15. But the king replied sharply, “How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the lord?”
16. 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.’”
17. “Didn’t I tell you?” the king of Israel exclaimed to Jehoshaphat. “He never prophesies anything but trouble for me.”
18. Then Micaiah continued, “Listen to what the lord says! I saw the lord sitting on his throne with all the armies of heaven around him, on his right and on his left.
19. And the lord said, ‘Who can entice King Ahab of Israel to go into battle against Ramoth-gilead so he can be killed?’“There were many suggestions,
20. and finally a spirit approached the lord and said, ‘I can do it!’“‘How will you do this?’ the lord asked.
21. “And the spirit replied, ‘I will go out and inspire all of Ahab’s prophets to speak lies.’“‘You will succeed,’ said the lord. ‘Go ahead and do it.’
22. “So you see, the lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths of your prophets. For the lord has pronounced your doom.”
23. Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah walked up to Micaiah and slapped him across the face. “Since when did the Spirit of the lord leave me to speak to you?” he demanded.
24. And Micaiah replied, “You will find out soon enough when you are trying to hide in some secret room!”
25. “Arrest him!” the king of Israel ordered. “Take him back to Amon, the governor of the city, and to my son Joash.
26. Give them this order from the king: ‘Put this man in prison, and feed him nothing but bread and water until I return safely from the battle!’”
27. But Micaiah replied, “If you return safely, it will mean that the lord has not spoken through me!” Then he added to those standing around, “Everyone mark my words!”
28. So King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah led their armies against Ramoth-gilead.
29. The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “As we go into battle, I will disguise myself so no one will recognize me, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle.