Mind the Gap: How the Jewish Writings between the Old and New Testament Help Us Understand Jesus

by Matthias Henze

A similar story about a malevolent spirit is found in 1 Kings 22, the story about the prophet Micaiah, son of Imlah. Ahab, king of Israel, is considering going to war with the Arameans in order to regain control over the city of Ramoth-Gilead east of the Jordan river. Before he launches his attack, he seeks a divine oracle and consults with no fewer than four hundred prophets. The prophets ensure him a favorable outcome. Pressed by his ally, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, whether there are any other prophets to consult, Ahab reluctantly mentions a certain Micaiah, son of Imlah, a prophet he dislikes because in the past Micaiah’s prophecies have always been unfavorable. When Ahab asks Micaiah about the outcome of the ensuing battle, the prophet predicts that Ahab will lose his life in the battle. So how can it be, the monarch wants to know, that all the other four hundred prophets, whose prophecies are favorable, are wrong? Micaiah answers with a story. He describes a vision of the heavenly throne room, in which he saw God sitting on the throne and the heavenly host standing beside God. 20 And the Lord said, “Who will entice Ahab, so that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-Gilead?” Then one said one thing, and another said another, 21 until a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, “I will entice him.” 22 “How?” the Lord asked him. He replied, “I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.” Then the Lord said, “You are to entice him, and you ...