Defeating a Jezebel Spirit, Ep 2-37
Welcome Back! I am Dawn Simmons and in this episode of Conquering Our Unseen Enemies we are going to be discussing something you may hear about but not many people really talk about it, a Jezebel Spirit. When someone is referred to as having a “Jezebel Spirit” it is a pretty serious accusation and we need to be careful not to use that term carelessly. Equally as important is being able to recognize when it is working in us or in those around us. It can bring devastation and destruction and it has to be rooted out. Let’s walk through what the Bible tells us, how this Spirit got it’s name, how we can recognize it and what we do to conquer it’s influence in our lives. We are going to go through 22 characteristics and behaviors to reveal the tactics this demonic spirit uses.
First off let’s go through a summary of who the Bible reveals Jezebel was and what happened in Israel under her influence. This is again, just a summary. 1 and 2 Kings is where you will find all the history and happenings what we are getting ready to discuss.
So who was Jezebel? Jezebel was the daughter of a Phoenician priest king, making her a princess. She was married to Ahab, who was the king of Israel, the northern kingdom from 874 BC until he died in battle in 853 BC. At this time in world history there is a lot of turmoil. Kingdoms are being recreated as kings throughout Europe are killed and Egypt has a new dynasty during this time. So for Ahab, this could secure not only political support but some prestige in his mind. Jezebel saturated Israel with pagan worship of Ba’al and developed her own pagan prophets. She was known for her practice of witchcraft and evil actions toward God’s people. At one point she had as many as 850 of her own pagan prophets from what the Bible tells us. She wanted to control everything, and the prophets of Israel opposed her so she massacred all of them, except for a remnant of 100 that were secretly hidden in 2 caves. She was a tyrant and used manipulation and deception to control Israel and her husband. When he didn’t get his way trying to buy land from Naboth, who refused to sell it to Ahab because it was his inheritance, Jezebel created an opportunity and enlisted 2 people who falsely accuse Naboth resulting in Naboth being stoned to death. Then Ahab was able to take the land that belonged to Naboth. One prophet who stood up to her was Elijah. He was able to prove to the people of Israel that he was a prophet of the one true God and Jezebel’s prophets had a god who did not exist. In doing so, that brought the people back to worshipping God and all of Jezebel’s false prophets were killed. This angered Jezebel and she then let Elijah know she will kill him within 24 hours. Elijah runs away in fear, God sets him up to meet Elisha. God also provides Elijah with the prophesy that Jezebel would be devoured by dogs by the wall of Jezreel. Now we are going to fast forward to 2 Kings, Ahab has been killed, Jezebel has been ruling 10 years through her 2 sons and now the Lord is going to bring justice for the killing of his prophets by Jezebel. Jehu is anointed King over Israel and is tasked with destroying Ahab’s household. In carrying out this task, Jehu travels to the city of Jezreel. Outside the city, Jehu kills one of Jezebel’s sons and has his body thrown in Naboth’s field. As Jehu enters Jezreel, Jezebel tries to pretty herself up thinking she can seduce him or manipulate him and calls to him from the city wall. Jehu he stays true to the Lord, and when he calls for who is with him, he gets a response from 3 people and he directs them to throw her down and they do. Her blood is splattered on the wall, she is trampled by horses. There was nothing left to bury except her skull, feet and her hands. Thereby fulfilling the word the Lord gave to Elijah about Jezebel’s body will be devoured by dogs, and that she is unidentifiable.
The Jezebel Spirit is also mentioned in the book of Revelation. In 2:20, Jesus is talking to the church in Thyatira. He refers to a woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. He says that her teaching is misleading and leads His people into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. He goes on to discuss she has been given the opportunity to repent of her immorality but has chosen not to repent. He then discusses what will happen to her ultimately when His judgment is rendered.
So that in a quick, not so quick, nutshell is Jezebel. She is considered one of the most evil, if not the most evil woman in the Bible. That is why using that name as a descriptor for someone is so serious. We would never want to say that casually. When we talk about a Jezebel spirit, we are referring to all of the evil behaviors and characteristics for which Jezebel is known. The thing we need to remember is that the demons Jezebel worked with to do all of her evil, are still functioning today in our times. They are still influencing and bringing disaster and destruction on God’s people. They have been at it for thousands of years, so they are experts at what they do. We need to be able to identify when that spirit is working against us.
