2 Chronicles 18:20

KJV

Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then there came out {H3318} a spirit {H7307}, and stood {H5975} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, and said {H559}, I will entice {H6601} him. And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto him, Wherewith?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then a spirit stepped up, stood in front of ADONAI and said, 'I will entice him.'ADONAI asked, 'How?'

Berean Standard Bible

Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD.

American Standard Version

And there came forth a spirit, and stood before Jehovah, and said, I will entice him. And Jehovah said unto him, Wherewith?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse is a pivotal moment within the prophetic vision of Micaiah, a true prophet of God, delivered to King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah. It reveals a dramatic scene in the heavenly court where a "spirit" volunteers to deceive Ahab's 400 false prophets, leading the king to his demise at Ramoth-Gilead. The Lord's direct question, "Wherewith?", underscores divine sovereignty and active permission, not passive allowance, in the unfolding of events, even those involving deception, to bring about His righteous judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 18:20 is embedded within the larger narrative of King Ahab's ill-fated campaign to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead from the Syrians. The immediate preceding verses (2 Chronicles 18:1-19) set the stage: Ahab, despite his wickedness, has allied with the righteous King Jehoshaphat. Ahab consults his 400 court prophets, who unanimously promise victory. However, Jehoshaphat, discerning their lack of divine authority, insists on consulting a true prophet of the Lord, leading to the summoning of Micaiah. Micaiah initially offers a sarcastic affirmation of the false prophecy before revealing the true, grim word from God, beginning with his vision of the heavenly court in [2 Chronicles 18:18](/2_chronicles/18-18 "2 Chronicles 18:18 - Micaiah's Vision of the Heavenly Court"). Our verse, [2 Chronicles 18:20](/2_chronicles/18-20 "2 Chronicles 18:20 - The Spirit's Deceptive Mission"), details the specific mechanism of deception permitted by God, directly leading to Ahab's downfall as prophesied by Micaiah in [2 Chronicles 18:22](/2_chronicles/18-22 "2 Chronicles 18:22 - The Lying Spirit in the Mouth of the Prophets"). This entire episode serves as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereign control over human events and the stark contrast between true and false prophecy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the mid-9th century BCE, a period of political tension and occasional alliances between the northern kingdom of Israel (under Ahab) and the southern kingdom of Judah (under Jehoshaphat). Ramoth-Gilead was a strategically vital city on the eastern border, a constant point of contention between Israel and Aram (Syria). Culturally, the concept of a "divine council" or heavenly court, where God presides over spiritual beings, was a familiar motif in ancient Near Eastern thought, though uniquely presented in Israelite theology with Yahweh as the sole sovereign. Ahab's reliance on 400 court prophets reflects the common practice of kings maintaining official seers, but in Israel, this practice was often corrupted by syncretism, blending Yahwism with Baal worship, leading to prophets who spoke what the king wanted to hear rather than God's truth. This context highlights the spiritual apostasy prevalent in Ahab's Israel and the dangers of seeking counsel that confirms one's own desires rather than divine revelation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Control**, demonstrating that even malevolent spiritual forces operate under God's ultimate authority and permission. God is not surprised or thwarted by evil; rather, He can orchestrate events, including deception, to fulfill His righteous purposes, often as a form of judgment upon those who persistently reject His truth, as seen in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Secondly, it reveals the tangible reality of **Spiritual Warfare and Deception**. The passage vividly portrays unseen spiritual entities actively influencing human affairs and delivering false messages, albeit always within the bounds of divine oversight. This emphasizes the critical need for spiritual discernment among God's people, urging them to "test the spirits" as exhorted in [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits"). Finally, the entire episode, culminating in this verse, starkly contrasts **True vs. False Prophecy**. Micaiah's unpopular, yet divinely accurate, prophecy stands in opposition to the unanimous, yet deceptive, predictions of Ahab's 400 prophets. This serves as a cautionary tale against seeking counsel that merely confirms one's own desires, rather than submitting to the often challenging truth of God's Word, a theme echoed in [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Speak Lies").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _ruach'_):** The Hebrew word רוּחַ (_ruach_) is rich in meaning, encompassing "wind," "breath," and "spirit." In this context, it clearly refers to an intelligent, active, non-corporeal entity. While sometimes referring to God's Spirit or human spirit, here it denotes a distinct spiritual being, often understood as a malevolent spirit or an agent of divine judgment, operating within the heavenly court. Its emergence "before the LORD" signifies its accountability and subservience to God's ultimate authority, even in its deceptive intent.
