1 Kings 22:22

KJV

And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade [him], and prevail also: go forth, and do so.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto him, Wherewith? And he said {H559}, I will go forth {H3318}, and I will be a lying {H8267} spirit {H7307} in the mouth {H6310} of all his prophets {H5030}. And he said {H559}, Thou shalt persuade {H6601} him, and prevail {H3201} also: go forth {H3318}, and do {H6213} so.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI asked, 'How?' and he answered, 'I will go and be a deceiving spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.' ADONAI said, 'You will succeed in enticing him. Go, and do it.'

Berean Standard Bible

And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt entice him, and shalt prevail also: go forth, and do so.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 22:22 stands as a profound and challenging verse within the narrative of King Ahab's final days, revealing a chilling aspect of divine sovereignty and judgment. It depicts a scene in the heavenly court where a "lying spirit" volunteers, and is subsequently commissioned by the LORD, to deceive Ahab's 400 false prophets, ensuring his predetermined downfall in the battle for Ramoth-gilead. This verse underscores the severe consequences of persistent rebellion against God, illustrating how divine judgment can manifest through the permission and orchestration of deceptive forces to bring about the just recompense for hardened hearts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is embedded within the dramatic confrontation between King Ahab of Israel and the prophet Micaiah, following King Jehoshaphat of Judah's insistence on consulting a true prophet of the LORD before engaging in battle against Aram for Ramoth-gilead. Ahab's 400 court prophets unanimously prophesy victory, echoing the king's desires rather than divine truth. Micaiah, whom Ahab despises for consistently prophesying ill concerning him, initially offers a sarcastic affirmation of the false prophets' message. However, under oath, Micaiah unveils a profound vision of the heavenly throne room, where the LORD directly orchestrates the deception that will lead to Ahab's demise. Our verse, 1 Kings 22:22, is the LORD's explicit authorization of the "lying spirit" to fulfill this divine decree, setting the stage for Ahab's inevitable death and serving as a stark contrast to the true prophetic word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds during a period of significant geopolitical tension between Israel and Aram (Syria), with Ramoth-gilead being a strategically vital city. In the ancient Near East, kings routinely consulted prophets or diviners before military campaigns to ascertain divine favor and predict outcomes. Ahab, notorious for his idolatry and wickedness, particularly his promotion of Baal worship (as detailed in [1 Kings 16:30-33](/1_kings/16-30 "1 Kings 16:30-33 - Ahab's Evil Reign")), had surrounded himself with prophets who affirmed his desires rather than challenging his sin. This cultural practice provides the backdrop for the dramatic clash between the false prophets, who served the king's agenda, and the lone, courageous voice of Micaiah, who delivered the unvarnished word of the LORD, even at great personal risk.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several profound themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's ultimate control even over forces of deception and His capacity to use them to execute His righteous judgments against those, like Ahab, who have persistently hardened their hearts against Him, as seen in [1 Kings 21:20-29](/1_kings/21-20 "1 Kings 21:20-29 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab"). Secondly, it underscores the stark contrast between **Truth vs. Falsehood**, with Micaiah's solitary, unpopular truth standing against the overwhelming, comforting lies of 400 court prophets, a theme echoed in [Jeremiah 23:16-22](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16-22 - False Prophets and Their Deceptions"). Thirdly, it vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Unrepentance**, as Ahab's repeated rejection of divine warnings and his embrace of idolatry and injustice lead directly to his predetermined destruction, a principle consistent with the warnings throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Finally, it reveals **God's Use of Instruments**, showing how God can orchestrate events through various means, even those seemingly contrary to His character, to achieve His just purposes, emphasizing His absolute authority over all spiritual realms.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _ruach'_):** The Hebrew term רוּחַ (_ruach_) is multifaceted, capable of meaning "wind," "breath," or "spirit." In this context, it unequivocally refers to a spiritual being or entity, distinct from a human spirit. The narrative presents it as an active agent within the heavenly court, capable of volition and communication. While the text does not explicitly identify it as good or evil, its purpose—to be a "lying spirit"—marks it as an instrument of deception. The significance lies in God's sovereign authority over all spiritual realms, demonstrating His ability to permit and direct even such entities to fulfill His decreed judgments.
