 
Discerning the Spirits that Resist

Copyright by Peter McArthur 2003

Published at Smashwords

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 A general introduction

Chapter 2 The Hittite spirit

Chapter 3 The Girgashite spirit

Chapter 4 The Amorite spirit

Chapter 5 The Canaanite spirit

Chapter 6 The Perizzite spirit

Chapter 7 The Hivite spirit

Chapter 8 The Jebusite spirit

Chapter 9 The Analogy of the Seven Nations

Chapter 10 The Thirty-One kings

Chapter 11 Identifying the Absalom spirit

Chapter 12 Discerning techniques of control
Chapter 1

A general introduction

When we look at the Old Testament we find many principles that have their working out in the practices of the New Testament. One such instance is the commandment of the Lord to "cast out" the seven nations as described in Deuteronomy 7:1. "When the Lord your God shall bring you into the land to which you are going, to possess it, and He casts out many nations from before you, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations larger and mightier than you..."

These seven nations had to be "cast out" (naw-shal'). This comes from a primitive Hebrew word meaning to pluck off, divest, eject, or drop, cast out, drive, loose, put off (H5394). Note that it is the Lord who delivers them into the hand of Israel, and it is they who then do the conquering. "...and when the Lord your God delivers them over to you, and you strike them, then you shall utterly destroy them..." (Deut. 7:2)

Israel was required to eject these forces from the region before they could truly possess their Promised Land. While these were in fact historical people-groups, they now stand for types of spiritual powers that still have a hold in people's minds and hearts today. Therefore the reality of an Old Testament event becomes a principle for us to contend with today. These seven nations along with the thirty-one kings, as well as other resisting powers found in Scripture are analogous to the battle for the soul that rages within so many of us.

When we get a handle on how these spirits work in an individual or group, we can begin the process of resisting their stranglehold on us, and so overcome. The following articles look at how these spiritual forces operate, and how to deal with them. The following information isn't so much about "how to cast out a demon" but more along the lines of providing insight into the methodology of these powers. Having gained some insight into their behavioural patterns we can then discern much more easily why, and in whom, these forces operate.

First we'll look at the seven principal spiritual forces as described in Deuteronomy chapter 7, and then take a look at various other spiritual forces such as the Absalom spirit. By the end of all this it's my hope that we can more readily identify the presence of such forces within the Body of Christ, because sadly that's where they often lurk.

As you read this booklet you'll probably stop now and then and say to yourself "Why, that's how so-and-so in our congregation acts!" And if you've been on the receiving end of some false accusation from one of the brethren, then you may well find their heart attitude described in these pages. However, please be on guard as you read - this information isn't meant to arm you with your own set of accusations to level at brethren who've hurt you; rather it's simply to offer some insight into how Satan's attacks work. Remember, "We do not battle against flesh and blood but against..." Well, I'm sure you know the rest! If not, see Ephesians 6:12. 8.

The seven nations of Deuteronomy 7:1 - who were they? The following is a short historical overview of these nations, but the next few chapters will provide greater insight.

1. The Hittites. This race were descendants of Heth, the second son of Canaan (Gen. 10:15), and occupied the mountainous region around Hebron, in the south of Israel.

2. The Girgashites. Supposed by some to be the same as the Gergesenes (Mtt. 8:28), who dwelt east of Lake Gennesareth. Others take them for a branch of the larger tribe of the Hivites, as they are omitted in nine out of ten places where the tribes of Canaan are mentioned; in the tenth they are mentioned, while the Hivites are not.

3. The Amorites. Descended from the fourth son of Canaan. Besides their conquest on the Moabite territory they occupied extensive mountainous settlements west of the Dead Sea.

4. The Canaanites. Located in Phoenicia, particularly about Tyre and Sidon, and came from the oldest branch of the family of Canaan, bearing his name.

5. The Perizzites. That is, villagers, a tribe who were dispersed throughout the country and lived in unwalled towns.

6. The Hivites. They dwelt about Ebal and Gerizim, extending towards Hermon. They are supposed to be the same as the Avims.

7. The Jebusites. These resided around Jerusalem and the adjacent countryside.

In studying these people-groups, we'll also be looking at the kings of these nations, because the Biblical principle is that kings represent the gods they serve (see 1 Kgs 11:2ff / Jer 11:13 / Jer 30:9 / Isa 24:21 / Hos 3:5 9). We find this principle scattered throughout the Bible which is based on the truth that Jesus is THE King.

During Old Testament times, gods became national symbols as the kings who represented them fought for political recognition and dominance. So it is that we find the names of Near

Eastern kings often contained a national god's name. This is also found among the kings of Israel and Judah, who often bore names containing a shortened form of the Hebrew name of Jehovah: Jeroboam, Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, Jeroboam, Jehoiachin, Jothan, Josiah, etc.

The pagan gods were believed to be limited to certain geographical localities, and their power outside these designated areas was greatly diminished. We find one such reference to this belief in 1 Kings 20:23 where the advisers to the Syrian king counsel him to fight Israel on the plains because its "gods are gods of the hills".

It is from this that we get the concept of territorial spirits. The revelation of the Hebrew God as the One All-Powerful God reigning over all things was a major concept that completely separated Yahweh from all other gods in scope.

The above-discussed principles are vital to understand, as they underpin our argument that ancient national groups headed by a monarchy represent the gods they are dedicated to. This also applies to the naming of certain cities after the name and characteristic of a local or national deity. In fact, the dominant god was honoured by naming a city after it. Also we find that Amorite gods with names like Hadad, Ado, Rachaf, Rammano, Ashtar and Ashirt, were used to name some places in Lebanon such as Brimana, Ayn ar rimana, and Adunis.

The naming of certain Lebanese geographic areas by the inhabitants was often influenced by geographic or religious descriptions, by the affiliation to special persons or conquerors, or to note-worthy incidents, and even or to a certain plant or animal. For example, the geographic description of an area often represented some outstanding feature, such as "height", with localities like Roum, Romine, Rama, Bterram, and Batrumine, so-named because these very names describe an elevated high place where the local gods supposedly lived.

A religious name often produced a dual description; a god and a certain feature combined, such as Qornayel (Peak of God), Majdel Shams (Sun Tower), Deir el-Qamar (House of the Moon). Even today we still find certain countries named after gods and demons; some examples are:

EUROPE: The European land mass is actually named after (and therefore possibly dedicated to) the ancient Phoenician/Greek goddess Europa.

ASSYRIA: This ancient nation (which is today's Syria) was named after a warlike god called Ashur, which may partial account for its constant war-like tendencies.

HAWAII: The island of Hawaii is named after Haumea, the old earth-mother fertility goddess.

IRELAND: This name comes from an early Celtic word Iweriu meaning "the fertile place" or more probably, "Place of Eire". Eire is another spelling of Eriu, who was a Celtic fertility goddess.

THE ISLE OF MAN: This island off the coast of England derives its name from Mannanan mac Lir, the Gaelic equivalent of the Greek sea-god Poseidon and analogous to the Roman sea-god Neptune.

MONACO: The name of the tiny country of Monaco most probably means "Himself alone" which is a reference to the Greek demigod Hercules, who was once worshipped at a shrine in this locality.

VATICAN CITY: Even the Papal city has a name originally derived from demonic sources. "Vatican" comes from the Latin word vaticinari, which means "to prophesy". This is a reference to the hill Mons Vaticanus of which the city forms a part. Pre-Christian sooth-sayers and fortune-tellers used the streets in this area to practice divination in ancient times.

EL SALVADOR: Interestingly this South American country's name comes from the Spanish, meaning "The Saviour" and is a reference to Jesus Christ!

Let's now see how the names of these seven nations actually represent the spirits that have become associated with them. Note that there may well be more than one spirit operating in a person or group at a time. They will often form clusters or "nests" because that increases their power-base. This is recognised in deliverance ministry where you may find a number of evil spirits operating together, usually under the control of a major demonic spirit.

The following outline gives us the meanin behind the various nation (and demons) names. It also highlights the genral characteristic pertaining to the influence that particular demon instills in people.

Hittites. The name means "Terror; son/s of terror". (Strongs H2850). The Hittite spirits instills fears of all kinds; mind issues like torment, phobias, terror, depression and deceit. Clings to tradition out of fear of change.

Girgashites. Means "Dweller on clay soil". (Strongs H1622). Focuses on earthly issues rather than the heavenly; earth-bound; unbelief in the spiritual; doubt.

Amorites. Name meaning is "Mountain people; sayers". (Strongs H567). One who "says", meaning one who seeks publicity for self-glory; focuses on temporal fame and personal issues; proud; domineering; enjoys to be prominent. Uses slander.

Canaanites. Means "Peddler; trafficker; zealous" (Strongs H3669). This spirit breeds an over zealouness in almost everything, and is the source of many addictions and perversions; a people-pleaser to the extreme.

Perizzites. The name means "Belonging to a village; dwellers in the countryside". (Strongs H6522). "Rustic-minded", that is, limited ambition, limited vision, and often has low self-esteem. Steals and disposes. Unfaithful and cunning.

Hivites "Villagers; smallness". (Strongs H2340). Satisfied with village (i.e. small) life; limited vision; enjoyment of an earthly life, hence a satisfaction with small worldly pleasures; shyness. Ignorant.

Jebusites. Means "Thresher place; threshers". (Strongs H2983). The main characteristic is on those who tread down others, hence controllers, manipulators, especially over other believers; mis-use of spiritual authority; legalism and power playing.

It's been suggested by some Bible commentators that these seven nations are the evil counterparts of the "Seven Spirits" of God as recorded in Revelation 3:1, Revelation 5:6 and Zechariah 4:10. If this is so, then the corresponding contrary spirits are the seven we are looking at here. Bible commentators have also seen the seven vials recorded in Rev. 16 as judgements released against these seven evil spirits. According to some Jewish writers, the seven nations that inhabited the Land of Israel stand in direct opposition to the seven attributes of God's character. For instance, opposite the love of God are the Canaanites, who represent the love of other things. Opposite fear of God, are the Hittites who instil unholy fear; etc.

As it's true that the Holy Spirit leads and guides God's leadership, then it can also be true that the seven counterfeit spirits will attempt to lead astray Christian leaders today. We can therefore surmise that it's highly likely that such spirits will attempt to infiltrate and affect every leader in God's church. These so-called "spirits" are attitudes and leadership styles, which are neither God-honouring nor approved by Him.

So let's begin to see something from the background of these seven spiritual types. Their names are particularly revealing, so we will unpack them and take to heart the inner truths that reveal "these spirits that hinder" our spiritual maturity.
Chapter 2

The Hittite Spirit

The Hittites were descendants of Heth (see Gen. 10:15). They dwelt in Hebron, in the south of the land of Canaan. Their name means "terror" (from H2865; terror; Cheth, a Canaanite, Heth). The root meaning of the word gives us the clue we need in order to designate a spirit's character. These days in particular, the word "terrorist" is thrown around quite freely. But let's consider what the word conjures up for us: a manifestation of fear; a (literal) fear of an unknown happening; a secrecy planned and carried out with the aim to create panic and confusion amongst an unsuspecting public.

Thus terror is related to the unknown, and it has to do with the "unseen". The very fact that acts of terrorism, whether contemporary or ancient, happen out-of-the-blue upon "innocent" people, with no seeming rational reasoning, creates fear in the mind. This of course is one of the desired effects of terrorism – to create an atmosphere of fear that can actually be felt. As this spreads it becomes infectious and has repercussions well beyond the boundaries that the actual act itself has caused. Whilst the terrorist bomb causes physical pain, the "fear" of further terrorism causes pain in the mind. Terrorism is not just about the initial suffering it brings, but also about the lingering fear and confusion it leaves in its wake. The spirit of terror wants to savour its work and salivate over its ongoing power over unsuspecting people.

Our minds prefer it when all is right with the world; when law and order keep a check on life; when we can count on something; when we know we can "trust" things to work for our well-being. Nevertheless, when fear comes along and plagues our minds, rationality goes out of the window, and panic stalks us. Fear comes close. With it comes the confusion, the questions, the irrational reactions, the anger, and the turning-in of our minds. We seek shelter, answers, protection, and often flee from the rational. The Hittite spirit loves such fertile soil.

The terror that comes causes us to react against, instead of responding to a situation. The fear of terror is an emotional reaction rather than a mental assessment. For example, in the past I had a fear of large spiders, particular those very large brown hairy ones so common in the northwest of Australia. Small spiders don't worry me too much, although I'm careful about those very poisonous ones.

I recall on one occasion some years back when gardening, I was trimming the large leaves off a palm tree in the front yard. As I picked it up, one of those dreaded large spiders ran up my arm. In a split second that seemed to last much longer, I remember saying to myself, "Oh there's a spider on my arm – I must've disturbed its home in the palm tree and it's ran up my arm to seek escape from its home being cut up".

For a brief moment I looked at this creature, thought those above thoughts, as calm as anything. Then I distinctly recall the moment that my brain clicked in. "Yes, it's one of those spiders, and yes it's definitely on your arm – and by the way, you're really fearful of those things!"

The next second my rational thought processes went out the window, and emotion took over. I yelled, shook my arm, my heart raced, I jumped back, yelled again and ran shivering with fear. It took another ten minutes before I plucked up enough courage to grab a rake and crazily go bashing the ground around the base of the palm tree in an attempt to squash the poor creature. Irrational fear took over and my emotions went berserk. So we can say that terror is more emotive than mentally rational; it's based more on what our emotions "feel" than on what our mind can "see". Since this episode I've begun dealing with this irrational thought process realising that it stems from some sort of in-bred fear that has little rational support.

What I discovered was a so-called "entry point" for this irrational behaviour. As I reflected on all of this I remembered my mother killing a similar spider in my younger years. I was probably 3 or 4 years old at the time, sitting on the floor next to a telephone table, while my Mum was on the phone. I recall her seeing a large hairy spider on the wall high up above the telephone table. She grabbed a broom and began to hit it; and all the time I was sitting on the floor watching this. I feel that it was at that point (in particular) that I was "educated" to fear such large spiders, and to deal with them immediately. Since then that "lesson" has always been associated with some sort of fear – after all, if my Mum was scared of these spiders then I had better be sacred too, because they're probably pretty bad things!

The Hittite-spirit is one that targets the emotions, particularly where a fear of some sort might have taken advantage, like my incident just related. Probably it's the spiritual force that operates most strongly in connection with phobias, nightmares, irrational worries, etc. Because it relies on craftiness, secrecy and stealth in order to maximise its attack, it's for that very reason hard to detect except by revelation of the Holy Spirit. Being a spirit of terror it brings with it a sense of dread, despair and torment, factors that play heavily on the mind of the victim. It can therefore be a spirit associated with suicide.

