BIBLICAL BRIEFS 77
The figure of Jezebel, which we get to know in the two books of Kings, is a historical figure which signifies a spirit of control and manipulation. In addition, the person referred to in Rev. 2:20 is also called Jezebel. The shadow figure of the Old Testament and the symbolic equivalent in the New Testament are represented as a character type (man or woman) with a particular agenda to manipulate everything, in order to control the situation behind the scenes. There is a lot to be said concerning this demonic spirit, but what is important for now is that she has elevated the person in which he operates, acquires false positions of authority and often make unholy alliances. Later on, as a result, she becomes the center, the untouchable person in a position of power. Very few can discern that her so-called prophetic word merely confirms her false position. Jezebel makes sure that she is being feared by others. She focuses on chasing after and destroying the prophets in most subtle ways in order to resist the “testimony of Jesus” (Rev. 19:10) within them. The origin of the Jezebel spirit lies in her identity, her name, which means “unhusbanded”. The unwillingness to recognize any authority as her own is the basis of this spirit of rebellion. And we know according to 1Sam. 15:23: that all rebellion is witchcraft. Jezebel’s greatest enemy is true spiritual authority. Jezebel loves to overdress herself with spiritual titles. She rules through so-called knowledge, which is often “prophetic” insight, or “a word of knowledge”, or “deep revelation”. By doing so, she controls the uninformed. If you have a relationship with God, of course, He speaks directly to you, not by spiritual intermediaries. Many of the wrong ways followed by contemporary Charismatic and Renewal congregations are often due to the functioning of the Jezebel spirit. Jezebel uses any clever manner of action to get her way. If threatening and blackmailing do not work, she will become a victim. By doing so, she tries to get sympathy and succeeds in achieving her goal, because once again she manipulates the outcomes through her actions. The spirit of Jezebel often works with the spirit of Ahab, people of particular authority who become the henchman, who has to perform Jezebel’s agenda. The biggest problem caused by Jezebel is that she causes the chosen to lose sight of their spiritual vision, wanting to give up on everything due to demonic depression, fear and isolation, just as it happened to Elijah.
Dr. Tom Gouws