* **Persuade (Hebrew, _patah'_):** The verb פָּתָה (_patah_) means "to open," "to entice," "to deceive," or "to persuade." Here, it carries the strong connotation of seduction or enticement into error. It implies a deliberate act of leading someone astray through false information or promises. The LORD's command, "Thou shalt persuade him," signifies not merely a passive allowance but an active commission for this spirit to engage in a specific, deceptive act designed to bring about Ahab's doom. This highlights the intentionality of the divine judgment, where the means of deception are precisely tailored to the recipient's predisposition to believe lies.
* **Prevail (Hebrew, _yakhol'_):** The verb יָכֹל (_yakhol_) means "to be able," "to be capable," or "to prevail." When the LORD declares, "and prevail also," it underscores the absolute certainty and effectiveness of the lying spirit's mission. There is no doubt that the deception will succeed, and Ahab will be led to his death. This emphasizes the irresistible nature of divine judgment once it is set in motion against a persistently rebellious individual. It signifies that the outcome is fixed, and the means (the lying spirit) are guaranteed to achieve the intended result.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?":** This opening clause immediately places the scene in the heavenly court, emphasizing the LORD's direct involvement and sovereign oversight. The question "Wherewith?" (literally, "How?") is an invitation for the spirit to propose a method for deceiving Ahab. It highlights God's deliberative process in judgment, allowing for a proposal from His divine council, yet retaining ultimate authority over the execution of the plan.
* **"And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.":** This is the spirit's direct response, volunteering a specific, insidious method of deception. The phrase "lying spirit" (רוּחַ שֶׁקֶר, _ruach sheqer_) explicitly defines its nature and purpose. The target is "all his prophets," indicating the comprehensive nature of the deception—it will permeate the entire prophetic counsel Ahab relies upon. This reveals the precise nature of the judgment: Ahab, who has consistently rejected true prophecy and surrounded himself with flatterers, will now be led to destruction by the very voices he chose to trust.
* **"And he said, Thou shalt persuade [him], and prevail also: go forth, and do so.":** This final clause is the LORD's explicit authorization and commission. "Thou shalt persuade [him]" reiterates the active, deceptive nature of the spirit's task. "and prevail also" guarantees the success of the mission, underscoring the inevitability of Ahab's fate. The concluding commands, "go forth, and do so," serve as a divine mandate, confirming that this deceptive act is part of God's sovereign plan for judgment. It demonstrates God's ability to use even deceptive means to bring about His righteous, predetermined will against those who have spurned His truth.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Dramatic Irony** is central, as the audience is privy to the divine council's decree and the nature of the "lying spirit," while Ahab remains completely ignorant, confidently proceeding toward his doom based on false assurances. This creates a sense of tragic inevitability. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of the LORD "speaking" and engaging in dialogue with a spirit, making the divine decision-making process relatable to human understanding. The "lying spirit" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not merely a literal entity but also the culmination of divine judgment and the consequences of persistent rebellion against truth. It symbolizes the spiritual blindness and deception that befalls those who choose to reject God's genuine word. Furthermore, the entire scene serves as **Foreshadowing**, explicitly predicting and orchestrating Ahab's death, thereby building narrative tension and emphasizing the certainty of divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This challenging passage profoundly illuminates God's absolute sovereignty, even over the forces of evil and deception. It does not imply that God is the author of evil, but rather that He maintains ultimate control and can permit or even commission deceptive influences as a precise act of judgment upon those who have persistently rejected His truth and hardened their hearts. Ahab's long history of idolatry, injustice, and rejection of God's true prophets (like Elijah and Micaiah) had brought him to a point where divine judgment was inevitable. The "lying spirit" becomes an instrument in God's hand to execute a just recompense, allowing Ahab to be deceived by the very kind of voices he preferred to hear, leading him to the destruction he had, in essence, chosen through his unrepentant lifestyle. This demonstrates that God's justice is not merely reactive but can involve active orchestration to bring about deserved consequences, particularly when mercy and warnings have been repeatedly spurned.