Our self-life fears being hurt, and because of this, we erect barriers in our minds to protect ourselves from anyone or anything that would inflict inward pain. Some such barriers are; procrastination over decision-making; a form of shyness that attempts to deal with hurtful relationships; feigned "coldness" that hopes to protect from aggression of various kinds; or a refusal to confront issues and deal with them. All of these attitudes are un-Godly and need to be exorcised from the mind.

Interestingly enough we find emotional and mental attacks often directed against those who have a prophetic calling in Christ. On the outside, the prophetic person may seem to have it together, but often those in the prophetic will relate how they're often under mental attack by the enemy - and while of course this can be the case with any believer, it seems to be a common factor in the lives of those with a prophetic edge.

The Hittite-spirit prefers to hide itself, often disguising itself as "friend" rather than "foe"; this of course fits the modus operandi of many a terrorist. An interesting Biblical account similar to this can be found in 2 Chronicles 18:28-29. "And the king of Israel went up, and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, to Ramoth-gilead. And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and go into battle; and you put on your robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself. And they went into battle."

When we read the full account of this in chapter 18 we discover the following.

1. Ahab (king of Israel) and Jehoshaphat (king of Judah) go into battle despite the revelation of the Lord (verse 16), but the Lord knowing their hearts gives them what they have already decided to do.

2. The Lord sends forth a lying spirit (vs. 20-21). In a vain attempt to deflect the outcome as revealed through the prophet Micaiah (vs. 16), Ahab chooses to disguise himself.

3. He even uses Jehoshaphat as bait by asking him to wear his royal robes into the battle while he (Ahab) presumably dons a simple soldier's attire.

4. Against all odds (because the Lord is sovereign even in this battle) Jehoshaphat escapes death (vs. 32) while Ahab, even though disguised, cannot escape the Lord's hand.

5. The end of the matter proceeds when a lone Syrian archer fires a random arrow that "just happens to kill Ahab"!

Through Ahab, we see the Hittite-spirit at work in his heart. All the tentacles are there; pride, hiddenness, secrecy, disguising oneself, etc. The Hittite-spirit might well plan in the dark, but it will eventually come under the scrutinising light of God, and He will deal with it.

It's ironic that Ahab, who wanted to be hidden in battle, ends his life propped up in a chariot some distance from the battlefield (vss. 33-34). Even desiring to be "hidden" he cannot help but show himself by being propped up in his chariot. We might expect him to crawl away into a cave and die somewhere out of sight. But no, his proud spirit still wants to doggedly stand up, even if it's propped up in death!

The Hittite-spirit might well resist the prophetic word of God and try to shut it up (vs. 26), but God will have His day against such terrorising and deceitful spirits. Those who ally themselves to this spirit might win the day now and then, but "in the evening" (vs. 34) they shall pass away and be found displaced. The Lord often works against His adversaries by coming "in the opposite spirit". Hence, when dealing with the Hittite-spirit He will deal with it by Prophetic Truth, since both of these characteristics (Prophecy and Truth), are the very opposite to False Speech and Deceit.

This should be a warning to anyone who practices these things – God's word and God's truth will find you out. So those who use the methods of secrecy, who practice deceit, who would shut up the prophetic, and who misuse others for their own gain, are knowingly or unknowingly, siding with the Hittite-spirit. Only by God's wonderful grace can they find their liberty.

The Hittite-spirit can usually be found at work in those who practice the following:

1. Gossip and slander

2. Those who abuse others by use of words and speech

3. Inordinate desire to keep secrets

4. Those who terrorise others in whatever form it may take

5. Rumour-mongers who delight to instil fear and distress in others

6. Leaders who quench the Holy Spirit's voice

7. Those who dampen any encouragement found among the brethren

8. Undue criticism bent on controlling others.

It can be found in those who suffer from: Phobias of all kinds; Fear and mental torments; Those of a melancholic nature; Ongoing suicidal tendencies; Long-term depression; Irresponsibility and unaccountability; and Co-dependence on others as a way of escape.

Below is a very helpful text regarding the Hittite-spirit, from a writing by Thomas Bromley who died in England in 1691. His brief treatise was called; The Seven Nations of Canaan, which Joshua cast out, prefiguring the works of Jesus, casting out the evil properties they signify, out of our souls.

The Hittites signify the Spirits of Fear and Discouragement. These discourage the soul continually with false fears, affrighting and terrifying it from its work. Sometimes raising up infidelity, sometimes false reasoning, thro' earthly wisdom, disputing against Faith and the Power of God; telling us, that none can come to perfection; that none can conquer the temptations and assaults of the Devil; none can overcome sin, self, and the passions and distempers of the Old Man. Sometimes they discourage from without; with the many rumours of wars and calamities, persecutions and tribulations; arguing from the opinions of learned Ministers or others, against our practice, and from the divided contrary judgments of such, from their books and writings; also from the example of multitudes, that believe and walk otherwise, and yet hope to be saved. All this, these discouraging spirits of fear, cast before the soul, to stop its wheels in going to perfection. And this they do from first to last, even till the work is ended, and perfection attained. But the Spirit of Faith, in the Name Jesus, doth at last conquer, and overcome these Hittites.
Chapter 3

The Girgashite Spirit

Now we come to the second nation described in Deuteronomy chapter 7; the Girgashites. Its root meaning is "a clay (earth) dweller" (see Strongs H1622).

This spirit and those infected by it tend to focus on earthly issues rather than the heavenly. There may well be "heavenly" and "spiritual" talk to suit the occasion, but the underlying focus is earth-bound which leads to an unbelief in spiritual realities. If you should talk to someone about true spiritual issues, or mention the miraculous or signs and wonders, you'll get a reaction from this spirit that immediately casts doubt in the mind of the person.

That person will listen to what you're saying (because after all "they too are Bible-believing and Holy Spirit-inspired"), but in their mind they'll be questioning you, criticizing your belief or experience, and making a rash judgement about what you're saying. Of course, this spirit doesn't just influence the minds of believers but also of unbelievers, but in this study our main focus is on how such spirits work on the minds of Christians.

Those who are swayed by the Girgashite-spirit tend to focus strongly on what they can see, analysis, and in some way "control". Their preferences in life are based more on the practical and observable, than on inner-belief and faith. This becomes a real problem when a believer, manipulated by such a spirit, wants to move on in God and enter some ministry phase. The person will incline more to the practical side in the decision-making process than on trusting in God to lead them. How many Pastors have confronted this kind of spirit at work in the brethren they oversee!

Hence it is that a Girgashite will tend to rely more on his own perceptions rather than on the inner voice of the Holy Spirit. Of course he will deny this, because to do so will expose him as carnal and unspiritual. Yet that's just what he is – when the time to make a choice comes he's more reliant on earthly wisdom than heavenly.

There's perhaps no better Scripture that describes this than 1 Cor 2:14. Literally meaning "a man of soul" (Strongs G5591). "...a natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

The phrase "natural man" is literally "man of soul" or "soul-man". It refers to someone dominated by the self-mind and temporal perceptions. It's the very antithesis of the spiritual man who is focused on eternal issues and who trusts the unseen by faith, not relying on the perceived wisdom of carnal thought.

The word "natural" here stands opposed to "spiritual". It simply denotes people who are governed and influenced by their natural instincts (the so-called "animal passions" and desires) in opposition to those who are influenced by the Spirit of God. "While we do not consider the things seen, but the things not seen; for the things being seen are not lasting, but the things not being seen are everlasting." (2 Cor. 4:18)

The trouble with this Girgashite-spirit is that the person it influences will make all the right noises, spiritually speaking. They will say the right-sounding phrases, they will throw in jargon that gives the impression they're spiritual, and that they understand spiritual principles. But by their fruit you shall expose them, for when crunch time comes, they will always waver and decide in favour of the earthly, and what benefits them best.

I don't know how many times I've seen this spirit at work in believers over the past 40 plus years of ministry. It just keeps on popping up; you spend hours and hours with someone trying to get them to see as heaven sees, you think they've got it, and then right at the last moment they throw it all away and make a decision based on practicalities, the immediate benefits, and say "after all we have to be balanced"!

How my heart has sunk repeatedly when I've heard this kind of talk. Underlying all of this is an actual disdain for the spiritual. I can say it in no other way: they disdain the ways of the Spirit. They won't "risk" stepping out in faith, although nearly always that's what they think they're actually doing. This spirit has much to answer for! A verse that often comes to mind in these days for me is a beautiful Scripture that puts things into focus and sets the right heavenly standard. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Mtt. 6:33)

If only we would learn this lesson well, and learn to rely more and more on the Holy Spirit rather than on our natural minds. Preferring the Spirit and heaven's ways is a sign that we're increasing in maturity. Certainly it's a growth issue, a process, a pathway, but what joy there is in seeing it work out! There's probably no greater joy than knowing "Scripture works"! The reason the Lord has given us commands is that they're actually beneficial for us.

A Girgashite-spirit will cause a person to waver in their decision-making. It's interesting to unpack this word because it helps us understand what someone influenced by such a spirit thinks. The word waver is diakrino, a Greek word meaning, to judge between. In some circumstances, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, although I'd prefer to use the word "discernment" because that takes the carnal mind out of the decision-making process. But in respect to what we're discussing here, "waver" definitely has negative connotations.

In the context of this study to "waver" implies the hearer doesn't want to hear from God at all! They prefer to make their own choice based on their experience, their opinion, their thought processes. You can see where this would lead. In his letter, James says that such an attitude lacks faith, to say nothing of wisdom.

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask from God, who gives to all freely and with no reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, wavering nothing. For the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, being driven by wind and being tossed." (Jms. 1:5-6)

Notice that such an attitude doesn't remove God's voice from the picture altogether. No! Someone motivated by the Girgashite-spirit will not completely reject God's direction, but rather be selective about what's He says. Such a person will reject what they don't want to hear. Now while we've all done this from time to time, this spirit will attempt to make such an attitude a foundation stone for further inroads into a person's life.

Hence, an antidote to this is to make it a habit of always putting what we read and hear to the test. What test? The Biblical standard of truth. We can do this by learning to discern and judge according to the Word; not only the truths of the Word, but the principles it worked in the lives of Biblical characters. The Old Testament is full of wonderful lessons and principles of how God was allowed, or not allowed, to work in people's lives. Read the Old Testament (literally meaning "witness") and get to know God's ways and dealings with people. This will go a long way in assisting us to check, discern and judge what we're thinking. The Girgashite-spirit hates this because it forces us to look away from the earthly realm into the heavenly. It is a focus away from the dust, and realignment to the stars.

Part of the lesson of faith that God is constantly teaching us, is to learn to think and do things that seem contrary to our earthly mind-sets and learned traditions. Just consider the twelve apostles for a moment prior to the Crucifixion, and you'll begin to see what is meant here. This whole issue is dealt with by Paul in 1 Cor. 2:12-16: "...a natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But the spiritual one discerns all things..."

Correct discernment is an important gift that needs to be exercised by contemporary Christians. Without using the Word as our standard, and by not knowing how to discern correctly, we are simply walking in a minefield. Think of it for a moment; how many believers do you know who've made some sort of dogmatic pronouncement or prophetic declaration that was carnal in origin and not of God? Plenty I would dare to suggest.

In these days the subjective nature of things has unfortunately come to the fore more than the objective. This is nothing more than the spirit of the age which constantly screams at us that "there are no absolutes, that it's wrong to judge others, that we should do what we feel is right and that the only truth is that there is no truth".

Brethren, we live in very treacherous times! As each day passes by we are slowly but surely heading toward that Great Day when He comes again. We are heading toward heaven and the glory of the eternal Godhead. So doesn't it make sense that the Girgashite-spirit will increasingly try to get our focus off that event, and tie us to the earth realm? Of course!

Know this – the more you look away unto Jesus and the more you fix your mind on things above, the more you're going to agitate the Girgashite-spirit. So by "looking away unto Jesus" (Heb. 12:2) you not only get realigned with heavenly issues, but you also defeat that Girgashite demon. However you'll also cause consternation among brethren you know in whom this spirit operates. Life will not be comfortable around them because you as a heaven-focuser will always threaten them.

You will threaten the Girgashite person because you are implying that they are anchored to a wrong foundation and that they've invested their energies into something out of self preservation. A Girgashite knows deep down in their soul that to "go with God" implies they'll have to sacrifice something – and they simply aren't willing to pay that kind of price.

If you as a non-Girgashite live for a higher reality, obey a higher vision, and stand firm on eternalness rather than the fleeting satisfaction of the moment, then you'll have to make sacrifices more and more. It may well seem that these never end, and you may feel despondent at times. But deep within the recesses of your spirit-man you know that this is the way forward. "If any man would deny himself let him take up his cross and follow Me" (Mtt. 16:24).

That Girgashite-spirit is smart enough and evil enough to know that it cannot confront you directly, so it will attempt a subtle strategy to entice you to a lower level of service. This is all it takes. Lowering your sights just that little bit will keep you earth-bound just where that clay-dwelling demon wants you.

I've seen that spirit at work where believers have made a choice, almost pretending that the option of a higher life in Christ doesn't actually exist! They have opted for an easier walk, where temporal benefits loom closer than the long-term spiritual benefits. We have called this "Coca Cola ministry" because it brings an immediate satisfaction to Self, just like a hit of Coca Cola will do if you haven't tasted the stuff for a while.

The trouble is it's all so short-lived; the moment passes, satisfaction is enjoyed, and the natural man is momentarily content. But the emptiness remains, because the Spirit of God is at work deep within appealing to the believer to "stop and reconsider". Because the Holy Spirit is from heaven He will constantly challenge the earth-realm in us. This causes us much restlessness and unease. The sooner we learn to listen to that voice of the Spirit and obey, the quicker we can come out of our spiritual malady. Let's look at some counsel from the Word of God that will help us to overcome the power of the Girgashite-spirit.

Our text is James 3:13-18.

"Who is wise and knowing among you? Let him show his works by his good behaviour, in meekness of wisdom." (Verse 13). All wish to appear "wise" but few are so. True meekness is inseparable from true wisdom. Meekness means you have a habitual willingness to be led by the Spirit of the heavenly realm, not the spirit of the earthly realm. Some questions to ask about this: Are you predisposed to being led by the Holy Spirit, or by the Girgashite spirit? What regard to do you hold your personal ambition, satisfaction and sacrifice in? Does the fear of man grip you more than the fear of God?

