Definition: And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 22:28. It’s a really interesting and somewhat unsettling part of the story! Here's what it essentially means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: King David is speaking to Micaiah. Micaiah was a royal advisor to King David, and he was tasked with offering advice and guidance to the people. Micaiah is deeply worried. He’s expressing extreme doubt about what God has said to him – that God hasn't spoken to him in peace. What Micaiah Says - The Core of the Doubt: "If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me." This is the crux of his argument. He’s saying: “If I ever get a chance to meet with God in peace, then God hasn't revealed anything to me.” It’s like he's questioning whether God is truthful or communicating with him. What Micaiah Says Next - A Plea for Understanding: “And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.” This is the crucial part. Micaiah isn’t just arguing; he’s telling everyone to listen. He's essentially asking them to reflect on what he says. What it Means – A Possible Interpretation (and why it's complex): This verse is often interpreted as a moment of intense doubt and fear within King David. It suggests: He’s feeling betrayed: Perhaps he believes that God has been deceiving him, or that He is withholding something important from him. He’s struggling with his own faith: It shows a deep internal conflict – a question of trust and whether he can believe what God says. He's seeking reassurance: His plea to "hearken" (listen) implies a desire for confirmation, perhaps that God is still speaking to him and isn’t abandoning him. Important Note: This passage is difficult to interpret precisely. It’s one of the oldest and most debated parts of the Bible. There are different theories about what Micaiah was experiencing at the time. In short, this verse portrays a moment of profound doubt and questioning within King David as he grapples with God's word. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the possible interpretations of this verse in more detail?