I once heard a pastor preaching a sermon about the Jezebel spirit. He stated that it occupies some women, and gave examples and the characteristics of a person with such a spirit. Some men exhibit those characteristics and behaviors also. Jezebel in the Bible is a woman and I wondered if that was why he felt that it manifests only in women. Does the Jezebel spirit manifest in men?
What the Bible Says about the Jezebel Spirit
Jezebel in the Old Testament – 1 Kings & 2 Kings
The term “Jezebel Spirit” is not mentioned in the Bible. The concept of the Jezebel spirit draws upon the characteristics of King Ahab’s wife, Queen Jezebel. Jezebel, the daughter of the king of Sidon (a nation devoted to false gods) exerted a profound influence over Israel following her marriage to Ahab.
In 1 Kings 16:30, the Bible portrays King Ahab as surpassing all his predecessors in evildoing in the eyes of the Lord. The story in the Bible shows how Jezebel influenced her husband and subsequently, the entire nation of Israel, to turn away from the worship of the one true God and instead embrace false deities, particularly Baal. Read 1 Kings 16:31 and 2 Kings 9:22.
Jezebel not only desired to worship false deities but had a strong desire to exert control. Read 1 Kings 19:2 and 1 Kings 21:7.
Jezebel’s influence over God’s people was so extensive that she ordered the execution of the Lord’s prophets, actively opposing the prosperity of God’s Kingdom. Read about it in 1 Kings 18: 4 & 13 and 1 Kings 19:1. Employing cunning and malevolent strategies, she obstructed the advancement of God’s Kingdom. Operating behind her husband’s rule, Jezebel orchestrated malicious schemes to achieve her objectives, primarily centered on gaining control. She employed manipulation to achieve lethal ends.
Jezebel in Revelations 2:18-25
The identification of a real person named Jezebel in the context of Revelation is improbable within Jewish cultural norms, although not entirely impossible. However, the use of the term “your woman (or wife) Jezebel” suggests a symbolic rather than literal meaning. Some interpretations propose that “Jezebel” refers metaphorically to the wife of a pastor, bishop, or elder, but this is linguistically plausible rather than probable. A more likely interpretation is that the reference is to a prominent prophetess in Thyatira who, like the Jezebel of 1 Kings, leads others astray. Alternatively, it could denote a collective group embodying similar malevolent characteristics as the Old Testament figure.
When we examine how Jezebel gained influence, the text portrays her as a self-styled prophetess who misleads believers through her teachings and allurements. Scholars like Sam Storms argue convincingly that she appropriates genuine prophecy to establish her authority, empowered not by the Holy Spirit but by an evil force. This interpretation highlights the “Jezebel spirit” as embodying manipulative and morally corrupt traits akin to those of the Jezebel in the Old Testament.
Moreover, the core of Jezebel’s teachings, as depicted in Revelation, encourages practices of sexual immorality and participation in idolatrous rituals. This mirrors the spiritual compromise and moral degradation that the original Jezebel promoted among the Israelites, fostering a parallel between the two contexts.
Jezebel’s adamant refusal to repent underscores her unyielding defiance, reminiscent of her Old Testament counterpart. Consequently, both she and her followers face severe judgment and destruction. The depiction of Jezebel in Revelation serves as a cautionary tale against embracing her characteristics or teachings. The “Jezebel spirit,” therefore, encapsulates traits of deceit, manipulation, and spiritual compromise that believers are urged to discern and avoid.
End-Times Church Warned About the Jezebel Spirit
This church at Thyatira was warned about its dealings with the false prophetess Jezebel who seemed to be a spirit and not an actual person. Revelations 2:19-22 states, “I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.” Repentance is required to break the stronghold of this spirit that aims to lead Christians astray to commit spiritual adultery by worshipping false gods. The church is the bride of Christ, and she has one husband – the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
Five Defining Characteristics of a “Jezebel Spirit”
The “spirit of Jezebel” is a set of character traits that can severely impact people and congregations. Some people believe these character traits are influenced by a demonic spirit. We will look at the teachings of the Bible – God’s Word on this subject.
Utilizing spiritual influence to manipulate or control others.
Engaging in behaviors symbolic of spiritual apostasy, such as sexual immorality.
Promoting idolatry, steering others away from authentic faith in Christ.
Inciting fear and discouragement among believers, akin to Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings.
Propagating false teachings.
When individuals display these characteristics reminiscent of Jezebel’s actions, we may identify them as possessing a Jezebel spirit. Such individuals, despite their apparent spiritual gifts, operate with objectives contrary to Christ-like principles, posing significant dangers to individuals and church communities. The detrimental consequences of tolerating similar false teachings, as witnessed in Thyatira, underscore the importance of vigilance against such influences. It is important to acknowledge, however, that the concept of a “Jezebel Spirit” has been misused to inflict harm on others.
How the Jezebel Spirit Operates in Our Lives
The Jezebel spirit targets leaders in governments – both men and women – aiming to divert groups of people, particularly those aligned with the prosperity of God’s Kingdom, away from their intended path. It utilizes positions of leadership to exert control and manipulation covertly, mirroring the tactics observed in Queen Jezebel’s influence over King Ahab.
Additionally, the Jezebel spirit attacks leaders within families, often leading to the fragmentation of marriages and bonds within a family. God’s design for marriages and families is to exemplify unity, love, honor, and a reflection of the relationship with the Father on earth. The Jezebel spirit seeks to undermine this divine blueprint, seeking to undermine and destroy these sacred institutions.
