Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 18:22
So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Micaiah addresses King Ahab and his court prophets at the moment of military counsel, declaring the outcome of the impending battle.
The words — The Hebrew ר֣וּחַ שֶׁ֔קֶר (Ru.ach She.ker) literally means “a spirit of falsehood,” coupled with נָתַ֤ן (na.Tan), “he has put,” to denote divine action in the prophets’ speech.
The thread — The pattern of Yahweh sovereignly sending a spirit of confusion or deception recurs in Isaiah 19:14, Ezekiel 14:9, and Job 12:16.
Why it lands — The text states that the LORD actively placed a spirit of falsehood in the prophets’ mouths and pronounced disaster, requiring the reader to acknowledge divine sovereignty over deception while confronting the stated consequences.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil against thee.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 19:14 The LORD has poured into her a spirit of confusion. Egypt has been led astray in all she does, as a drunkard staggers through his own vomit.
- Ezekiel 14:9 But if the prophet is enticed to speak a message, then it was I the LORD who enticed him, and I will stretch out My hand against him and destroy him from among My people Israel.
- Job 12:16 True wisdom and power belong to Him. The deceived and the deceiver are His.
- Exodus 4:21 The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.
- 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 18:17 Then the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he never prophesies good for me, but only bad?”
- 2 Chronicles 25:18 But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle.
- Isaiah 3:11 Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.
- Jeremiah 18:11 Now therefore, tell the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I am planning a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways, and correct your ways and deeds.’
- Ezekiel 14:3 “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I consult with them in any way?