Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 18:22. It’s a really important and unsettling verse that points to a serious problem within the biblical community. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where a prophet – someone who speaks for God – is being subtly manipulated or infected with something negative, like lies. The Lord is saying this prophet is speaking false things against the people he’s supposed to be guiding. Let's unpack it layer by layer: "Now therefore, behold..." : This is a dramatic pause, signaling a significant shift in what’s about to happen. “Now” suggests something important is about to be revealed. "...the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets..." : This is the core of the problem. "LORD" means God, and “lying spirit” refers to a deceptive or false voice – a way of speaking that isn't true. It’s suggesting that someone inside the prophetic community is deliberately spreading lies. "...and the LORD hath spoken evil against thee." : This is the harsh consequence. The Lord is directly accusing the people he’s supposed to be advising of wrongdoing – specifically, of being affected by this negative spirit. What does it mean in a broader context? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about: Prophet Manipulation: It highlights that prophets are not immune to influence and that they can be vulnerable to deception. Disruption of Faith: It suggests that the false words of the prophet are causing division, mistrust, and potentially even rebellion within the religious community. A Threat to God’s Word: The verse implies that the lies are undermining the message of God's truth. Important Note: It’s crucial to remember this is a difficult passage. It points to a serious crisis – a betrayal of trust and a potential threat to the divine message. It doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is involved in these lies, but rather that someone within the prophetic group has been infected with something harmful. In short: This verse describes a situation where a prophet is being manipulated by a deceptive spirit, leading to false accusations and causing trouble within the religious community. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or figure? Give you a different perspective on the meaning of this passage?