The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 22:23
Now therefore, behold, th e Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth Of all these thy [Cf. ὁ οἷκος ὑμῶν , Matthew 23:38 ] prophets [This statement, especially to those who have taken the narrative literally, and who have seen in "the spirit" either one of the angels of God, or Satan himself, has presented almost insuperable difficulties. The main difficulty lies in the fact that the Almighty and All Holy is here made to give His sanction to deceit and lying, for the purpose... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 22:22
And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith? [Heb. By what? ] And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit [Heb. a spirit of a lie . Cf. Zechariah 13:2 ; 1 John 4:6 ] in the mouth of all his prophets. [His prophets, not God's. Cf. 2 Kings 3:13 .] And he said, Thou shalt persuade him. and prevail also: go forth, and do so. read more