"But if you have bitter jealousy and contention in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth." (Verse 14). This characteristic in a person shows there to be a fierce and unholy zeal against truth, there being a spirit of ambition and contention at work. Questions to ask: Do you aspire to have benefits for yourself that actually bring about strife and contention with others? Has your attitude toward others ever brought about party-strife and infighting amongst brethren?

"This is not the wisdom coming down from above, but is earthly, soulish, devilish." (Verse 15). This is a kind of knowledge that leads to self-conceit, motivating a person to defend their opinions with over-heated zeal and self-serving ambition. Questions to ask: Do you only trust those things that can be analysed with the mind? Are you prone to take decisions that are influenced mainly by your emotions? Are you led more by what the natural mind can see, than the "mind of Christ" working in you?

"For where jealousy and contention are, there is confusion and every foul deed." (Verse 16). This characteristic produces an unsettled mind out of which comes a constant tumult of the soul. Disorder, anarchy and rivalry are but few of the out-workings of this state. The word "foul" here means "worthlessness". Questions to ask about this: Do you make choices based on what benefits you, rather than others? Does envy and jealousy rise up within you easily? These are warning signs. Are you aware that significant issues and circumstances of your life seem to worsen? This "vileness" starts with some slight issue and proceeds to develop into something more and more devastating. It finally ends up "bad", which in the New Testament is the very opposite to "goodness".

"But the wisdom from above is firstly truly pure, then peaceable, forbearing, yielding, full of mercy and of good fruits; no partiality and no pretention nor hypocrisy." (Verse 17). Note that the first characteristic stated here is "pure", from which all the others spring. Here we have a list of those essential aspects of the soul that are true signs of a restful heart. All these are proofs that your wisdom is heavenly and not earthly. Such wonderful things are "without partiality" meaning we have no right to choose what God intends for us. It actually means "not to wrangle". Some questions: Do you "judge" between what you suppose is good or not, as far as God's work in your life goes? Do you seek for the blessings of God before you seek His righteousness? Do you pretend to be more spiritual than you are?

"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for the ones making peace." (Verse 18). Seek first for "the peace of a righteous heart". If there is any war in our minds against the ways of God, we should surrender our wills to Him. Some questions to ask ourselves: Is your will truly at peace with God's will? Is your walk having an effect on the lives of others? If not, your will may still be at war with God in some way. As a "son of peace" are you habitually cultivating peace in those you meet? True "peacemakers" don't just work to bring about reconciliation, but "work peace" in the lives of others.

Below is another related text by Thomas Bromley this time regarding the Girgashite-spirit. His original brief treatise was called; The Seven Nations of Canaan, which Joshua cast out, prefiguring the Works of Jesus, casting out the evil properties they signify, out of our souls.

The Girgashites signify the Spirit of Earthiness. These are the earthly, dirty spirits that tempt and draw us to the earthly life, and its vanities; to bestial lusts, to excesses in all things, against the law of moderation, purity, temperance, etc.
Chapter 4

The Amorite Spirit

The word Amorite means "a mountain people, the renowned ones". Here we find an insight into this spirit. The Amorite people lived in the mountains and were therefore dominant over those tribes living below them on the plains and in the valleys. In other words, they were geographically exalted over their neighbours, which in turn bred within them a spirit of domination. They enjoyed being prominent, which given time, developed into a sense of self-centred pride. Historically speaking the Amorites were clearly a proud people.

According to Strongs (H567) the base word for Amorite also means "one who utters". Behind this meaning we can see that the Amorite spirit desires to proclaim itself and seek self-glory. It is vain. We could even go so far as to say that the Amorite desires to be talked about, seeks attention, and in today's terms desires publicity. The Amorite wants to be spoken about, wants to be commented on, and definitely seeks self-glory. The desire to be famous, talked about and hence to dominate, is a driving urge of the spirit.

We can still see this spirit at work in some nations today where there are photos and posters of dictators plastered at every conceivable public venue. Note for example the adoration given to Kim Jong-il, the leader of North Korea. The Amorite spirit clearly works in this man as he seeks to dominate and control his people. Such dictators love to receive the honour and accolades of their subjects. To see posters of themselves plastered all over cities and countryside is merely an outward expression of what they desire to be plastered on the hearts of their subjects – them self! It is self-adulation, vanity, and the sickening promotion of self-glory at the expense of others. Those driven by the Amorite spirit not only promote themselves in print and art, but also have their subjects sing songs about their supposed invincibility. The school parades of North Korean children who sing of their "glorious leader" and hail him as their "saviour" are very indicative of this spirit.

It doesn't take too much imagination to recall other infamous dictators who've been motivated by this very same spirit. Such people love to see their naive (or straight-out fearful) subjects revere them, proclaiming themselves liberators of their helpless people.

We find this very same spirit at work in many movie and music stars as well. Sometimes the people themselves foster it, at other times the media plays on this characteristic and fuels the self-feeding fire of publicity. Once the effected person begins to realise the power of all this, there's a great danger of the Amorite spirit going to the next level and using the soul power to dominate and control others in a very dis-compassionate way. Habitual manipulation soon follows and it all becomes very heady. Power! Control! Self aggrandisement! Acceptance! The worship of others! And finally the very worst of all; self-worship in all its devastating forms.

Sadly this same spirit can work its evil intent within the Body of Christ too, but usually in a far more subtle manner. Take for instance the popular tele-evangelist, or the senior pastor of a mega-church, or the globetrotting conference speaker, to mention some extreme cases. On the other end of the scale there are the every-day pastors who unknowingly have fallen prey to this monstrous spirit; let alone the many believers who themselves are not in leadership but have nevertheless bent to its domination and control.

Now of course I do recognise that some of these ministries are humble and are a blessing to the Body, but there are many who have fallen victim to the desire for publicity and self-glory. As the old saying goes "Beware the Gold, the Glory and the Gals!" The spirit of the age so rampart today fosters this kind of thinking –"get noticed, aim for the top, use whatever publicity you can, make a mark for yourself, advertise, be successful!"

I once read that Charles Finney, the great 19th century revivalist, saw an advertisement in a local newspaper boldly proclaiming that "God had come to town and was moving mightily at such-and-such a church". Interestingly enough Finney didn't disbelieve it at all, but his comment on seeing the revival advertised (no doubt to draw a crowd!) was very telling. He simply said, "Well, that's the end of that revival!"

He understood that advertising God was not spiritual, but of the flesh. And you know, it was the end of that particular outpouring. Unless the brethren today are alert and discerning, the likelihood is that we too may succumb to the insidious attacks of this powerfully proud spirit.

The other side of the coin in regard to the Amorite spirit is its desire to always want to say something. According to Brown, Driver and Brigg's bible dictionary (H567) the word "Amorite" comes from a root Hebrew word 'a mar meaning "to utter, to say". Look at the associated words and it'll tell a story.

BDB dictionary has these associated definitions with 'a mar: "Qal" means to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend. "Niphal" means to be told, to be said, to be called. "Hithpael" means to boast, to act proudly. "Hiphil" means to avow, to avouch.

Amorite spirits like to have the first and final say; they love the sound of their own voices, their own views, to boast – and especially to be invited to speak. It has a pride that supposes it knows all that needs to be known, and loves to be "called on" (niphal) to give an opinion. In the end this spirit actually works against the voice of God and His prophets, attempting to silence any word that comes from heaven.

This kind of spirit is strongest around Christians who are spiritually lazy and who don't use their gift of discernment. It will seek out those believers who have a problem with any God-ordained spiritual authority, sometimes including the Bible itself. Even better if the believer himself lacks spiritual authority and doesn't question what he's told in a sermon, a book or DVD. As long as the Amorite spirit has the last say and can boast, it's content.

But beware, this spirit can show real power and exercise real authority within its limited boundaries. It's always contending against the true authority of the Lord looking for every opportunity to destroy the believer's own spiritual authority and to boast against God. It brings further confusion into the arena when it's allied to other religious spirits and uses them as a power base from which to launch its attack against the supreme authority of God Himself.

Notice for example in John's gospel (18:19-23) where a religious official doesn't like the answer that Jesus gave to Annas at his first trial. "Then the High Priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and about His doctrine. Jesus answered him, "I publicly spoke to the world; I always taught in the synagogue and in the temple where the Jews always come together, and I spoke nothing in secret. Why do you question Me? Question those hearing what I spoke to them: behold, these know what I said". But on His having said these things, one of the under-officers standing by gave Jesus a blow with the palm of his hand saying, Do You answer the High Priest this way?"

This "under-officer" standing by (G3936) was one of the temple police whose duty was to protector the High Priest, both by action and word. Here this officer doesn't like what Jesus says and strikes "the Word" – Jesus, the Word of God! The "Word" is struck because He dared to speak a word! The officer had no idea that his misplaced submission to the High Priest caused him not to recognise the One who stood before him, the One to whom he should've been submissive.

And remember that the office of High Priest was originally ordained by God, but by this stage had become religious and lost its true spiritual authority. So here we have something once given by God and now gone stale, attacking what God is saying in the present moment. We could say that the Amorite spirit motivated both the office of the High Priest, and the officer protecting the High Priest. They didn't want to know what Jesus really had to say at all. The Lord knew this, hence his penetrating reply, "Why do you question Me? Question those hearing what I spoke to them: behold, these know what I said"(Jhn 18:21).

The Amorite spirit will always try to stop the oracles of God from being proclaimed. This is one of the indicators we should look for when trying to discern what's behind the attacks of the brethren and the schemes of the enemy.

A basic principle regarding the modus operandi of this spirit is that above all, it's territorial. How it loves to defend its own views, its own beliefs and experiences. Watch out if you dare challenge it, for it will lash out and strike you, like the officer did to Jesus. It will not accept anyone or anything entering its territory. If you dare to suggest to anyone moved by this spirit, that they might be wrong or have misplaced opinions, they will answer back with words - vehemently at times, philosophical at other times, and even feigning humility, speaking softly and quietly, but always with pride and arrogance behind the veil. We're dealing with a very deceptive spirit. The pretence of humility is meant to get you off guard and to try to get you to question your own opinions - so be alert.

In the Book of Numbers there's a helpful reference that shows the territorial nature of the Amorites. Moses wanted to pass through Amorite territory to continue on his journey with Israel, and possibly knowing how Sihon the king might react, he even said they wouldn't eat his crops, drink his water or deviate from the main road (Num. 21:21-24).

"And Israel sent messengers to Sihon the king of the Amorites, saying, Let me pass through your land; we will not turn into a field or into a vineyard; we will not drink waters of a well; we will go in the king's highway until we have passed over your border. But Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his border. And Sihon gathered all his people and went out to meet Israel in the wilderness, and they came to Jahaz and fought against Israel. And Israel struck him with the edge of the sword and seized his land, from Arnon to Jabbok, to the sons of Ammon. For the border of the sons of Ammon was strong."

Such was the arrogance of this Amorite king that he went to battle against Israel. He wasn't having anyone step foot on his property thank you very much! And notice where the battle takes place, at Jahaz, which means "to stamp down, trodden down" – how appropriate.

Note too that the Israelites strike Sihon's troops with "the edge of the sword". In the Hebrew, this literally is "with the mouth of the sword" for the so-called edge of a sword is technically referred to as "a mouth". Therefore, a double-edge sword is really a double-mouthed sword. Interesting.

The wordy proud Amorite spirit is struck down by the mouth of a sword, which in Biblical typology means "God's word" (compare "sword of the Spirit" in Ephesians 6:17). This is entirely appropriate because the vanity of words babbled out by an Amorite spirit is always attempting to displace the Word of God and bring it to nought. You cannot converse with an Amorite spirit because it will habitually try to get the upper hand, to take control, to demand to be heard, and defend itself at all costs, even when your opinion might be reasonable (as was Moses' request to Sihon).

The trouble with this spirit is that it'll try to make you a slave of its views and values. It will want you to submit to its way of doing things, and will use many subtle ways to bring this about. If you do not bend to its manipulative manner, it will attack you outright and with significant force.

Intimidation is one of its weapons and it doesn't like to be resisted. It believes its right, it alone is the authority, and it wants recognition. It will be jealous of anyone else taking the limelight and will incite jealousy in others to gain the prominence. It uses people and is a trader of souls. In the end someone motivated by this spirit has few true friends because it will ride rough-shod over anyone in its path. How such people need the mercy and grace of God to overcome its power.

Below is a related text by Thomas Bromley regarding the Amorite-spirit. His original treatise was called; The Seven Nations of Canaan, which Joshua cast out, prefiguring the Works of Jesus, casting out the evil properties they signify, out of our souls.

The Amorites signifying the bitter fierce-talking and judging Spirits; judging for this or that, and all from the Root of Bitterness. These bitter Spirits do much hinder the sweet Lilly of the Valley, from springing up in the Soul, even the soft, meek, gentle Nature of the Lamb, from acting out its Virtue to our selves, or to others, either Friends or Enemies. These perverse Spirits, rather incite us to require Eye for Eye, &c. and practise Revenge; they despise forgiving Mercifulness, and in their Fierceness, Rage against Meekness, and the Law of Love and Tender-heartedness, and gentle soft Behaviour. In a Word, the Spirits of Envy, Enmity, Jealousy, and rash Judging, are Amoritish Spirits, which Joshua, that is Jesus, cometh to cast out.
Chapter 5

The Canaanite Spirit

The word Canaanite means "a lowlander; a plain dweller", hence one of its associated actions is to bring others low, to humiliate. The linked meanings of the word are "peddler, merchant, one who traffics; zealousness". The root words (H3665 and 3667) mean "to vanquish; to subdue; to humiliate", and this is exactly what this spirit sets out to do.

In particular, it traffics in the souls of others and is the spirit behind many addictions and sexual perversions, thus bringing humiliation to a person's soul through these. It works to violate a person's conscience through bondage to lust, thus causing shame. In fact, lust is the compulsive behaviour that comes from the inner pain of one's soul. It's interesting to note that the Canaanite spirit brings with it a multi-faceted attack because it brings duplicity and disorder with it, as an attempt to overturn the order, peace and harmony produced by abiding in Christ.

Canaanite spirits will actually distort the views of a person, twisting reality and then getting people to over-emphasise and exaggerate their emotions and reactions to a situation. This will bring a person low in their self-esteem, violate their conscience and make them miserable and introspective. The Canaanite spirit drives people to "please themselves" and to become excessive in doing so – hence addictions.

The only thing is that in a vain attempt to please themselves, they begin to self-destruct, falling into depression, nervous disorder, a lack of emotional control, and increased anxiety attacks. This progressively leads to a sense of hopelessness and isolation, sometimes ending with suicidal tendencies taking hold. The person's respect for Self is gradually destroyed. Actually, the desire to "please themselves" brings them to "oppose themselves".