This evil force lures individuals in through false flattery and deception. It appeals to human vanity by telling people what they want to hear, only to undermine them when it serves its own agenda. 2 Timothy 4:3 states, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers…”
The Jezebel spirit operates with a self-centered agenda, craving attention and seeking to destroy relationships by attaching itself to individuals who crave the limelight and are self-serving. This spirit uses seduction as a tool, drawing those struggling with identity issues into its orbit.
Furthermore, the Jezebel spirit manifests itself as confrontational and specializes in negative criticisms. Once it ensnares a person it uses its influence to foster conflict and undermine any form of positive change or constructive criticism in a group. When its control is threatened, it aggressively targets those who oppose it. Therefore, it is crucial to combat this spirit alongside other strong believers, actively equipping oneself with the armor of God for spiritual defense.
Understanding the Jezebel Spirit in Men and Women
When the Jezebel spirit operates in men, it initially presents itself as strong and influential. This facade includes a sensitive side that swiftly shifts into playing the victim role.
This spirit appears to be charming and manipulates those around it, coercing them to fulfill his desires even at the expense of harming others. Subsequently, it adopts a controlling and condescending demeanor, often displaying insubordination.
The Jezebel spirit pretends to be sincere and mimics qualities like honesty and integrity. Its true nature eventually surfaces, often erupting in anger.
Following emotional outbursts, the spirit may feign sorrow without admitting guilt, all in a strategic effort to regain control through manipulation.
In women, the Jezebel spirit operates similarly. It conceals insecurities and fears behind a domineering behavior, diverting them from genuine relationships where vulnerability and honesty thrive. This domineering mindset amplifies its control within a woman’s sphere of influence. The Jezebel spirit in women thrives on gossip, seeking intimate details about others’ lives to use against them later.
Understanding Jezebel as the Seducing Spirit
The Jezebel spirit is often referred to as a “seducing spirit” because it entices both men and women away from their families, marriages, values, and beliefs. This mirrors Queen Jezebel’s strategy with King Ahab, steering him and Israel away from worshipping God by introducing false gods that led to national division.
How to Overcome the Jezebel Spirit
The Jezebel spirit’s influence spans various aspects of life, including leadership, relationships, and family dynamics. Recognizing its impact on culture, government, and the Church is critical.
Begin by approaching God with honesty. Acknowledge any influence or harm caused by the Jezebel spirit in your life. God knows your heart intimately, including the secrets and shame that this spirit exploits.
Men and women alike have reported feeling entrapped or disoriented by the Jezebel spirit’s manipulative tactics. For instance, it can create an intense longing contrary to God’s design, such as an obsessive attraction to another person.
Women have similarly reported succumbing to its deceit, forming unhealthy soul ties that prioritize emotions over Christ-centered thoughts.
Confront the Jezebel spirit before God, expressing genuine repentance as Jesus taught in Revelation 2:21. Repentance involves deep remorse and a true understanding of the offense to God and those affected by its influence.
Declare God’s sovereign power over the Jezebel spirit. Trust in the greater power of God within you, knowing that His authority surpasses any spiritual force in the world.
Embrace the freedom you gain from turning away from the Jezebel spirit and aligning yourself with God’s truth. Matthew 6:24 reminds us that we cannot serve God and worldly influences. By seeking God’s guidance, repenting sincerely, and affirming His control, you can break free from the grip of the Jezebel spirit and walk confidently in the fullness of life that God intends for you.
If you notice these traits in someone close to you, pray for them. There is no need to confront them as this could have a bad ending. The Bible does not teach us to do that, and we may in turn be accused of having that spirit.
Use Discernment and Caution
Do not indiscriminately label everyone as being possessed by a Jezebel Spirit. While it is evident that some individuals within our personal circles and communities may exhibit traits like those of the Jezebel figure from the Old Testament and described in Revelation 2, it is crucial to approach such observations with caution and refrain from unwarranted speculation. The Scriptures do not explicitly mention a “Jezebel spirit,” nor do they establish a hierarchical ranking of demonic entities where a Jezebel spirit holds prominent status.
Certainly, demonic possessions and influence continue to exist in our world. However, it is essential to treat individuals with humanity and exercise great prudence before declaring someone as possibly being under the influence of a demonic spirit seeking control or power. Ultimately, we can find reassurance in the victory of Christ. The same gospel that has the power to cast out demons also possesses the transformative power to heal and renew individuals who exhibit traits resembling those associated with Jezebel.
Conclusion
Regrettably, there is widespread misinformation regarding the influence of the Jezebel spirit. Many erroneously believe that this influence is limited to women, but this is inaccurate. The Jezebel spirit has the potential to affect both men and women alike. It is important to recognize that the adversary operates with cunning and strategy. His aim often involves diverting our focus towards specific individuals or areas, thereby causing havoc and devastation in others.
When such destruction occurs, its primary targets are often those striving to honor and glorify God, such as churches, ministries, marriages, and families. It is important to emphasize that both genders can fall under the sway of the Jezebel spirit. while discernment is necessary in identifying destructive behaviors, we must approach these matters with sensitivity and rely on the transformative grace of Christ to redeem and restore individuals displaying characteristics akin to Jezebel.