But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it [is] the king's chapel, and it [is] the king's court.
Ver. 13. But prophesy not any more at Bethel] Take heed of that; lest, by diffusing too much light among us, thou mar our markets, and hinder the sale of our false wares. This was the naked truth of the business; though something else was pretended, and the king's interest pleaded.
For it is the king's chapel, and the king's court] Touch these mountains and they wiil smoke. Truth is a good mistress, but such of her servants as follow her too close at heels may hap to have their teeth struck out. Ahab hateth Micaiah, and Herod John Baptist, and the Pope Savonarola, for their plain dealing, laying them fast enough for it. Great ones love it, ηδιστα η ηκιστα, they must hear pleasing things; or if told of their faults, it must be done with silken words, as she said, λογοις βυδινοις. They are usually beset with their Aiones and Negones, as one hath it, that will say as they say: et mirifica est sympathia inter magnates et parasites, and there is a wonderful sympathy between kings and court parasites, as was between Ahab and the false prophets. Few Vespasians are to be found, of whom as it was said, that he was the only one who was made the better man by being made emperor, so Quintilian commendeth him for this, that he was patientissimus veri, most patient of truth, though never so sharp. Jeroboam was none such; or at least Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, would make the prophet so believe, when he tells him it is the king's court, an ill air for truth to breathe in. Nihil veritate gravius, nihil assentatione suavius.