This "opposing oneself" will eventually lead to much inner confusion and cause further delusion. In fact, it will result in exalting lies and regarding them as truths. To believe a lie and hold it as a truth only compounds the inner confusion, and if you try to defend the lie you hold to be a truth, you'll do more and more to defend your position thinking it will bring certainty to your uneasy mind. Guess what? It only adds to the confusion! You can see this at work in the way evolutionists try to doggedly defend their very precarious world-view. Exalting a lie and accepting it as truth is of course a masterwork of Satan, the Father of Lies. The spirits that are work on his behalf are no less cunning, and utilize his same tactics.

The Canaanite spirit is also associated with worldly things and is a spirit of greed and lust for material possessions – it thereby encourages men to serve the spirit of mammon. In fact, there was a Canaanite god whose name in Aramaic was Mammon (which has also been translated as "Wealth"). So Mammon was in fact the Canaanite god of wealth and prosperity/profit. And we know what Jesus said about making a choice about where our allegiance should be (Mtt. 6:24).

In the story of Abram and Lot (Gen. Chapters 12-14) we get a glimpse of the power of this conniving spirit. When Lot chose the more fertile land to live in he was actually seduced by his selfish desire for material gain – and note where he lived, right next door to Sodom! (Gen. 13:12-13). Seduced and then deluded by this spirit Lot placed himself and his family in danger and in the end he lost everything. How ironic, for when this spirit of "gain" seduces us we actually end up losing.

But we see the ever-encroaching tentacles of this spirit, for when Abram risked his life to rescue Lot after a localized battle, the Canaanite spirit tried to manipulate Abram by offering him a share of the spoils of war. This came via Bera the king of Sodom, who offered Abram material gain in exchange for some captives (Gen. 14:17 and 21). The actual text gives us an interesting insight. "Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself"."

The word "persons" literally means "their souls" in Hebrew. King Bera, motivated by the Canaanite spirit (for kings represent the gods they serve), though normally desirous of material gain, here actually prefers people. More than that, he wants their souls. The Lord however intercepts this demon's activities by sending Melchizedek the king of Salem ("peace"), who arrives on the scene offering Abram bread and wine – the sign of God's blessing. Abram's response to this is to offer Melchizedek one tenth of all he had.

Notice an important principle here: when we seek gain for selfish purposes, things get decidedly messy. But when we give out of our prosperity to God's purposes, we receive His blessing. We gain by giving. This of course is NOT to be seen as a motive for being generous, as some teach. We give from a spirit of generosity in response to God's generosity to us (2 Cor. 9:7). We're even told in the New Testament that the reason we work is to use what prosperity we have left over to bless others (1 Cor. 16:2). We are to give out of our prospering.

We find the power that this spirit has when we see how money holds many believers in its submission. Financial straits can affect any of us at any time, and we all know that having "sufficient" money relieves us of quite a bit of inward stress. The difference between having "enough" money and wanting more, is in our attitude to what we'd actually do with the extra cash. Certainly we'd use that extra to enrich our family life just that little bit more, or to help the kids, perhaps to bless some other struggling believer, or to support a well-deserved ministry somewhere. Yes, we all would be open to using that extra money for some good purpose. But wanting more money so we could extend God's kingdom isn't what it's really about.

What is important is our attitude to having or not having, financial security. I recall it was said of John Wesley that at the beginning of his ministry he earned something like £5 (English pounds) a year, and at the close of his ministry he was earning about £150 – but he still lived off the £5.

He knew what Paul meant when he wrote: "I am not saying this because I am in any need, for I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am in. I know how to be humble, and I know how to prosper. In each and every situation I have learned the secret of being full and of going hungry, of having too much and of having too little." (Phlp. 4:11-12)

Of course there are those believers who like to display their poverty as a kind of medal. Some Christian denominations make quite a deal of exalting poverty by suggesting that by living a simple lifestyle like Christ's you somehow identify more closely with Him. You can particularly see this religious culture at work in Roman Catholicism, where to suffer from either an illness or poverty is often regarded as a sign of "holiness".

I've known former Catholics who've come to saving faith in Christ, struggle with this ingrained attitude. In some cases, it's taken quite some years before they seem to be free of the belief that poverty is somehow a blessing. This is most marked in those coming from a European Catholic background. Please note that I am not saying we should counter this by seeking wealth; I am simply stating that many Catholics from a European background like to give the impression that they're not so well off financially when in fact they're quite wealthy.

I recall one believer my wife and I knew some years ago who fitted this bill to the letter. She came from a reasonably well-to-do Catholic family, raised in Australia, married a professional man, and both she and her husband came to faith in Christ. Yet despite that fact that they were financially very secure, she pretended that they lived on the edge of things. When it came to generosity and use of finance she dominated her husband, and to the average onlooker you would say that they were struggling financially.

Yet this was not the case at all. She preferred it that others would see that they lived meagrely, and unfortunately this expressed itself quite blatantly, almost to the extreme of being ridiculous – second-hand bicycles for the children, very basic foodstuffs, paltry amounts of food for meals, and dull coloured clothes that gave a distinct air of poverty; all these were the norm for this family. It was a meagrely spirit that sadly infected their Christian walk somewhat in other areas as well, including relationships. We noted that her husband and children seemed to accept this lifestyle, but also saw that from time to time there were instances of jealously and desire that rose up when they saw how others lived and ate.

I share this, not to denigrate these people, but to indicate how the Canaanite spirit can also express itself in another way - instead of luring people into excessive of wealth it can also lure them into excessiveness of being anti- wealthy, even though there is plenty of income. The cruel hoax of this is that such people seem to take pleasure in living a meagre lifestyle when they don't have to. It's not quite an addiction, but it comes close.

Below is the related text by Thomas Bromley regarding the Canaanite-spirit. His original treatise was called; The Seven Nations of Canaan, which Joshua cast out, prefiguring the Works of Jesus, casting out the evil properties they signify, out of our souls.

The Canaanites signifying the Merchandizing Spirits, that Traffick in our Minds, Wills, Thoughts, Senses, Imaginations, and Affections; they fetch in Buyers and Sellers into the Temple of the Soul, and make it run out beyond due Measure, in its trafficking with them: Sometimes, in things we have nothing to do withal, or over-concerning ourselves with a Multiplicity of Cares, about things of a little Moment; and thereby pollute and defile our Souls by opposing the Lamb's Law of holy Silence and pure Stillness, and departing from the one thing necessary, into the many, and so from Unity and Harmony, into Multiplicity and Discord.
Chapter 6

The Perizzite Spirit

Some scholars say that the word Perizzite comes from the Hebrew meaning "a village" (H6522), while others dispute this. However, generally the term has the connotation of a village-type people who were dwellers in the countryside, particularly it would seem, in "level ground" habitations without walls (see Ezek. 38:11).

When we think of village life, we associate with it such things as a quiet way of life, a small community, inter-related, with a rather slow pace of life. In particularly remote villages, there would be limited resources of such things as education, cultural stimulation, and employment opportunities. It could be said that all this breeds a sense of limited vision, and with this can easily go a perception of low self-esteem.

Concisely this is what the Perizzite-spirit brings; a sense of insignificance, smallness, and limited potential. Spiritually speaking the Perizzite-spirit will set out to limit your vision, to keep you in insignificance, and to cripple you as much as possible. It will whisper to you that you're nothing of worth, that you're unworthy of recognition, from both God and man.

It whispers, "Who are you to lead God's people? What makes you think you're going to be recognized as a prophet? How dare you presume you have a word from the Lord for the congregation? Stay in your seat and don't even think of getting up to dance before the Lord during the meeting – people will laugh at you! Stay confined to your place and position – be content with your place in life and don't have the audacity to think otherwise." These are all the mutterings of this horrible spirit.

When someone deceived by this spirit finds himself constantly rubbing shoulders with a person infected with the Amorite-spirit the crippling effect is only compounded. So many Perizzites measure themselves up against the standard that the Amorite has set for itself – and guess who wins? That Amorite's self-centred pride will always tread down the poor abashed Perizzite. Things go from worse to worse when the Amorite senses the lack of worth in the Perizzite, and plays on this with increased control and dominance.

Now what's the Biblical solution to this? I don't believe for one minute that quoting texts over and over will increase our self-esteem, as some pastors teach. That's the way of the world with all its hype and nonsense. I shudder and squirm when I see on TV how a good-looking, six foot self- confident guru, gushes out self-congratulatory positive catch cries all the while giving high-fives to an adoring audience who've paid huge dollars to be entertained. Sadly, there are even versions of this in the Body of Christ.

No, the Biblical way is not to engender self-worth within us; it's to get us to look beyond ourselves. Let's look at this well-known story that gives us some insight into Moses' value of himself at the burning bush (Exo. chapters 3 and 4).

Moses had fled from Pharaoh after killing a Hebrew slave, and spent 40 years in the wilderness of Midian (Exo. 2:15) where he married and raised a family. He was 40 when he killed a fellow Hebrew (see Acts 7:23), so this means that by the time he had the burning bush encounter, Moses was 80 years old! Something we often don't take into account when reflecting on this story.

It's said of Moses that he tendered his father-in-law's sheep "in the back of the desert" (Exo. 3:1). In other words, Moses was hidden away for a season of his life. This was the second time he had been "hidden away" – once in the ark amidst the bulrushes, and now in the back of the desert. His third "hiding away" happened when he had to wander the desert for 40 more years because of Israel's rebellion.

Yet another and final "hiding away" would occur when God took him up Mount Nebo and Moses died, but "no man knows his grave to this day" (Deut. 34:6). This was a man who was constantly being "hidden away" for one reason or another. This couldn't but help make him wonder what his life was all about. Once he lived as Pharaoh's son in the luxury of Egypt, now he was hanging out as a shepherd in the back of a desert!

Moses was 40 when he fled Pharaoh; he spent 40 years in the Midian desert, and then another 40 years leading Israel during the desert wanderings after their failure to enter the Promised Land. 120 years old; 3 x 40. The number 40 stands for "testing". A whole lifetime of testing! This could certainly bring you to low self-esteem. Unjustly accused by Pharaoh; stuck in the back of a desert; then stuck with a rebellious and complaining people. How would you feel?

See how he answers the Lord at the burning bush episode – five times Moses tries to get out of his divine assignment.

1 "And Moses said to God, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring out the sons of Israel from Egypt?" (Exo. 3:11)

2 "And Moses said to God, Behold, when I come to the sons of Israel me to you; they will say to me, What is His name? What shall I say to them?" (Exo. 3:13)

3 "But Moses answered and said, Behold! Suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, The Lord has not appeared to you?" (Exo. 4:1)

4 "And Moses said to Jehovah, O Lord, I am not a man of words, either from yesterday or the third day, nor since You have been speaking to Your bondslave. For I am heavy of mouth and heavy of tongue." (Exo. 4:10)

5 "And Moses said, O Lord, please send someone else by the hand of whomever You may send." (Exo. 4:13).

Well you can't blame Moses for trying; he simply didn't believe he could do it, nor would others believe he was sent. His five-fold reluctance is interesting seeing that "5" in the Bible stands for "grace", the very thing God was keen to grant Moses. There's an echo here of Peter's three-fold rejection of Jesus and Jesus' three-fold restoration of Peter (Lk. 22:61 and Jhn. 21:15-17). Isn't it a delight to know that when the Lord sets out to accomplish something and calls a man or woman to participate, His grace always has an answer for our hesitation and weakness?

Finally the Lord rebukes Moses (Exo. 4:14-15) and offers him a comforter in the person of his brother Aaron. It's interesting to surmise that Moses could've had GOD as his direct mouth, but his protestations brought about a sharing of that anointing with Aaron. The outcome was of course not less, but the effect on Moses' character may well have been.

Thankfully, in the Biblical account the crippling low-esteem spawned by the Perizzite spirit didn't thwart God's plan through Moses. Yes, Moses along with Aaron both sinned and were barred from entering the Promised Land, but God's grand purpose continued. It was not reluctance and limited vision (the Perizzite-spirit) that brought Moses down, but rather his frustration with Israel's continued mumbling and his failure to hallow God at Meribah (Num. 20:12 and 27:14).

Nevertheless, we have seen how reluctance, low self-esteem and hesitation can eat away inside and begin to effect longer-term decisions and the forming of one's character. Thanks be to God that even these things cannot stop us from coming into full maturity; God will have His way and execute His purposes and plan.

Recently I came across the following information about the great 19th century English missionary to India, William Carey, which may help us see the effect the Perizzite spirit can have on us, but also the great antidote to its power. Apparently, William Carey didn't have high self-esteem, often castigating himself for his sins. For example, when a fire destroyed dozens of his manuscripts, he didn't blame Satan but cried out, "How unsearchable are the ways of God!" But then he immediately accused himself of too much self- congratulation in his labours, and said, "The Lord has smitten, He had a right to do so, and I deserve His corrections." When he had outlived four of his comrades in missionary duty, he wrote to fellow missionary Andrew Fuller saying, "I know not why so fruitless a tree is preserved; but the Lord is too wise to err."

On his death in 1834 a simple headstone was placed at his grave with the following words which he requested. WILLIAM CAREY Born August 17th, 1761. Died June 9th, 1834 "A wretched, poor, and helpless worm, on Thy kind arms I fall".

Clearly William Carey was a man of great passion, commitment and calling. However, he seemed to suffer from attacks of the Perizzite spirit that inflicted him with low self-esteem. How could it be then that he managed to persevere for over 40 years in the mission field with all its problems, loneliness and spiritual attacks?

Think on this: he regularly suffered from bouts of fever, he limped, his wife Dorothy died after becoming insane, he re-married but lost his second wife 13 years later, closely followed by the death of his eldest son Felix. Finally, towards the end of his life he split from the missionary society he had founded after irreconcilable differences with a fellow missionary. All the while, he was translating the Scriptures into many local languages and dialects, as well as teaching in a Bible College he helped establish. On top of all this he was accused of not caring for his four children, who were described by fellow missionary Joshua Marshman as "unmannered, undisciplined, and even uneducated". Carey had not spoiled, but rather "simply ignored them" according to Marshman.

What a burden to bear! Carey was indeed poor in spirit and referred to himself as "a wretched, poor and helpless worm" knowing very well his many failures and sins. Yet through all this, he's still described today as the "father of modern missions". Obviously, it was not his self-esteem that got him through – no; it was his assurance that above all "God is kind".