* [2 Thessalonians 2:11-12](/2_thessalonians/2-11 "2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 - God Sends a Strong Delusion")
* [Ezekiel 14:9](/ezekiel/14-9 "Ezekiel 14:9 - God Deceives a Prophet")
* [Jeremiah 4:10](/jeremiah/4-10 "Jeremiah 4:10 - The Lord's Deception")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 1 Kings 22:22 serves as a sobering reminder of the profound consequences of spiritual rebellion and the critical importance of discernment. In a world saturated with competing voices and ideologies, we are constantly challenged to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Like Ahab, we can be tempted to seek out voices that affirm our desires, tell us what we want to hear, or justify our unrighteousness, rather than confronting us with uncomfortable truths from God's Word. This passage compels us to cultivate a deep love for truth, to diligently test every spirit and teaching against the infallible standard of Scripture, and to be wary of flattery or prophecies that promise peace where there is no peace. It reminds us that while God is infinitely merciful and patient, there are indeed ultimate consequences for persistent, unrepentant rejection of His divine will. Our ultimate safety lies not in seeking agreeable counsel, but in humbly submitting to God's revealed truth, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or personal desires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty and His relationship to evil?**
* **In what ways might we, like Ahab, be prone to seeking out "prophets" or voices that confirm our biases rather than confront us with truth?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment in our lives today?**
* **How does the concept of divine judgment, as seen in this verse, motivate us toward repentance and obedience?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God causes evil or directly sends evil spirits?**

Answer: This verse does not imply that God is the author or source of evil. Instead, it illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including spiritual entities, even those with malevolent intent. The "lying spirit" is presented as an existing entity that volunteers for a task, and God *permits* and *commission*s it to act as an instrument of His righteous judgment. Ahab had a long history of persistent rebellion, idolatry, and rejection of God's true prophets (e.g., [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah and the Prophets of Baal")). His heart was hardened, and he had chosen to believe lies over truth. In such cases, God, in His justice, can give people over to the deception they prefer, allowing them to reap the consequences of their choices. This is a judicial act, not an act of originating evil, but of using existing evil to bring about a just outcome for someone who has rejected truth and mercy. It's similar to how God "hardened Pharaoh's heart" in [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "Exodus 4:21 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")—not by making him evil, but by confirming him in the evil he already chose.

**How does this passage reconcile with God's character as a God of truth and love?**

Answer: While challenging, this passage is consistent with God's character as both a God of truth and a God of justice. God's truthfulness is upheld because He had sent numerous true prophets, like Elijah and Micaiah, to warn Ahab repeatedly (e.g., [1 Kings 21:17-24](/1_kings/21-17 "1 Kings 21:17-24 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab")). Ahab consistently rejected these truths and chose to believe lies that affirmed his sinful desires. In this context, the "lying spirit" is not a contradiction of God's truth but a manifestation of His judgment upon those who have willfully and persistently rejected truth. It demonstrates that God's love, while patient, also involves justice. When warnings are spurned and hearts are hardened beyond repentance, God's justice prevails. This act is a consequence of Ahab's choices, not a capricious act by God. It underscores that God's truth is ultimate, and those who reject it will ultimately face the consequences, even through means that seem paradoxical to His nature, but which serve His righteous purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 1 Kings 22:22, with its chilling depiction of a "lying spirit" commissioned for judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament passage reveals God's sovereignty over deception and judgment, the New Testament presents Christ as the embodiment of absolute Truth, the one who exposes all lies and liberates from spiritual blindness. Unlike Ahab's false prophets, who spoke what the king wanted to hear, Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), embodying the very antithesis of the lying spirit. He is the ultimate Prophet, whose words are always faithful and true, even when they confront sin and call for repentance ([Matthew 5:17-48](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17-48 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Furthermore, Christ's victory on the cross and His resurrection demonstrate His triumph over all spiritual forces of darkness and deception, including the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Jesus' Victory Over the Prince of This World")) who is the father of lies ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil, Father of Lies")). For those who, unlike Ahab, turn from their rebellion and embrace Christ by faith, the judgment of a "lying spirit" is replaced by the indwelling of the Spirit of Truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")), who guides into all truth and empowers believers to discern and resist deception ([1 John 4:1-6](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1-6 - Test the Spirits")). Thus, Christ fulfills the need for a true prophetic voice and offers deliverance from the very judgment and deception that befell Ahab, providing salvation and eternal life to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 9:23

Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:

1 Samuel 16:14

¶ But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

1 Samuel 19:9

And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with [his] hand.

Job 1:8

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Job 1:11

But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

Revelation 20:10

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Ezekiel 14:9

And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.