the father of the prophet Micaiah, who lived during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. Micaiah is known for his unwavering commitment to speaking the truth, even when it was unpopular or unwelcome.
In 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18, King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah are preparing to go to battle against the Arameans at Ramoth-gilead. Ahab gathers his prophets, who all prophesy victory for the king. However, Jehoshaphat asks if there is another prophet of the Lord who can be consulted.
Ahab reluctantly mentions Micaiah, son of Imlah, but expresses his disdain for him, saying, "I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil" (1Ki.22.8; 2Ch.18.7).
Despite Ahab's reluctance, Micaiah is summoned and initially seems to prophesy victory for the kings. However, when pressed to speak the truth, Micaiah reveals that he saw a vision of Israel scattered on the mountains like sheep without a shepherd, indicating that Ahab would be killed in battle (1Ki.22.17; 2Ch.18.16).
Micaiah's prophecy angers Ahab, who orders him to be imprisoned and fed with minimal food and water until the king returns safely from battle. However, Micaiah stands firm, declaring that if Ahab returns in peace, then the Lord has not spoken through him (1Ki.22.27-28; 2Ch.18.26-27).
Although Imlah himself is not mentioned beyond being identified as Micaiah's father, his son's role as a prophet and his unwavering commitment to speaking the truth, even in the face of opposition from the king, suggests that Imlah may have raised his son with a strong faith in God and a commitment to integrity.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books1 Kings 2 verses
- 1 Kings 22:8
"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 for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied."
- 1 Kings 22:9
"So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Bring Micaiah son of Imlah at once.”"
2 Chronicles 2 verses
- 2 Chronicles 18:7
"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 for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied."
- 2 Chronicles 18:8
"So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Bring Micaiah son of Imlah at once.”"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יִמְלָה |