Remember the engraving on his headstone: "On Thy kind arms I fall". His ability to keep on keeping-on was due to his faith in God that He would be merciful and kind. Carey's way through all his personal and ministerial problems was in casting himself as a "wretched, poor and helpless worm" into the arms of a loving Saviour. Now we might say that his self-deprecation was something commonly preached in the 19th century, and that many believers of that (and previous) eras looked upon themselves as generally "unworthy". Take for example the Prayer of Humble Access from the Book of Common Prayer (Church of England): "We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under Thy table".

Nice thoughts, but could it not be that there's a smattering of the infiltrating work of the Perizzite spirit here? Today believers are more upbeat about their position and standing in Christ. How many times have you seen those little cards and leaflets that boldly proclaim who we are in Christ?

" I am a new creation; I am born again from above; I am seated in heavenly places with Christ; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me; I, I, I, me, me, me....."

I'm sure you get my drift. Now I'm not saying for one moment that these things are untrue, but it does show up the marked difference between the mind-set of believers from earlier generations, compared with many of today's Christians. Perhaps we need a nice balance between humility and confidence!

Nevertheless, many of the afflictions in William Carey's life may have well been the result of the Perizzite spirit at work. He did his best and all he knew was to keep the focus on Christ, and act humble towards his God. That was his best antidote at that time. The Perizzite spirit hates it when we do what Scripture says we should do.

Let's now move on to other aspects of how this spirit works. Spiritual stagnation is one of the by-products of attack by the Perizzite spirit. It will attempt to limit your vision and ambition, and keep you in spiritual poverty by accentuating your smallness and insignificance. Sadly, many believers mistake this for "humility" and feel it wrong to dream of greater things in God.

I've noticed how those dominated by this spirit find it difficult to discern clearly what's going on. They're so used to being put down, and believing this to be an accurate assessment of their spiritual status, they're unable to rise above it. Should you attempt to speak life and vision into their lives, they cringe, because somehow that's regarded as "pride". They identify with their smallness so much that they prefer to be around those who are like-minded. Bold Christians are a threat to them; although deep within they may well yearn for such faith. Only in a few cases do they see this as an opportunity to rise above their false mindset. The inability to discern is often accompanied by a desire to please God by doing works, especially "religious" works. This of course is the antithesis of true faith.

The work of the Perizzite spirit brings about a spiritual stagnation (even spiritual abortion and death) that comes about by causing divisiveness in a person's soul. The Bible calls this "double-mindedness". This often comes about because of a violation in the person's conscience due to some moral impurity – either done by them, or done to them.

It results in a clash of inner opposite forces that the person senses – they think the way out of this malady is to strive to be spiritual and humble. But it just ends up being a religious work, which again they sense and then feel guilty about. Inwardly they say, "See, I'm really not good at this, and in fact I'm no good at all. So I'll just stay quiet, submissive and 'humble' and sit things out; after all I've got nothing to offer". You can almost smell this spirit at work smothering the person!

This horrible oppression is so much a work of Satan that Jesus deliberately healed those captured by it. In Acts 10:38 Peter preaches, saying: "Jesus the One from Nazareth, God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all those having been oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him."

The word "oppressed" bluntly means, "to exercise harsh control over one; to use one's power against one; to exercise dominion against" (G2616). In the Old Testament God commanded His people not to oppress the stranger, the widows, the fatherless or the poor. In other words, Israel was not to take advantage over inferior people simply because they were weak and vulnerable. Yet this is exactly how Satan works.

Therefore, it's a cruel thing indeed for one person to oppress another, particularly if they're weak. Sadly, this is a core work of the Perizzite spirit who deliberately targets confused people. I've noticed how it's usually the lonely, the confused and the vulnerable that are targeted by the cults as potential members. One lady I know had recently lost her husband and in her grief found solace in the regular (planned!) visits from the Jehovah Witnesses. It wasn't too long before she joined them and became an avid door-knocker. You can probably add a thousand other similar stories to this. She was vulnerable and they soon dominated her.

Scripture tells us that when we willingly allow ourselves to be overcome, we will find ourselves in bondage to that very thing or person. Note again what Peter says: "For by whom anyone has been overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage." (2 Pet. 2:19 45).

How often have we seen this happen? It starts with someone violating another person's freedom to think, act, or speak. Then it graduates to subtle manipulation and finally onto direct control. All these will bring you into slavery, into soul bondage. You will end up conforming to that which overtook you. So it was in the case of the lady overcome by the JW's. However, the Word of God tells us we are to conform to only one thing, the image of Jesus Christ. We have been uniquely created to conform, that's true - but only to that which is holy, righteous and true.

The actual word "conform" in the Bile means to be "emotionally bonded to and become like unto" (G4832). It's all to do with forming a union of the soul. We have the wonderful capacity to be in union with the mind of Christ, to be knit together with Him, to be joined in the very soul. What an amazing thought!

We are all aware how emotions bind us to someone or something; a moving piece of music, a particular song that evokes deep memories, seeing a picture of a loved one, etc. They all stir something deep and extremely vulnerable within us. Emotions are a God-given bonding agent. But when these are manipulated by anything outside of the context of godly agape love, they lead to destruction. This is the sickening work of the Perizzite spirit.

Fear is one of those destructive inner forces that can so easily bond one person to another. It can have such a devastating effect that Gideon wanted this removed from the presence of his troops so that it wouldn't infect others prior to battle.

"And now then, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return and leave Mount Gilead. And twenty two thousand of the people returned. And ten thousand remained." (Judges 7:3)

Gideon knew that fear (as emotion) can be transferred; he knew very well the stories of his ancestors and how Israel feared to enter the Land because of the giants. In such cases the Perizzite spirit works in tandem with the Hittite spirit, whose predominant characteristic is "fear".

Scripture gives us many examples of how unbelief can be transferred too. Remember when Jesus went to the house of the synagogue ruler because the man's daughter had died? (Lk. 8:49-55). He took with Him only Peter, James, John and the child's parents. Upon entering the house He said "Do not weep; she is not dead but asleep". The immediate reaction of the onlookers was mockery. "But they laughed Him to scorn, knowing that she was dead" (vs. 53).

Jesus response was to "put them all out". Why did He do this? Because He had chosen those He deliberately wanted present who would exercise their belief and faith (see vs. 50). The mockers would contaminate the disciple's faith. Jesus knew it wouldn't put Him off target, but He wanted to instil a lesson of faith, so the best way to do this was to remove any obstacle of doubt for the disciples – just like Gideon did.

The Perizzite spirit will keep you locked in, limit your vision, and attempt to make you doubt every time. When it works in tandem with the Hittite, Girgashite and Hivite spirits it becomes a formidable opponent – but praise God, He who is risen has given us victory over these demeaning small- minded spiritual powers.

Below is the related text by Thomas Bromley regarding the Perizzite-spirit. His original treatise was called; The Seven Nations of Canaan, which Joshua cast out, prefiguring the Works of Jesus, casting out the evil properties they signify, out of our souls.

The Perrizites, the Careless, secure Spirits, that open the Door of false Liberty, before the crucifying Work is done, Circumcision past, and Regeneration finished. These Spirits labour to take us off from our Watchfulness, make us neglect the Cross and be secure; and so let in all manner of evil Spirits, to oppress the Life of the Lamb in us; that by forsaking the Way of the Cross and continual Circumcision, (while we are Travellers, and not fixed and established in Perfection) Sin and Self, may get in again, and bear Rule over the Life of Christ rising in us.
Chapter 7

The Hivite Spirit

Now we look at the Hivites. Their name comes from the Hebrew word chavvah, which means "life-giver" or "the living". A strange name you might think for a demonic power, because it is in fact the original root word for the name "Eve"! (H2332).

The name Hivite as we know it means (like the Perizzite) "a villager" (H2340). It comes from another Hebrew word (H2333) which probably means "one who lives in a village", which in turn comes from the word "chavvah" = living one, hence Eve, the mother of all living ones. So there you have the connection.

We have seen earlier that the characteristic of this spirit is its satisfaction with "smallness". Those things to do with smallness of mind, spirit and life are the mainstay of the Hivite's life. Enjoyments of things earthly, an acceptance of pleasures that surround the Hivite are all that is really wanted. Anyone influenced by this spirit will be reasonably satisfied with the smallness and limited satisfaction that carnal pleasures offer. There is an increasing desire to feast off those things that are easily in reach, hence satisfaction with small village life.

The Hivite spirit actually lacks self-identity so you will find this spirit at work in those who need to feel important. They want acceptance from others and will "put on a show" to get it. Such people even go to the extent of "running with the fox and hunting with the hounds" which simply means they will be one character for one person, and quite another for another. They will try to please everyone, and do whatever the occasion calls for to be accepted.

The crippling effect of this spirit means that the person's outward "show" is entirely false. There is a lack of true personal identity. Without Christ, there seemingly looms only one answer to the problem: self-focus and self- orientation. But it's the world's answer and will ultimately increase the sense of "smallness" instead of dealing with it.

So in the age we live in we're bombarded with self-help "remedies" by "self-help gurus" who promise to dramatically change our lives. People are running around trying to find their "real self", their destiny, their purpose, their soul-mate, their....whatever! This spirit seems to give permission for us to seek after "self"; it legitimizes our running around looking for that "something extra" that we're told we need in order to be fulfilled.

Sadly, this spirit of the age has crept into the Body of Christ. Next time you look at a Christian book catalogue, take note of how many books offer so- called "Christian" self-help courses. Anything ranging from "Christian" diet programmes, DVDs on "Christian" exercise methods, "Christian" self- expression, "Christian" this and "Christian" that. It seems like we want to be entertained, to fill our minds with what's near and within grasp, and not sow into those things that will ultimately mature our soul.

It's interesting to note that the word "entertain" comes from root words that mean to divert attention, to hold one's attention. These in turn are linked to the word "amusement" which in the old French means, "to stupefy" and in Latin, "to stare stupidly"! Its archaic meaning is more direct, "to delude or to deceive". It makes you think about the danger of "Christian entertainment", especially in some of the mega churches these days.

We do see this stupefying effect at work in many churches, where the music ministry takes prominent position "on stage" (literally), and thematic backdrops abound. I've even seen smoke machines and dazzling light displays utilised to enhance the feeling of being entertained (read this as, "to divert attention").

What in the world does the Body of Christ need with all this diversion? "Diversion" from what? If the same energy and passion were committed to fervent prayer meetings for revival, what a difference we'd soon see!

Brethren we're seeing a horrid thing play out in the Body of Christ. Not too subtle influences are diverting our attention from our calling, to get us to focus on self-gratification.

Supposedly all those self-help offers and entertaining "worship" services are meant to provide some 'life' ("chavvah" = living one) to us, and many believers are falling for it. But what this shows is that the Body of Christ lacks identity. Sure, we might say the right Biblical things, but it doesn't measure up when we run after fads that promise to add that bit extra to life, or run off to some church because of the quality of their music, or the appeal of the "man out the front", or the lure of their busy programmes (that really only divert your attention). Are we so lacking in spiritual identity that we need to seek after something else to add meaning to our Christian life?

It's been said that "true spiritual revival starts furthest from the eyes of man and closest to the eyes of God". I find that very refreshing, and quite telling. The Hivite spirit is so easily satisfied with the smallness of worldly pleasures and is more focused on the here-and-now than eternal things. For that very reason, this spirit often works in league with the Girgashite and Perizzite spirits that like to keep people locked into immediate issues. We will increasingly see that many of these spiritual powers operate in groups or nests, which ultimately enhance their power base.

What's the difference then between this Hivite spirit and the Perizzite spirit?; for they're both associated with the smallness of "village life". Simply put, the Perizzite spirit limits someone by restricting his or her vision to the here-and-now through a sense of low self-esteem, while the Hivite spirit confines a person to the here-and-now through a sense of enjoyment of the here-and-now.

One deals with limitation; the other with excessiveness. They're not conflicting spirits at all, but cooperative ones, working to bring limitation wherever possible. It matters little to the kingdom of darkness whether you're limited in doing things, or excessive in doing them – as long as you're confined to the here-and-now and don't reflect on eternalness.

As Bromley has said, the Hivite spirit fills our senses with anything that holds us back from entering "the real". Philosophical reasoning, fine "spiritual sounding" discussion, and even Biblical-orientated talk (as long as it never comes to practicing truth) are all allowed by this spirit. Now you might think that participating in such talk is far from exhibiting low self-esteem, but in fact, this kind of talk actually betrays someone who does feel of little worth.

I've noticed many times that those believers who are most insecure in their faith will often display a lot of "deep" spiritual talk – but it's usually just a smoke screen to hide their inner gnawing doubts. They present themselves as knowledgeable, enjoy speculation and "deep" talk, but it's nothing more what Bromley calls a "frothy spirit" at work. It is a spirit that feigns 'life' to the unsuspecting person, simply because of the much fine talk it manifests. However, the so-called 'life' it presents is a sham and is born out of second- hand accumulated knowledge, rather than true personal spiritual experience.

We can sometimes find this in preachers who've been excited by some truth gained from a book or conference or whatever, and who then present it to their own congregation, often under the guise of personal revelation. But it's usually second-hand information, that may well be "truth" but without the necessary time-element that's so important in making sure it has done its deep work in the soul of the man first.

And even when the preacher has the integrity to say he heard this truth at a conference, or read of it recently, it will still fail to give true life unless the presenter has been through the personal furnace of adjusting, purging and establishing required of us before we dare speak intimately of it. Sadly, immature believers (and those not so immature) may well fall for this, and regard the person as "wise" or "learned" in spiritual matters. One thing we can say: much time in Christ and much talk about Christ, do not necessarily evidence a person as mature in Christ!

I say this not to denigrate ministries or those who yearn to present truth to the Body of Christ, but I speak of these things to encourage us to learn how to discern by the Spirit of God. Increasingly we find believers who have been saved many years, who attend good Bible-believing fellowships, who do actually want "more", yet who are so seemingly satisfied with the banal when an opportunity presents itself.

Many times I've heard brethren who I've known for years, so easily jettison the prospect to move into some greater truth, push it aside because it challenged their tradition or offended their mind. People will say they want "life" but turn from it when it arrives in a different fashion than expected.

Many years ago I occasionally attended a large spirit-filled church (as a visitor), and was surprised to see that most of the 1,000+ people didn't carry their Bibles. Gradually it had filtered through to the congregation that the sermons would be based on the Bible, but not directly from the Bible – so why bother to carry your Bible with you if you're not going to use it? Therefore it was, that week after week you could attend this congregation and never have to open your Bible. Even friends of mine who went to that church had given up taking their Bibles with them.

