2 Chronicles 18:20

Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will entice him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith?

2 Chronicles 18:20 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the account of King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Ahab wanted to attack Ramoth-gilead and persuaded Jehoshaphat to join him. Jehoshaphat agreed but asked that they first inquire of the Lord. Ahab’s prophets all promised victory, but Jehoshaphat insisted on hearing a prophet of the Lord. Micaiah was summoned, and after a sarcastic reply, he gave the true message: Israel would be scattered like sheep without a shepherd, and Ahab would die in battle.

Meaning

In this verse, a spirit comes forward in the heavenly court and volunteers to entice Ahab. The Lord asks, “Wherewith?“—that is, by what means. The broader passage identifies this as a lying spirit sent with divine permission to deceive Ahab through his prophets. This shows that God remains sovereign over all spiritual beings, including those who are evil. They cannot act apart from His allowance, and He can use even deceptive agents to accomplish His righteous judgment.

The spirit’s offer and the Lord’s question reveal that God is never surprised or controlled by evil. He permits certain actions within His purposes, but He does not author evil. The deception was a judgment on Ahab, who had already rejected the truth of God through His prophets. Ahab preferred the lies of his false prophets, so God allowed a lying spirit to confirm him in that choice, leading him to his downfall.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in 1 Kings 22:22 records the same scene, where the spirit says, “I will tempt him,” and the Lord asks, “Wherewith?” This reinforces the truth that God is in control of the entire process, even when He permits deception as judgment.

Application

This passage is a sober warning to take God’s Word seriously. When people repeatedly harden their hearts against the truth, they risk a point where God allows them to believe the lies they prefer. For the believer, it is a call to humility and obedience, to treasure the truth of Scripture and to pray for a receptive heart. It also reminds us that spiritual warfare is real, but it is waged under God’s sovereign authority, so we need not fear evil forces.

Reflection

Consider how you respond when God’s Word challenges your plans or desires. Ahab’s downfall began with his refusal to heed the prophet’s warning. The same truth that judges the hardened heart also guides the humble one. Let this verse move you to examine your own heart, to love the truth, and to trust that God’s purposes are just and wise, even when they involve difficult paths.