So let’s start talking about what this spirit looks like today. Most of us today don’t have kingdoms we are building or defending in the natural. We don’t have a unity the way the people of Israel had at times during this. We don’t have one person of God that wanders around all of our countries uniting us. The closest our modern world has ever seen to that is Billy Graham and he is gone now. What we do have are the same demons, the same angels, the same Holy Spirit, the same God, and the victory in Jesus that those in the old testament did not have available to them. That is a great advantage because with Jesus having come and giving us the Holy Spirit, we have discernment to help us fully recognize the Jezebel Spirit.
Typically when I hear someone being referred to as having the Jezebel Spirit, it is directed at a woman. Jezebel was a woman so that makes sense, but men can just as easily have this evil spirit. Demons don’t wander around going, “ shucks, we can’t mess with him, we can only use the women for our destruction.” Demons don’t care, it may look a little different with men than with women because there are some innate differences between men and women, but we will go over that. The Jezebel Spirit is something that whole books can be devoted to, a dissertation could be completed about or even a whole course could discuss. We are getting the nuggets and learning how to conquer it when we encounter it.
Let’s talk about Jezebel in general first, then we will breakdown the differences that tend to show in women vs men. This is a pretty long list, so one person isn’t necessarily going to have all of these, but when there are multiples, that is when you want to begin using discernment.
The Jezebel Spirit is about control. Now many of us many have some level of control issues. I have some on certain things, but then not on others. My husband and I split control of various things. That’s not the control we are talking about. Even if I had control over an area. If my husband or my friend, tells me there is a better way to do something than the way I am doing it, then I will listen and not shut them down. That’s all normal. When we see a behavior in someone where they have to control everything and there is no interference with that, then you want to start looking for these other areas that we are about to discuss. This is a long list, there are 22 of these characteristics and behaviors they use to control. So let’s get started:
1. Agenda – in meetings or social events, this person has to have control of what is being planned, how it is being planned, what is done
2. Conversation – this person likes to have the last word, and even the only word if they could. Ultimately what they say is what is done
3. Information – they want to control the information provided, might holdback information so that they are the only ones who know everything, others given only pieces of information
4. Money – they want to have a say over how money is handled, how much money is available, how money is accessed, it all flows through them
5. Time – they dictate time on projects, they set deadlines, they can control and create pressure by doing this, calendars and schedules are also controlled this way
6. Access – they like to have control of how people can access each other, especially in a leadership situation. They may have no real authority in a group, so they create it through limiting others access to the actual leaders
7. Narrative – they want to shape what is said, how it is said, why it is said so that it depicts the story they want others to know or not know
8. Sexuality – will use seduction to manipulate and dominate, morality is not a standard they are concerned with
9. Control leadership – by limiting and disseminating information they can take control of leadership personnel by not providing accurate or timely information. They then become the only person with all the information and hijack those in leadership roles.
10. Image – they are concerned with their image, not how what they do affects others and will intentionally mask themselves and create situations to make others look bad
11. Decisions – they want to control what decisions are made, how they are made, when they are made, why they are made and what is done to support the decision they want to be made
12. Relationships – they want to control the relationships of those around them to ensure they don’t lose the attention, the power and any authority they have created for themselves. They will interfere to keep other alliances from being able to form if it does not benefit them.
13. Atmosphere – they will control the mood, the spirit of what is happening in the room. They will dictate how others feel based on what they want to accomplish
14. Preachy – they will condemn others, be very harsh in how they view others and convey an unfavorable view of others to elevate themselves
15. Grace – they will not extend grace to others, others are judged by rules and are called out for not following rules that they likely put in place
16. Churches – someone with this spirit can devastate a church by taking over and creating divides among the leadership team and members
17. Creates hurt – situations or conversations are created that are intentionally meant to create hurt, anger or other negative emotions so they can wound others or cause them to lose credibility
18. Alliances – they will seek out alliances for the sole purpose of obtaining the support they need to push their own agenda
19. Role identity – Create a role for themselves in a group where they are considered invaluable when they in fact can be replaced or are not needed
20. Blackmail – will use this as a method to get what they want, willing to create the circumstance used to blackmail
21. People are disposable – do not value others and will use you if needed or dismiss you when they don’t need you
22. God – they convince others that they are doing it the way God wants it done and all others are doing it wrong. Their way is God’s way because they manipulate the word and people to meet their objectives.