What was preached had a Biblical basis, there was finely crafted music, and the gathering had a wonderful family feel about it all – but the actual sermon was quite trivial and predictable. There was little evidence of revelatory truth and challenging insight, let alone conviction of sin. And this was not from one preacher, but from most of the preaching team, over quite some years.

Even so, in the very same city, I knew a man of God who ministered to a relatively small congregation, but who declared some of the most wonderful insights and Biblical truths I've ever heard. Where were the crowds lined up to hear him? Where were those who so boldly pronounced they wanted "more"? This man was known in the city, people spoke of his name, and even acknowledged his teaching ministry, but still they did not, or would not, come to him for revelation insight. Why is it that we so fervently say we want Truth, but resist it when God sends it forth? One reason is that we have become so accustomed to the workings of the Hivite spirit, we fail to appreciate its work that awakens "fine notions" in us - but that's all. As long as we talk but don't do, the Hivite spirit will have won the day.

Therefore, to sum up, the Hivite spirit seeks out what is convenient to the soul of a man, but not what is necessary for the spirit of a man. Here is the related text by Thomas Bromley regarding the Hivite-spirit. His original treatise was called; The Seven Nations of Canaan, which Joshua cast out, prefiguring the Works of Jesus, casting out the evil properties they signify, out of our souls.

The Hivites. These are the talking, notional Spirits, that move us to talk of vain and needless Things: These awaken vain Thoughts and Imaginations, and fill our Phantasie with empty Romances and Scenes; and so thro' our Thoughts and Imaginations, they press in, and bring forth a Multiplicity of Words, and many useless and sinful Discourses and Disputes, which greatly hinder the springing and further growth of the divine Life. These vain frothy Spirits, come from the Starry Heaven, and their Dominion in us; they love Reasonings, Talks, and Debates: they fill us with Notions, and would have us spend our Life and Strength in talking of high and deep Speculations, and in unnecessary Disputes, for and against, about all things; and by this means, hinder us from being exercised in stable Obedience and Watchfulness. Under these Hivites, come in all the Arts and Sciences of this World; their Office is nothing else, but to awaken Notions and Speculations in the Phantasie, thereby to trouble, ensnare, and perplex the pure Heavenly Life, rising upon the Soul.

I say, these Spirits have their Progeny from the Spirit of this World, and all Labour to bring forth a Talking Notional Religion among Professors, to delude them, and make them think they live well because they talk well. But they all belong to the Astral Heavens and stand under the Fall; in Natural things as well as Spiritual they are ever filling our Heads with Notions and new Opinions of all sorts. Thence we too often talk of Dispensations beyond our Attainments, and that sometimes from Visions, Sights, and Reading of the deep Mysteries of divine Things, and so forget and neglect holy Stillness, leading to the perfect Death, and daily Mortification of the ill Habits and Customs of the Old Nature and the World, and pressing into the Humility, Poverty, Innocency, and Simplicity, that should be in us, and would more beautify us in the sight of God, than all other Gifts and Knowledge whatsoever.
Chapter 8

The Jebusite Spirit

Jebusites are threshers who tread down others and walk all over them. The term derives from those animals used to tread down the grain and pulverize it. Everything that springs to mind about "controllers" is part of this spirit's tactics. Let's briefly consider some.

1. Walking all over others

2. Inconsideration of other people's feelings

3. Self-righteousness

4. Self-interest

5. Deliberate putting down of others

6. Promoting their own views above everyone else's

7. Legalism and power-playing

8. Mind games

9. Enforcers of role playing

10. Controllers of castes, whether social or religious

11. Humiliation of others

12. Gloating over the ability to control others

13. Arrogance and pride

14. Forcing others to concede whenever possible

15. Making others feel small and unworthy

16. Legalism and misuse of spiritual authority

17. Enforcing dependence from others through false spirituality

18. Manipulators of emotions

19. Spiritual blackmail

20. The constant referring to one's own spiritual experiences

21. Making others seem ignorant

22. Treating others as inherently inferior

23. All forms of racism whether cultural, educational or religious

24. Consistent seeking out and manipulating of the weak-minded

25. Tolerance towards one's own views but not towards others

26. Attempting to foster relational dependence

27. Accusing those who will not subject themselves by dependence

28. Refusal to accept criticism and correction

An exhaustive list, but one you can no doubt add to from your own experience. According to the Jebusite spirit, "small" people are there to be used and manipulated - all for the "right reasons" of course. Sadly, this spirit often finds a home in the minds of those in spiritual leadership, where the predominant manifestation is the hierarchical structure of "Clergy" versus "Layman". This particular outworking was rampart during periods in Church history where the laity where totally dominated by denominational clergy. It still operates today but in a more subtle manner.

However, this isn't confined to ordained pastors or ministers, but also to those who aspire to be recognised. There are those in the Body who don't actually want the title of Pastor, but who desire the power that seemingly goes with it. There is in such people, an automatic assumption that being in spiritual leadership also means being spiritually powerful. While in God-ordained circumstances this is true (but not in the way that most people think), it's not quite what it seems. True spiritual authority does not come from riding rough- shod over others, or through ordination into a particular church group, but it comes through an intimate relationship with God who alone has called you.

When a minister realises this, controlling others quickly goes out the window. Instead, there's a great inner desire to want to serve and be among the brethren rather than lord it over them. Theological and Bible colleges rarely evidence this, even though they might teach it as a principle. Most of us who have been through such organisations know this very well. We had to learn it "outside the camp" where we had to be re-educated by the Lord to see matters His way. A humbling, but necessary lesson indeed.

So we're beginning to see some of the insidious workings of the Jebusite spirit, and particularly how it projects the will of the Controller onto others. Generally, this form of domination comes from a person attempting to live their frustrated life-ambitions through others. This is notably so in the case of domineering parents who have experienced some kind of frustration in their own lives, and then try to project their failed dreams onto their children to live out.

Now while most parents want the very best for their children, and will direct, guide and instruct them, this can take the form of domination and soul- intrusion. This becomes the classic case of a parent manipulating the child in a vain attempt to readdress the inadequacies found in their own frustrated life. Frankly, this is a sad situation, but there is a way forward through releasing forgiveness and breaking the stronghold of dominance. Initially, however it requires a revelation from the Holy Spirit to show how that particular bondage came about in the first place.

When a person's conscience is violated, there is a tear in the soul/mind which brings a sense of condemnation and guilt. This is fertile territory for the Jebusite spirit who likes to attack those who are hurt, vulnerable, ill, or weak in faith.

Any bondage used by the Jebusite spirit can occur through such emotional domination (e.g. husband-wife / parent-child / pastor-layman / employer- employee / doctor-patient / etc). When a person's conscience is violated by the controlling personality, then the subsequent iniquities bond the weaker person to the stronger. In order to increase control, the dominate person will continue to violate the weaker person's conscience through sin in an attempt to draw the person deeper into bondage. This is precisely how a cult operates, with the dominating cult leader causing unrighteous soul-ties through a violation of a person's conscience. It is a sickening process. If the Jebusite spirit is linked to cultic practices, sexual violation or drug taking, a very strong psychic bonding can take place.

One of the outcomes of this spirit's operation upon its victims is discouragement and spiritual depression. It usually occurs when there has been some disillusionment or disappointment, often in ministry or family. Someone affected by this will go into withdrawal, hiding away from people who remind them of their disappointment. In ministry, such a person will withdraw more and more from public ministry and invitations.

Psalm 142:4 becomes their inner cry, "Look to my right hand and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life". The so-called "Dark night of the Soul" encroaches upon them more and more. Unless the grace of God intervenes soon, they are likely to descend into a dark and morbid sullenness, which bit by bit engulfs them, and seemingly drains them of any hope.

Image how Joseph must have felt; revelations from heaven about his future, but then thrown into a pit, betrayed by his brethren, sold into slavery, falsely imprisoned – and a long way from family and the fulfilment of the divine dream. However, the day did come and all as complete. But what was he going through while he waited? Did he lose heart now and then? Did he withdraw from what he thought he had dreamt? No doubt he was plagued by such considerations.

To lose heart is what the Jebusite spirit produces as a by-product of its manipulation and down-treading. The antidote to this is clearly described in the New Testament. "Therefore, having this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we do not faint." Compare this to Jesus' parable of the widow and the unjust judge in Luke 18:1-8. In both texts there is the theme of "not losing heart", so let us look at how the Word of God encourages us to resist the Jebusite spirit's attempt to tread us down. Twice Paul states that we should "not faint". "Therefore, having this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we do not faint." (2 Cor. 4:1) "Because of this, we do not faint, but if indeed our outward man is being decayed, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." (2 Cor. 4:16).

Paul knew what he was preaching about. How often must he have felt discouragement in ministry; yet he can boldly proclaim (as a learned truth), "do not lose heart, do not faint".

Now compare that with the experience of so many believers today who feel discouraged - and most aren't even "in ministry"! What is going on in our minds? Is this not a strange mentality, because most of us (in the Western world at least) do not experience the same hardships as Paul did. Yet we complain! This is where the Jebusite spirit makes it mark in our minds.

It's very interesting to note that Jesus links the possibility of losing heart to a lack of prayer, particularly fervent persistent prayer (see again Luke 18:1-8). Perhaps it is that an early sign of beginning to lose heart can be found in our lack of desire to pray. Maybe this is why Paul, who had endured much tribulation and persecution, and who was a ripe candidate for one who might lose heart, continually instructed the saints to "pray unceasingly", to "devote themselves to prayer".

This certainly rings true in my experience. I've noticed that when I've lost heart or vision, my prayer life soon suffers. And the reverse is also true, when I get slack in prayer, it's not long before things begin to pressure my mind and a sense of despondency begins to take hold. I am not saying this is a regular and recurring thing in my life, but to be honest in over 35 years of ministry I have encountered the process a few times. Therefore, a regular and fervent prayer life seems to be an antidote against the attacks of the Jebusite spirit.

How it must hate praying saints who persevere! Why is prayer such an antidote? Simply, because it keeps our focus true – we are connected to our Father and His purposes, not our agendas, or the enemy's subtle diversions. Neglecting to do "good works" can also be a sign of "losing heart". In Galatians chapter 6 verse 9, Paul seems to allude to this principle: "But we should not weaken in doing good, for in due time we shall reap, if we do not faint."

Any of the numerous things in Scripture that point to "good works" and "righteous deeds" would fit the bill here. Such things as not caring for the oppressed, not visiting the sick, speaking ill of others, or even forsaking assembling with the brethren. When such things are neglected it can cause us to lose heart, and thus our faith is substantially weakened. In such an atmosphere the Jebusite spirit can easily take advantage and tread us down.

Someone wrote that the phrase "to lose heart" means to "unstring a bow for lack of seeing game". How appropriate! There are plenty of occasions in life when we are prone to get discouraged, lose heart and neglect to stand in faith. It would seem that the Jebusite spirit (along with others) takes quick advantage of such a state and begins the process of "treading down".

Some years back the Holy Spirit taught me that when I felt "down" about something, the spiritual antidote is to "look up"! Quite simple really. Doing the reverse, or as some say "coming in the opposite spirit" is truly a good spiritual principle to remember. In other words, when we feel faithless, learn to recall God's faithfulness. When we feel down, look up (to Jesus: Heb. 12:2). This principle is based on Scripture, so it is true, practical, and real – and does work!

It's very interesting to note that David bought the city called Jebus from a Jebusite called Ornan, which now is the area known as the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem (1 Chron. 21:18-27 / 2 Sam. 24:15-25). Now what do you find there today - intimidation, fear, manipulation and arrogance by the Muslim controllers of that area of land. Nothing has changed; the same spirit manifests itself even today, and especially so in that parcel of land originally called Jebus, which means "trodden down". The Jebusite spirit still tries to tread down, humiliate, control and mis-use "religious" authority, particularly in the Temple Mount area of Jerusalem.

Therefore, it's no surprise to find that the very same spirit tries to do this to the true Temple of the Lord, the ecclesia, God's House of living stones (1 Peter 2:5). Be aware – be alert, and use your discernment. This spirit is powerful but limited. It can be resisted, and is certainly defeated through Christ's death and resurrection. Take heart – do not lose heart!

Below is the related text by Thomas Bromley regarding the Jebusite-spirit. His original treatise was called; The Seven Nations of Canaan, which Joshua cast out, prefiguring the Works of Jesus, casting out the evil properties they signify, out of our souls.

The Jebusites figuring the Spirits of Pride and Elevation. The Name signifies to trample upon and despise; they would ever be trampling under Foot the Blood and Merits of Jesus, in the Pride and Might of the Fire; they slight and despise the Meek and Humble way of the Cross of Christ, elevating themselves above the Heart of Jesus, and the Power of the Love. They are always Tempting us to Trample upon the Pearl in our selves, and to under value the Pure Virgin of the Eternal Wisdom, and the precious Things of God, and would draw us into Apostacy with themselves, making us to slight the Redeeming Blood of the Lamb, and by puffing us up in Spiritual Pride, make us to think ourselves Perfect, before we are so indeed, and so by degrees, draw us to neglect the Rising Life of Jesus in our selves.
Chapter 9

The Analogy of the Seven Nations

The seven nations we have looked at are analogous to the seven powers that attack our souls as present-day believers. While we have looked at this in some detail, it's also important to note the correlation between these spiritual powers described in the Old Testament and our maturing in Christ as described in Ephesians.

The epistle to the Ephesians (along with Colossians and Philippians) gives us incredible insight into God's purpose. While today's church is well versed in knowing God's plan of salvation it is not so strong on knowing God's purpose – there is a marked difference. We impoverish both the Lord's work and those we witness to, if we only give the outline of God's plan and do not incorporate it into God's wider purpose. A mature believer is one who knows both of these well and how they dovetail in with one another.

Now just as Joshua led the people into the Promised Land to receive blessings, so as we too enter more and more into the promises of God we will encounter those powers that resist the receiving of our blessings. Let's look at how this correlates to Ephesians.

1. The Hittites. It could be said that the Hittites are analogous to the various cosmic "families" or systems that compete for the influencing of man's soul.

"...in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience, among whom we also all conducted ourselves in times past in the lusts of our flesh, doing the things willed of the flesh and of the understanding, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as the rest." (Eph. 2:2-3)

2. The Girgashites. This nation is analogous to the many defence mechanisms we utilise and which make up our carnal mindset.

"And do not be drunk with wine" in which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit..." (Eph. 5:18)

3. The Amorites. These are analogous to the various adversaries of life which set out to overpower us and weaken the soul's least line of resistance.