* **Entice (Hebrew, _pathah'_):** The verb פָּתָה (_pathah_) means "to open," "to persuade," "to deceive," or "to allure." It carries the nuance of a subtle, alluring form of persuasion rather than overt force or coercion. The spirit's plan is not to compel Ahab directly but to influence his prophets to speak lies that Ahab will willingly believe because they align with his desires. This highlights the insidious nature of deception, which often preys on existing inclinations.
* **Wherewith (Hebrew, _bammah'_):** The Hebrew word בַּמֶּה (_bammah_) is an interrogative pronoun meaning "with what?" or "by what means?" The Lord's question is not an expression of ignorance or surprise but rather a directive for the spirit to articulate its method of deception. It demonstrates God's active involvement and permission in the process, not merely passive allowance. This question underscores His sovereign control, ensuring that even the actions of malevolent spirits serve His ultimate, often judicial, purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD,"**: This clause immediately follows Micaiah's vision of the Lord seated on His throne with the heavenly host. The "spirit" emerges from this divine assembly, signifying its place within the spiritual hierarchy and its direct access to God's presence. Its act of "standing before the LORD" implies a readiness to serve or present a proposal, highlighting the structured nature of the divine court. This is not an independent rogue spirit but one operating within the parameters of divine permission.
* **"and said, I will entice him."**: The spirit's declaration is a clear statement of intent: to deceive King Ahab. The use of "entice" (_pathah_) suggests a subtle, persuasive form of deception, likely through the false prophets. This reveals the spirit's malevolent nature and its willingness to participate in a scheme that will lead to Ahab's destruction, aligning with God's judgment upon the king for his wickedness and idolatry.
* **"And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?"**: This is a crucial part of the verse. God's direct question, "Wherewith?" (or "By what means?"), is not a query born of ignorance but an active engagement with the spirit's proposal. It signifies divine permission and a controlled delegation of authority. God is not being manipulated or surprised; rather, He is orchestrating the events, allowing the spirit to act as an instrument of His judgment. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty, even over the actions of deceptive spiritual entities.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [2 Chronicles 18](/2_chronicles/18 "2 Chronicles 18 - Ahab's Death at Ramoth-Gilead") and specifically [2 Chronicles 18:20](/2_chronicles/18-20 "2 Chronicles 18:20 - The Spirit's Deceptive Mission") employs several powerful literary devices. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of God "sitting on his throne" and engaging in a dialogue with a spirit, presenting divine activity in human-like terms to make it comprehensible. The entire scene is a form of **Symbolism**, where the "heavenly court" represents the ultimate divine authority and the unseen spiritual realm, emphasizing that all earthly events are ultimately subject to God's decree. The "spirit" itself is a **Personification** of a deceptive force, given agency and speech. There is profound **Dramatic Irony** throughout the narrative: Ahab and his false prophets are confident in their impending victory, completely unaware that their very counsel is orchestrated by a deceptive spirit under divine permission, leading them to their doom. This irony heightens the sense of divine judgment and human folly. Furthermore, the spirit's proposal and God's question serve as **Foreshadowing**, clearly indicating Ahab's impending defeat and death, contrasting sharply with the false prophecies of success.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse offers a profound theological insight into the nature of divine sovereignty, the reality of spiritual forces, and the mechanisms of divine judgment. It challenges a simplistic view of good and evil, demonstrating that even malevolent spirits operate within the framework of God's ultimate control. God is not merely reacting to evil; He actively permits and directs it to achieve His righteous purposes, particularly in judging those who have hardened their hearts against Him. This does not imply God is the author of evil, but rather that He is sovereign over it, able to use even the schemes of the wicked and the deceptive actions of spirits to bring about His will. The passage underscores the biblical truth that all spiritual powers, whether benevolent or malevolent, are subordinate to the Lord of Hosts. It also highlights the dangerous consequences of rejecting truth and embracing self-deception, as Ahab did by preferring the lies of his prophets over Micaiah's clear warning.