When we look at the differences in women vs men, these are some of the characteristics and behaviors you may see:
For women specifically:
1. Seek to discredit the men more often than they will seek to discredit women
2. Often triggered by a traumatic event, loss of a loved one, divorce, abuse
3. Her children are not immune to her control and will often be abusive
4. Will use seduction under any circumstances to gain control, no one is off limits
5. Abuse of her spouse is fair game
For men specifically:
1. Can be sexually abusive or sexually demanding of their spouse
2. Will using demeaning methods to illicit control
3. Will use trauma triggers to illicit control
4. Will use children against their mother
That’s a pretty comprehensive list. You may have noticed that a lot of a Jezebel’s behavior mirrors that of a narcissist. One thing that will distinguish the difference between the two is the narcissist will do these behaviors just for their own benefit, while the Jezebel Spirit does things for their own benefit but with the added objective to cause the destruction of others. Now referring back to the list, you are looking for the manifestation of multiple of these characteristics and behaviors, and these could rotate by the way, so you may see 3 one week and then 2 new ones another week. They won’t all necessarily play out at the same time together each time you are around the person. You have to take some time to evaluate what is happening. Someone could just be having marital issues and it is a short-term situation, so we want to use discernment and ask the Lord about what we are seeing. The Holy Spirit will work with you to determine this is more than just a short-term situation.
I have a friend going through this right now at her workplace and it has been building over about 2 years now. This situation doesn’t start out as full-blown Jezebel right away, the person working with this spirit has to build some strength, test the waters on how far they can push, create new levels of order say with a calendar to control how other people are spending their time. Another way is to create new protocols under the term “improving organization or communication.” All of this over time builds their ability to take control of a group. We are taken off guard because we think this person is doing it to “improve” things so we let them do it and focus on our own areas. Then one day you see relationships that used to work are being torn apart, people hurt, jobs jeopardized, the list goes on and on. With my friend currently experiencing this it is causing a lot of turmoil and it was beginning to create fear. Like Elijah, I know she wanted to run, but she can’t. This is a workplace situation. This is a Christian workplace by the way so this is a demonic attack. So, if you are in this, like my friend, what do you do?
Well, she reached out to a few people and we came together and put a plan in place. The one thing we can always count on is that God is not mocked. There is nothing done in secret that escapes Him. There is nothing done that those doing it will not be held accountable for at some point. When we are up against something that is bigger than what we can see in the natural, we want to follow some simple steps. We want to act in response to enemy tactics. We can’t sit still and do nothing. Remember tho, this isn’t the person we are fighting against, it is the enemy who is using the person we are against. Here is what we are doing with my friend, use it as a general plan and make changes to fit your situation.
1. Find a prayer partner.
a. We want a partner to help us stay focused. We don’t want to let our emotions get the better of us. We need someone who will be able to be a sounding board for us on rough days. If you don’t know someone you can trust, contact me, we will find you a partner.
2. Put a prayer plan together
a. Our prayer plan is to meet weekly on a set day so we remain consistent
b. We have specific prayer points we are asking of the Lord
i. Let everything not of Him be revealed
ii. Let His light shine on the darkness
iii. Protection for her as she continues in her job
iv. Protection for those around her
v. Peace for her
vi. We prayed against the plans, strategies and activities of the enemy currently operating
vii. We prayed for the Leadership of this workplace to be directed by God on how to proceed
viii. We also want to see the Lord install who He wants to lead this workplace
3. Use scripture to support your prayer plan
a. No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you, Isaiah 54:17
b. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you, Luke 10:19
c. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans, Proverbs 16:3
d. Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield for those who take refuge in Him, Proverbs 30:5
e. It is written: “As surely as I live; says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me, every tongue will acknowledge God’”, Romans 14:11
f. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16
g. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” 1 John 4:4
4. Ask the Lord to reveal to us what He wants us to do
a. When we ask Him and He answers we can receive any or all of the following
i. How to support or get support
ii. Words of knowledge
iii. Peace and comfort
iv. Confirmation
v. Guidance and direction
b. Follow through on what the Lord directs
5. Wait for the Lord to intervene, don’t try to intervene on our own
I hope you have gained an understanding during our time discussing the Jezebel Spirit. I want you to increase in knowledge and be able to develop a plan of action against this demonic spirit. If you know anyone who might benefit from this, please share.