"Therefore I ask you not to faint at my troubles on your behalf, which is your glory." (Eph. 3:13)

4. The Canaanites. This nation is analogous with that sin nature that so wants to control our soul, mind and emotions.

"For you have put off the old man, as regards the former behaviour, having been corrupted according to the deceitful lusts..." (Eph. 4:22)

5. The Perizzites. The Perizzites are analogous to the many anti-Christ doctrines that assault our soul through philosophy and false religion.

"...so that we may no longer be infants, being blown and carried about by every wind of doctrine, in the sleight of men, in craftiness to the deceit of error..." (Eph 4:14)

6. The Hivites. These are an analogy of our adversary Satan and his strategies to attack the soul by use of the demonic hosts.

"...nor give place to the Devil. " (Eph. 4:27)

7. The Jebusites. Analogous to The Lie of Satan that brings a strong delusion to the mind.

"Therefore putting off the false, "speak truth each with his neighbour," because we are members of one another..." (Eph. 4:25)

"Because of this He says, Arise, sleeping ones and stand up out of the dead ones, and Christ will shine on you. Then watch how carefully you walk, not as unwise but as wise ones, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. For this reason do not be foolish, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Eph. 5:14-17)

So we see that each of these demonically inspired nations are analogous to the continuing attacks that are still flung against believers today, albeit in the form of more subtle spiritual influences. It's interesting that in the Old Testament the Lord consistently speaks into Joshua's life to encourage him. It is God's Word (spoken) that brings understanding, knowledge and encouragement to Joshua. In the New Testament this kind of knowledge means a "full or precise knowledge" (Col. 2:2 epignosis) which is gained solely through an acquaintance with the Giver. It means you know something to be full, precise, and true because you know the One who offers it. It's not knowledge gained by the accumulation of facts, or by second-hand experience or by ordinary teaching – it comes by revelation and by acknowledging the Giver.

There is a lot of difference between knowledge and acknowledgement. You can have knowledge about many things including God, but by acknowledging God you are not simply saying you know about Him, but you actually know Him; that is, you acknowledge His necessity in your life.

Using a little parable might help. Imagine you're driving down the street and you see a car approaching you with a person driving whom you know. Now, you can drive on past them without waving, having considerable knowledge about them – their facial features, their hair colour, their build, even their family, their address, etc. But while you had knowledge about them you didn't wave to acknowledge them. This is rather a weak example of the difference between knowing about God and acknowledging Him as God, but perhaps it will help a little.

"Epignosis knowledge" is the kind of input that Joshua received from the Lord to encourage him to be victorious. The same with us today. As we mature more and more in He who is precise and true (Jesus) the more we shall be able to resist any attack hurled against us. I've noticed that some of the greatest thrusts forward in my own spiritual life is when I've been firmly established in true doctrine that served as a solid foundation to springboard ahead. As Spurgeon said "When filled with holy truth, the mind rests".

Knowing by epignosis that a doctrine is true brings confidence and boldness into your spirit. It then allows you to ―be strong and courageous‖ and possess that which heaven has purposed for you. Perhaps those words don't mean a lot to you, but if you've ever experienced this kind of thing then you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

Bold confidence born out of personal intimacy with the Lord always precedes victory over Satan, carnality, and spiritual intimidation. This is why the Lord spoke so much into Joshua's life before his various conflicts with the enemy. Those who have been defeated are those who've first been demoralised somehow. It's a pattern and a principle well worth noting. However, the opposite is also true: inner boldness by encouragement, precedes victory.

This also has a far more basic but helpful application. If you're struggling in some area of your life (with gossip, temptation, laziness, etc) then by reading the Word – especially Ephesians and Colossians – you'll find an energy come into you that drives you on to overcome that particular problem. It's not a long- term solution, but believe me it certainly has great short-term benefits. How exacting is the Word of God!

"The entrance of Your words brings light" (Psa. 119:130 ) The Promised Land is analogous to what Ephesians states when it says "God has...blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies with Christ Jesus" (Eph. 1:3). The Promised Land were Israel's earthly blessings; our spiritual blessings however lie in the heavenlies (lit. in the Greek), so let's keep our focus true!

If there's one thing the Body of Christ needs in these days it's in the area of keeping our vision sharp and our focus true. Peter Lord, a man of prayer, once wrote: "If our gaze is continually on Jesus we need only to glance at all else".

This a very important principle to consider. When we fix our minds on worries, hassles, or recurring sin problems, guess where our focus will be? Have you ever heard a woman say "I'm never going to be like my Mother" and no matter how much they try not to be like their Mum, they end up being just like them!

Why is this so, when they've given great energy to try and NOT be like Mum? It's because, despite all their attempts to not be like her, that very person has become their focus. We become like that we focus on – for good or ill. In the above instance, the daughter tried so hard to not be like her Mum that her Mum became her constant focus; and guess how she turned out?

These seven spirits represented by the seven different nations, will always try to focus you onto their deceptive ways. However, it is a regular intimacy of abiding in Christ that keeps our focus true and our vision sharp. May the Lord grant us grace to make this so within us.
Chapter 10

The Thirty One kings

The Bible tells us of 31 kings who resisted Joshua's advance into the Promised Land (Josh. 12:1-24). They perceived Israel as a threat to their dominion and formed a confederacy against the purposes of God. These kings are analogous to the principalities that work in the carnal soul of a believer, and because "kings represent the gods they serve" we find these demonic powers symbolised in the attitude of the 31 kings. It's also important to note that Israel's entering into the land is symbolic of a believer entering further into maturity with Christ. By reflecting on these kings, we can assign the various characteristics of the corresponding demonic powers to the battle that goes on for the soul of man. As we seek to come to maturity in Christ, we will find these 31 spirits attempting to resist our "entering in", just as they did with Joshua.

The Word says, "Joshua made war a long time..." (Josh. 11:18). It would seem as though you cannot defeat these demonic powers quickly; it could take a lot of time and energy. In one sense this of course is not our own battle, for Joshua (=Jesus) has already dealt with such powers and principalities. There would be nothing more discouraging than to think we have to deal with all these demonic powers one-by-one before we can advance spiritually.

What a dreadful burden to consider? Do you really want to start dealing with demonic powers one by one until they've all been dealt a blow? Not me, for that would bring our whole salvation and adoption in Christ into question.

The passage quoted above (11:18) is actually referring to additional kings engaged by Joshua, not simply the 31 under discussion. However, it does say in Joshua 10:42 that "all these kings and their land Joshua took at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel". The phrase "at one time" is 'echad (Strongs H259) and means "all at once, together, uniformly". The inference being that all the kings were defeated at the same time! What a picture of the Lord Jesus dealing with demonic powers and principalities in one single blow through His death and resurrection.

One of the dangers about taking too much stock from Old Testament analogies and transferring them into our own situation as believers is that we think every little detail corresponds to something else in our lives. This is simply not so. Biblical typology does not work like that. Old Testament types and shadows do correspond to other things since the coming of Jesus, but they tend to be overall patterns, not detailed instances. Many believers have gone off track because they have looked for every little detail in Old Testament stories and try to match them up to our lives today.

It simple doesn't work that way. We need to be more discerning, and far more knowledgeable about how the Old Testament uses phrases, symbols and word meanings. I highly recommend the Appendices in Bullinger's Companion Bible for instance.

Now, back to those thirty one kings. As we're seeing, these kings are analogous to spiritual powers, but also to the self-nature that is often resident within a believer's soul and mind. Sadly, there is a great inner conflict at work in most of us, a work of a lazy soul, where we do not keep guard, and allow our minds to be influenced, and even overpowered, by self-will and sinful indulgence.

This is an ongoing process that any believer will identify with. There is a tug of war going on within us. We are born again, regenerate and saved, yet we still struggle with self-desire, carnality, and rebellion. Nothing new here, even Paul is bold enough to write about it. It's not my intention here to go into all the why's and how's of this; plenty have written about it before. But I would like to highlight what the actual names of these thirty-one kings mean. I believe we will get some interesting insight into the inner conflict that so easily besets us.

Everything begins with a source; life begets life; sin begets sin. So it is in this area. The source (father) of these thirty one powers is Satan, but the natural father (source) of these thirty one kings is a giant called Arba (Josh. 14:15). One of his sons was Anak, and it was his family that Caleb eventually drove from the Promised Land (Josh. 15:14).

The name Arba (or Ar Baal) means "hero of the Baal". Baal was the chief male deity of the Canaanites and Phoenicians, and "Baalim", the plural form, expresses the various aspects of Baal, as different regions recognised and worshipped him. In Hebrew, Baal meant "possessor" for this is precisely what this demon power did; possessed the land, and wanted to possess the souls of men. It was actually a form of sun and fire worship, with all its accompanying evil and horror.

The progeny of this "hero" are all of one family, since Arba seeded them. As in the natural, so in the spiritual. Just as Arba seeded Anak his son, Anak seeded his own offspring in the natural. The demon powers that used and controlled this extensive natural human family also belonged to their own "family". As time went on this demonic stronghold were perpetuated in succeeding generations, manifesting in the 31 kings that sought to resist Joshua. Someone has remarked that there is one enemy of our souls for every day of the month!

So it is that the powers behind these human kings and giants still operate, and certainly targets the saints of the Living God. As we have clearly seen already, there is a conflict as we enter more and more into the promises of our spiritual land. Unseen spiritual powers and the soulish life of unrighteous people will try to possess whatever they can about us, seeking victory over our minds and wills.

Let's now look at these kings. These rulers all sought to resist Joshua, so it'll be helpful to glean something from their characters, and thereby understand more of the subtleness of the spiritual powers behind them. Remember the principle we're looking at throughout this study – "kings represent the gods they worship". Therefore the names of these kings will tell us something of their own human nature, as well as the behaviour patterns of the gods (demons) they serve.

As you ponder the names of these kings, stop and reflect on how different their characteristics are from the holiness of our Lord God. It won't take too much to see how these 31 kings, each motivated by self-preservation and the demons that inspired them, were antagonistic to all that the Lord wanted to accomplish through Joshua.

Here is list of the kings, together with the characteristic meaning of the names of the applicable cities or towns.

1. King of Jericho - Named after a moon god.

2. King of Ai - Heap of ruins (analogous to false religions).

3. King of Jerusalem - Teaching of Peace, false acceptance of peace.

4. King of Hebron - Seat of Association.

5. King of Jarmuth - Elevation, heights, pride.

6. King of Lachish - Invincible, pride.

7. King of Eglon – Calf like, false worship.

8. King of Gezer – Portion.

9. King of Debir - Sanctuary; self-worship.

10. King of Geder/Gedor - Wall, separation, pride.

11. King of Hormah - Devotion, false loyalty.

12. King of Arad – Wild ass; fugitive.

13. King of Libnah – Rock, pavement.

14. King of Adullam – Judge; justice for people.

15. King of Makkedah – Place of false shepherds.

16. King of Bethel - House of God; false temples and Churches; misdirected worship.

17. King of Tappuah - City of Produce and Materialism; Apple city.

18. King of Hepher – A deep well; pit of shame.

19. King of Aphek - Fortress; closure in the sense of strength.

20. King of Lasharon – A plain or level.

21. King of Madon – Strife.

22. King of Hazor – Castle; pride.

23. King of Shimron-meron – Height; watch tower.

24. King of Achshaph – I shall be bewitched.

25. King of Taanach – Sandy soil; unreliable.

26. King of Megiddo – A place of crowds.

27. King of Kedesh – Holy one, Holy city, religious spirit.

28. King of Jokneam in Carmel – The people lament.

29. King of Dor in the heights – Each generation.

30. King of Goiim in Gilgal – The masses; nations.

31. King of Tirzah – Delightful one or favourable one.
Chapter 11

Identifying the Absalom spirit

( NOTE: In this teaching the "Absalom" is referred to as "he" for convenience sake. The spirit of Absalom may of course also work through a female, and in that case, it's often allied to the spirit of Jezebel. I have avoided using the terms "leader" and "leadership" in this article, and have chosen rather to use the more appropriate biblical terms "elder" and "eldership".)

One of the most insidious attacks against the Body of Christ comes from those who are "disaffected". This refers to those who feel they are not appreciated, recognised in their calling, or simply have a rebellious attitude towards God-appointed eldership. This attitude has plagued the Body of Christ from its earthly inception, and was even at work in Old Testament times in one of King David's sons, hence the term. We shall look briefly at the Biblical account as it highlights some important principles for us.

Absalom was David's third son. We read how his sister Tamar was raped by her brother Amnon (2 Sam 13:8-14), and when Absalom perceived this all he said was; Hold your peace my sister...do not take this thing to heart (2 Sam 13:20).

Such was the heart of Absalom. He was grossly insensitive and acted unjustly.To Amnon his brother he spoke neither good nor bad (2 Sam 13:22).

The consequence of this incest brought forth "foolishness" and "hatred" in Amnon (verses 13-15), which then resulted in "anger" and "hatred" within the family (verses 21-22). Festering guilt mixed with anger led Absalom to plan his brother's death, after which he fled the scene and hid for three years (chapter 13). Eventually, upon returning to Jerusalem he was banned from approaching his father David (2 Sam. 14:24).

When, by another act of treachery, Absalom does get to see his father again (14:28-33) he immediately sets about to draw attention to himself by "providing for himself chariots and fifty men to run before him" (15:1).

The working out of this mind-set causes Absalom to not only draw attention to himself, but also to draw people to himself (15:2-6). This of course is the basic pattern and strategy of "the Absalom spirit". He/she wants attention, as well as the people who will give it to them! Those driven by an Absalom-spirit give the impression that they are people-orientated (and they truly might be a "people person"), but their motivation is wrong. They want an audience for their own approval and ministry.

There's a definite plan to all this. Note the sequence of how it is enacted:

1. Absalom chooses to rise early (2 Sam 15:2). He is driven by the need for approval.

2. He deliberately stands at the gate to the City, where many people pass by.

3. He focuses in on issues the people have (in Heb. lit. =controversies).

4. He also seemingly "approves" of their dissatisfaction (15:3), thus cunningly aligning himself to their concern, and vice versa.

5. Then he sows seeds of discontent by declaring that only he has the ability to make wise decisions (15:4).

6. The result is that people are duped and pay him homage when they should be going to their God-appointed oversight, in this case King David (15:5-6).

7. Absalom then uses a "religious ploy" to prepare the next stage of the deceit (15:7-8).

8. This brings about an uprising against the legitimate God-appointed eldership (15:10) by drawing others into the web to act deceitfully (the "spies" of verse 10a).

