The rather audacious story of Micaiah, son of Imlah, provides a fascinating glimpse into the inner world of prophecy in ancient Israel. The other prophets are wrong, Micaiah claims, not because they chose to tell King Ahab what he wants to hear but because God deliberately led them astray by sending them “a lying spirit” in order to send the king to his certain death. King Ahab chooses to ignore Micaiah’s prophecy; he goes to battle, is mortally wounded, and dies, and Micaiah is vindicated. Like the spirit who tormented Saul, this lying spirit is sent by God. It does not oppose God, nor does
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