Micaiah

Micaiah (Hebrew: מִיכָיְהוּ, Mîḵāyāhū, meaning "Who is like Yahweh?") is a Hebrew name appearing in the Hebrew Bible. It is primarily associated with the following individuals:

• Micaiah ben Imlah: A prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab (9th century BCE). He is best known for his encounter with Ahab and King Jehoshaphat of Judah before the battle against Ramoth-Gilead (1 Kings 22). In contrast to the other prophets consulted by Ahab, who all predicted victory, Micaiah prophesied Ahab's death. For this, he was imprisoned until Ahab's return, which never occurred. Micaiah's story highlights the tension between true prophecy and courtly flattery. His willingness to speak truth to power, even at personal risk, makes him a significant figure in the prophetic tradition.

• Micaiah (son of Gemariah): A prince in the court of King Jehoiakim of Judah. He heard Baruch read Jeremiah's scroll containing prophecies of judgment against Judah. He reported this to other officials, who then brought Baruch and Jeremiah before the king (Jeremiah 36). This Micaiah is an example of a court official who recognized the importance and potential impact of prophetic messages, even when they were unfavorable.

• Other individuals named Micaiah: The name also appears as that of other less prominent individuals in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in genealogies.

The name Micaiah, due to its meaning, reflects a common theme in Hebrew names: the acknowledgment and praise of Yahweh (God). It is a reminder of the unique status and power attributed to God in the Israelite faith.