9. The final working out of all this is the setting up of a competitive seat of ruling power (15:10b).

So, we see the treachery that is acted out by one close to eldership. Sadly, this pattern still runs its course today and we find churches and fellowships undermined by this very same "spirit". Based on this Biblical account, what then are some of the factors to watch for?

THOSE WITH AN INDEPENDENT SPIRIT

Clearly we are to look for those who have an attitude that betrays an independent spirit. Such a person no longer wants to serve the Body but seeks recognition and reputation for himself. It may well have been that the person initially did serve others, but often this is only short-lived.

THOSE WHO SUBTLY SEEK SELF-PROMOTION

The next step is when such a person begins to manoeuvre to receive the praise of others. We have already seen in 2 Samuel chapter 15 how Absalom stood by the gate of the city and "stole the hearts of the people". In modern jargon we might say, "he conned them".

SPIRITUAL PRIDE RISES UP

It's usually those who lack clear discernment who give accolades and praise to the Absalom-type among them. As this takes root in the heart of the perpetrator he begins to believe that he's more spiritual than others, and certainly wiser than the current eldership. He becomes unteachable.

AN OFFENDED SPIRIT COMES TO THE FORE

The spiritual pride that resides deep in the heart of the Absalom-type turns into offence. Almost anything begins to cause offence because his "spiritual insight" isn't appreciated by the eldership. All the time he works to have his ideas, doctrines and plans promoted. When it's clear his suggestions are not being accepted, he is greatly offended and seeks out others to back him - and to get them to agree with him about the great offence caused. Disaffected people can so easily seek after others of like spirits, who in turn are drawn to him.

A CRITICAL SPIRIT BEGINS TO OPERATE OPENLY

Once the pattern gets this far it's not too long before a critical attitude toward eldership begins to operate more openly. This will soon result in nearly every decision, major and minor, being questioned by the disaffected ones.

About the same time that this begins to operate, the Absalom-type feels he can no longer receive any spiritual input or guidance from the eldership. Gradually he begins to distance himself from them, and complains that they're the ones who are causing all this.

He is reinforced in his thinking that only he has the wisdom to carry the group further spiritually. Because there's no balance in his thinking he "hears" only those voices that approve of him, and he can even begin to find Biblical texts in support of this. He has entered very dangerous territory at this stage.

A SPIRIT OF COMPETITION ENTERS THE FRAY

What now emerges is a direct confrontation, which will ultimately lead to more and more confusion. The Absalom-type will set himself up in competition to the eldership by deliberately throwing innuendo and doubt into even casual conversation with the disaffected ones. Because they too feel unloved they will readily nod their agreement. All the while their conscience tries to alert them to the fact that something's not quite true - yet they ignore this alarm bell and continue in aligning themselves to one of like-spirit.

Later the Absalom will begin to distort some of the teaching given by the elders, and misrepresent certain facts and decisions they make. Thus it moves from a sense of emotional hurt and lack of appreciation, to challenging doctrine. By this stage there's now occurred a major crisis in the pattern of this problem.

THE DELIBERATE SOWING OF STRIFE INCREASES

Now Absalom begins to take the strife to another level, often contacting other individuals in the church to spread the dissatisfaction; always of course making sure the hearer understands that this isn't gossip, but "truth" that needs airing!

When it's something that occurs through a chance meeting with another disaffected person, it's one thing; but when it becomes more "organised" it's quite another. By the use of phone calls, invitations to a cuppa or a meal, and even through clandestine gatherings such as home fellowships, the strife spreads like a cancer. Absalom is keen to seemingly promote God, the teachings of the Bible, etc, to validate the reason for speaking against the eldership. He is very careful at this point not to blow his cover; he doesn't want to be seen as divisive, so acts with seeming humility.

However, invitations to attend a cuppa, a meal or gathering are given out to selected ones who Absalom knows will readily accept. At the outset of such gatherings Absalom makes sure that the attention isn't drawn to him - "it is God who is our focus" he readily announces! This soon changes however, and gradually the gathering turns into a meeting of bruised souls all expressing their sense of hurt and rejection.

ACCUSATIONS FLY

The greatest accusation any believer will have to face is "You don't love me enough!". We all know in our hearts we fail at this point, so the poisoned arrow of accusation can go deep. This becomes the one great area of faultfinding, especially directed at the eldership. Usually it's not Biblical love that's the issue for the accusation here, but rather "emotional" love. While the disaffected ones are giving voice to their hurt, Absalom waits (somewhat impatiently) for an opportunity to turn it in a certain direction. He isn't really interested at all in their grievances; he wants to air his own feelings.

A Bible text is usually flung about, as if to legitimise the gossip. It doesn't take too long before Absalom speaks forthrightly against faults that he's noticed in the eldership. Topping the list will be "lack of love", followed by an accusation that the current elders are "grieving the Holy Spirit", and are motivated by a religious spirit.

Close behind these accusations will often come a "comforter" or "pacifier". In the Bible Absalom was keen to evidence loyalty to both God and David (2 Sam 15:7-9), yet his actions showed otherwise. The use of Biblical quotes or principles especially supporting the idea that we should still love the elders whom we've left brings a kind of "comfort" to the disaffected. They feel they're not really attacking God's overseers at all, because they, at least, still "love" them!

Sadly this is nothing more than a trick of the mind; it's a spiritual and emotional somersault. If they would only listen they'd hear their conscience screaming out at them to wake up and see what's really going on.

Attacks against eldership are often related to the spiritual qualifications required of them as set down in Scripture, and how the current elders fail to measure up. The breakaway group has now become so entrenched in their "mission of purification" that even minor failures of the previous elders are made to be seen as major flaws.

OPEN DISLOYALTY FOLLOWED BY DIVISION

Once this has reached a certain point, it's not too long before open division rears its serpentine head. Absalom doesn't necessarily need a large group to implement his next move; even a small band of followers will suffice. He knows he has them, for he has "stolen their hearts" (2 Sam 15:6) and they have unwittingly given themselves over to him. They have come under bondage (see 2 Pet. 2:19) and they are being savagely manipulated. By now Absalom is becoming quite smug and proud.

Soon the disloyalty is shown by the making of some sort of declaration (2 Sam. 15:10), either in public or in private. It's remarkable how often those who seek to break away declare their intention to the elders by any means rather than have a face-to-face meeting! A hurried phone call or a short letter announces their intent; it is curt, to the point and there is no entering into further dialogue.

A final parting dart is flung at the eldership in a last attempt to inflict hurt when it's announced, "by the way, you need to know that others feel the same way I do!" (Compare 2 Sam. 15:10-13). If the elders haven't guarded their spirit and soul, they'll wilt under this very common accusation.

Perhaps it's only at this point that the eldership actually becomes aware of the depth of the division. How necessary it is then that elders should pay attention to God's warnings via prophetic words, and even dreams!

Now the awful truth has come into the open: and the people must make a choice between their current oversight and the Absalom who has deceived them all by his treachery. Usually the larger group are not swayed by the Absalom-type, but he has caused enough division to foster doubt in the remainder of the congregation. A un-ease now hovers over the people and a spiritual sickness begins to pervade nearly everything they do as believers.

The elders feel sick at heart, the congregation are desperately looking for answers, and those with a rather strong-will in the church begin to demand quick surgical action. The stress grows and a whole new dynamic begins to take hold. Sunday meetings are soon tainted with doubt, unease, and a sense of loss of anointing.

A CONGREGATION TORN APART

Amongst those whom Absalom has beguiled are the naïve ones (2 Sam. 15:11). These are those who "only wanted the best of church life", those who wanted to "move into something spiritually greater", those who truly did desire the "deeper things", and who wanted the "freedom of the Spirit". Sadly these ones don't see the truth until much later, and they become confused, while some ultimately leave fellowshipping altogether.

Both sides are now in a flurry to re-establish and establish their respective groups. At this point the eldership may try to encourage the remnant through all sorts of ways, in a hurried attempt to stabilise them. Sadly there's often an over-reaction in this and the people sense their elders are "trying too hard" to keep them. This can actually cause further unease, and it may very well be that some of the surviving congregation begin to think that there might be something in what Absalom has been saying all along!

Absalom however will begin to gloat, all the time making certain this isn't seen publicly. But the signs will be there, and sooner or later, what's in his heart will overflow in his words and actions.

One thing the Absalom-type cannot fail to do is to speak out against what he's left behind. He will actively seek out "teachings" that will seemingly "approve" of, and legitimise, his actions.

Those who align themselves with him will find some "comfort" in these teachings, as it seems to validate their choice. However the instruction they receive from him will be un-balanced and its source is often other "Absaloms". He has now cunningly set himself up as a "wise one" subtly imposing upon his group the view that he can lead them into something more "spiritual", unlike the previous eldership.

When the Absalom sees something go wrong in the church he's just left, he's quick to say that "God's judgement" has now fallen upon them because they didn't listen. Sadly, even insignificant events will be seen as "signs" that God has approved of the split. Spiritual discernment cannot possibly function in the breakaway group because of the bitterness and pride that's taken root there.

THE JUDGMENT THAT WILL SURELY FOLLOW

There's a Biblical principle that states: If the root is evil then the fruit shall also be evil. This simply means that a group birthed from the workings of an "Absalom" will suffer the same fate in due time. Disloyalty, gossip, and eventual rebellion will follow as sure as night follows day.

Note that in Scripture, Absalom died in a most revealing way; his head got caught in trees and he was left dangling until he was executed. Caught by the head! In Biblical typology "the head" stands for authority and leadership. Absalom set himself up as head and by his head he was judged! (2 Sam. 18:9-18).

May the Lord and His teaching Spirit guide us into ALL of His wondrous ways and increasingly deliver us from the spirit of Absalom: please pray that MATURITY will be the hall-mark of today's church!
Chapter 12

Discerning techniques of control

It may be helpful to have some general insight into how people manipulate and intimidate others, because in the end, spiritual powers still have to express themselves through the vehicle of a human soul. There seems to be three main areas of control that are progressive in nature. First, there is manipulation, which proceeds onto intimidation, and then domination. It could be said that the very end result of all this is a kind of death. We find this outlined by the Lord Jesus when He said of our adversaries, "the thief does not come except that he may steal, and kill and destroy" (Jhn. 10:10). These are all techniques belonging to our chief adversary Satan, and skilfully employed by his host.

Manipulation is a practised way of using various behaviours to bring a person or situation under control, often secretly.

Intimidation is the confronting act of coercion utilising fear to subject one person's will to another.

Domination comes into play when the two foregoing methods have effectively worked to bring about a strong influence of power, control and position over others relegating them to the status of a slave.

Destruction or Death occurs when all three have so ingrained themselves in a person that despondency and surrender all but annihilate any freedom or personality within the victim.

It is interesting to note that this process is akin to that associated with religious persecution. The three common steps are:

1. You don't have the right to live amongst us and believe what you believe.

2. You don't have the right to live amongst us.

3. You don't have the right to live at all.

All these methods are insidious and evil in their intent. How sad then that some of these schemes are found active within the Body of Christ. Now, without venturing into the realms of modern psychology, I would like to offer an overview of character manipulation we have all experienced as part of general life. Those who set out to manipulate and control others do so because they themselves are pained within their own soul. They cannot bear this burden and certainly don't know how to be set free, so their anger, hurt and pain is projected onto others to shift the anguish and associated guilt. Some people will unknowingly project their own guilt onto others by:

1. Criticism

2. Fault finding

3. Disapproval

4. Blame

5. Constant correction

6. Using malicious rumours

7. Rejection of another's feelings and rights

8. Accusing others and thereby putting them on the defensive

9. Creating a sense of uncertainty about certain information

10. Causing others to put aside discernment and accept gossip as truth.

Whenever they can, manipulators set out to polarise individuals or groups of people into identifiable adverse parties. This assists them in their warped thinking that they have dominance over everyone involved. Often however, it's only confined to the here and now; once out of sight, some persons in the respective parties will see through the ploy. When the manipulator senses this he will further divide the groups and isolate the "trouble-makers" (who are actually good discerners!) and spread innuendo about them to discredit their influence. A manipulator is one who's actually assuming what we might call "illegal" or "stolen" authority over others. In the case of parent/child manipulation, there is of course a "legal" authority active, but it's been twisted out of all true responsibility.

In the case of pastor-layperson manipulation, the claims made by the manipulator are more implied than real. This is precisely where spiritual blackmail comes into play. In such cases, the pastor or leader will claim official sanction from God to be in charge. He will cite special revelation from God, special powers and abilities, etc, and use these to force people to remain connected to him. If they do not, he will accuse them of rebelling against God Himself and in danger of divine retribution – which he of course is allowed to inflict on God's behalf! Such declarations as:

1. "You can't get ahead spiritually without me because I have a special connection to God – do you really want to risk that?"

2. "If you leave me you will always come under judgement because you rejected what was offered to you as a special gift".

3. "You don't understand how much you need me".

4. Or the reverse, "You don't understand how much I need you" – this of course is emotional blackmail because the manipulator simply wants people to control; that's his need!

5. "What about all the time and effort I've put into your life; how can you be so ungrateful?"

These and many similar accusations are simply attempts to get people to feel and act just how the manipulator wants them to respond. However, should someone rise up against this obvious attempt to intimidate, the manipulator will counter with such things as feigning hurt, rejection, sullenness, pretended physical sickness, protests of innocence, and finally, outright accusation of some sort of conspiracy against him.

This can be quite vitriolic, so be prepared for it. In a last ditch attempt to hold the person, the manipulator will show false remorse. This "repentance" will evidence sorrow, tears, and much hand wringing, saying how it was all done for the good of others – but it's all show; a desperate last minute attempt to hold onto power. When this too fails to convince, the manipulator will declare to be a martyr and pretend to bear it as a badge of honour.

At this stage some people will be fooled by even this, and are likely to turn back to console the manipulator, only to find themselves entrapped all over again. This evil is insidious indeed, and a great shame upon any in the Body of Christ who uses such tactics. If ever you find yourself under such intimidation or control, the best thing to do is to remove yourself from any sphere of influence immediately – walk away from it all. Later there will need to be prayer and ministry in order for you to see things clearly according to Scripture, but once done, the results are striking.

Here of course, I am not talking about those trapped in cults and strict sectarian groups; other things will have to be employed in seeking a full and lasting release. However, for those more common occasions where pastoral manipulation occurs, the above will suffice to offer some straightforward way out.

Above all, do not enter into debate with a manipulator; they have become very skilled in twisting the facts and playing on emotions. Do not respond to invitations to "work things out". Make a point not to address any issues they raise, and call their bluff by making a firm statement that they are out of order, biblically, emotionally and morally

The Issachar Ministry

PO Box 4022

Seaton SA 5023

Australia