As always let’s discuss our Top Show Points:
Discussed what a Jezebel spirit is and how to recognize it
Discussed a summary of who the Bible reveals Jezebel was and what happened in Israel under her influence. This is again, just a summary. 1 and 2 Kings is where you will find all the history and story of Jezebel.
Jezebel was the daughter of a Phoenician priest king, making her a princess. She was married to Ahab, who was the king of Israel, the northern kingdom. from.
Jezebel saturated Israel with pagan worship of Ba’al and developed her own pagan prophets. She was known for her practice of witchcraft and evil actions toward God’s people.
God provides Elijah with the prophesy that Jezebel would be devoured by dogs by the wall of Jezreel.
The Jezebel Spirit is also mentioned in the book of Revelation 2:20, Jesus is talking to the church in Thyatira. He refers to a woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. He says that her teaching is misleading and leads His people into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
Jezebel is considered one of the most evil, if not the most evil woman in the Bible.
The demons Jezebel worked with to do all of her evil, are still functioning today in our times. They are still influencing and bringing disaster and destruction on God’s people.
Today we have Jesus having come and giving us the Holy Spirit, we have discernment to help us fully recognize the Jezebel Spirit.
The Jezebel Spirit is about control. They have to control everything and there is no interference with their control.
22 of these characteristics and behaviors they want to control.
1. Agenda
2. Conversation
3. Information
4. Money
5. Time
6. Access
7. Narrative
8. Sexuality
9. Control leadership
10. Image
11. Decisions
12. Relationships.
13. Atmosphere
14. Preachy
15. Grace
16. Churches
17. Creates hurt
18. Alliances
19. Role identity
20. Blackmail
21. People are disposable
22. God.
The differences in women vs men
For women specifically:
1. Seek to discredit the men more often than they will seek to discredit women
2. Often triggered by a traumatic event, loss of a loved one, divorce, abuse
3. Her children are not immune to her control and will often be abusive
4. Will use seduction under any circumstances to gain control, no one is off limits
5. Abuse of her spouse is fair game
For men specifically:
1. Can be sexually abusive or sexually demanding of their spouse
2. Will using demeaning methods to illicit control
3. Will use trauma triggers to illicit control
4. Will use children against their mother
A Jezebel’s behavior mirrors that of a narcissist. One thing that will distinguish the difference between the two is the narcissist will do these behaviors just for their own benefit, while the Jezebel Spirit does things for their own benefit but with the added objective to cause the destruction of others.
I told you about a friend going through this right now at her workplace and it has been building over about 2 years now.
When we are up against something that is bigger than what we can see in the natural, we want to follow 5 simple steps. We want to act in response to enemy tactics. Remember tho, this isn’t the person we are fighting against, it is the enemy who is using the person we are against. I gave you a general plan and make changes to fit your situation.
1. Find a prayer partner.
2. Put a prayer plan together, when and what are you praying about
3. Use scripture to support your prayer plan
a. Isaiah 54:17
b. Luke 10:19
c. Proverbs 16:3
d. Proverbs 30:5
e. Romans 14:11
f. 2 Kings 6:16
g. 1 John 4:4
4. Ask the Lord to reveal to us what He wants us to do and Follow through on what the Lord directs
5. Wait for the Lord to intervene, don’t try to intervene on our own
We encourage you:
· To have an active Bible reading plan, it will be helpful in gaining wisdom and understanding and it is required for the gift of spiritual discernment
· If you want to learn more about how to Hear God's Voice, take a look at my book, Loving Conversations: How to Pray and Hear God's Voice. There is also a Study Guide available and two devotionals out based on the Loving Conversations Book. One devotional is for women and one is for men. Those are available on the website www.lovingconversationssalo.com.
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I have enjoyed our time this week and look forward to spending time with you again next week!
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