Definition: Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from 1 Kings 22:23. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about a prophet named Elijah. Here’s what it means in plain terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that Elijah was being manipulated or tricked by the LORD. It's essentially saying that someone who was speaking for God (a prophet) was deliberately using evil words against him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Now therefore, behold…” : This is a dramatic introduction – it’s signaling something significant about to happen. “…the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets…” : This is the core of the problem. "The LORD" refers to God Himself. “A lying spirit” means that someone was speaking falsely and with deceitful intent. It's saying that this person wasn’t speaking truthfully, but was spreading lies. “Thy prophets” means Elijah’s followers (the messengers God sent). “…and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.” : This is the consequence of the deception. The Lord has directly condemned Elijah for his words. “Evil concerning thee” means that he was being blamed or punished for something he didn't do. What does this tell us about the situation? It’s a serious accusation: The verse paints a picture of intense hostility and betrayal. It suggests that someone was actively trying to damage Elijah’s reputation and cause him harm. It highlights the importance of discernment: The Bible emphasizes that we need to be discerning – to carefully examine what people are saying and not just accept everything at face value. The verse warns us not to blindly trust everything anyone says, especially from those who claim to speak for God. Important Context (Briefly): This verse comes after a period of intense conflict between the Israelites and the prophets of Baal. The prophets were challenging the Israelites’ beliefs about the gods they worshipped. Elijah was a major figure in this conflict, and his words were often seen as a threat to their faith. In short, it's a warning against deception and a call for careful evaluation of what people claim to be speaking for God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Kings 22? Discuss the context surrounding this passage further (like the conflict with the prophets)?