2 Chronicles 18:22 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Micaiah tells Ahab that the LORD Himself has sent deception through these prophets as judgment against him.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 18:22
Micaiah explains that God permitted the false prophecies as judgment.
What Does 2 Chronicles 18:22 Mean?
Micaiah now spoke the conclusion to Jehoshaphat: the LORD had deliberately placed a lying spirit in the mouths of these 400 prophets. This was not Ahab's good fortune—it was God's judgment. The false prophets' unity was no sign of truth; it was a sign that God had appointed deception as the means of Ahab's downfall.
The phrase 'the LORD hath spoken evil against thee' means God has spoken a word of judgment (evil outcome) against Ahab. This is not a moral statement that God is evil, but a statement that God has decreed judgment. Ahab's fate was sealed not by chance but by the divine decree that he would reap what he had sown through his spiritual rebellion.
2 Chronicles 18:22 in the Original Language
spoken evil (דִּבֶּר רָעָה), 'spoken evil' — to decree or ordain misfortune; a word of judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 18:22
What does 2 Chronicles 18:22 mean?
Micaiah tells Ahab that the LORD Himself has sent deception through these prophets as judgment against him.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 18:22?
Micaiah explains that God permitted the false prophecies as judgment.