* [1 Kings 22:19-23](/1_kings/22-19 "1 Kings 22:19-23 - Micaiah's Vision of the Heavenly Council") - This is the parallel account in 1 Kings, offering a slightly different but consistent perspective on Micaiah's vision and the lying spirit.
* [Job 1:6-12](/job/1-6 "Job 1:6-12 - Satan Appears Before God") - Demonstrates Satan (a spiritual being) presenting himself before God and requiring divine permission to afflict Job, illustrating God's ultimate authority over all spiritual forces.
* [Isaiah 6:1-8](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1-8 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Throne") - Describes Isaiah's vision of the Lord on His throne with the seraphim, a similar depiction of the divine council, emphasizing God's majesty and the heavenly court.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 18:20 serves as a sobering reminder that not all voices claiming divine authority are truthful, and even seemingly spiritual experiences can be deceptive. For believers today, this passage calls for profound spiritual discernment, urging us to constantly evaluate messages, teachings, and even our own desires against the clear, unchanging truth of God's Word. It warns against the danger of seeking counsel that merely affirms our pre-existing biases or comforts our flesh, rather than challenging us to align with God's will, however uncomfortable it may be. While we are assured of God's ultimate sovereignty and His victory over all evil, we are also called to be vigilant, recognizing that spiritual deception is a real and present danger. Our comfort lies not in the absence of spiritual warfare, but in the knowledge that God is ultimately in control, using even the schemes of darkness to fulfill His purposes and to expose those who reject His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between a "true" and "false" voice in my life, whether from others or my own thoughts, in light of this passage?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to self-deception, preferring comforting lies over challenging truths?**
* **How does the concept of God's sovereignty over even deceptive spirits provide comfort or challenge to my understanding of His character?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment in my daily walk with God?**

### FAQ

**Does God send evil spirits to deceive people?**

Answer: This passage, along with others like [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - An Evil Spirit from the Lord Afflicts Saul"), indicates that God can permit or even dispatch spirits to fulfill His sovereign purposes, often as a form of judgment upon those who have persistently rejected His truth or rebelled against Him. It's crucial to understand that this does not make God the author of evil, nor does it mean He delights in deception. Rather, it demonstrates His absolute authority over all spiritual beings, including malevolent ones. He uses them as instruments to bring about His righteous will, particularly when individuals or nations have hardened their hearts and are ripe for judgment. The spirit in 2 Chronicles 18:20 volunteered, and God merely allowed and directed its method, fitting it into His overarching plan for Ahab's judgment.

**What is the "heavenly court" or "divine council" depicted here?**

Answer: The "heavenly court" or "divine council" is a biblical motif (also seen in [Job 1:6](/job/1-6 "Job 1:6 - The Sons of God Appear Before the Lord") and [Psalm 82:1](/psalms/82-1 "Psalm 82:1 - God Stands in the Divine Assembly")) that portrays God as a supreme King or Judge presiding over a council of heavenly beings (angels, spirits, "sons of God"). This imagery emphasizes God's ultimate authority and sovereignty over all creation, both visible and invisible. It's a way of depicting the spiritual realm where divine decisions are made and implemented through various agents. In this specific context, it shows that even the actions of a deceptive spirit are not random or independent but are part of a divinely orchestrated plan, subject to God's ultimate decree.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the lying spirit in 2 Chronicles 18:20, while revealing God's sovereignty over evil and deception, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. Where a spirit was permitted to deceive Ahab unto judgment, Jesus Christ is the embodiment of divine truth, the very Word made flesh who came to expose all deception and falsehood ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the true Prophet, whose words are never deceptive but always life-giving and eternally true ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Christ's life, death, and resurrection represent the ultimate triumph over all spiritual powers of darkness, including those that deceive. He disarmed principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The spirit in Micaiah's vision operated under God's permission to bring judgment; Christ, however, came not to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")). He grants His followers the power to discern and overcome the schemes of the devil ([Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the Whole Armor of God")) and promises that the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")). Ultimately, the scene of the divine council foreshadows Christ's role as the King of kings and Lord of lords, who will return to judge the living and the dead, bringing all hidden things into the light and definitively casting out all deception and evil ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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

Job 1:6

¶ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

Job 2:1

¶ Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

2 Corinthians 11:13

For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:15

Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

2 Corinthians 11:3

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.