As I continue this study, I aim to shed light on the spiritual forces at work in our world, particularly the spirits of Jezebel and Ahab, and their connection to Satan’s authority structure. The Bible reveals the spiritual dynamics behind these forces, and I’ve witnessed their impact in various contexts, including here in the Netherlands. Let’s explore this further, starting with a key passage about Ahab’s alliance with Jezebel:
And it came to pass, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshiped him.
—1 Kings 16:31
Jezebel’s father, Ethbaal, was not only the king of the Sidonians but also ruled over the district of Tyre (Tyrus). This region is significant in Scripture, particularly in Ezekiel 28, where we find a vivid description of the “king of Tyre”:
Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. By the abundance of your trading you became filled with violence within, and you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the fiery stones. Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you. You defiled your sanctuaries by the multitude of your iniquities, by the iniquity of your trading; Therefore I brought fire from your midst; It devoured you, and I turned you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all who saw you. All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you; You have become a horror, and shall be no more forever.”’”
—Ezekiel 28:11-19
This passage clearly describes Satan, not a human king. While Ezekiel 28:1-10 refers to the human governor of Tyre, verses 11-19 point to Satan as the true “king” ruling the region. This distinction reveals Satan’s authority over the human governor and the spiritual forces influencing Jezebel’s family, who were steeped in idol worship. The sin that led to Satan’s fall—pride and arrogance—is a key characteristic of the spirits of Jezebel and Ahab, as I’ve observed in their destructive work.
The Role of Worship
Worship is central in both 1 Kings 16:31 and Ezekiel 28. What we worship becomes our god, holding the highest priority in our lives. As I’ve learned, anything—whether a job, house, money, or even religion—can become an idol if it takes precedence over our relationship with God. A job is a tool God uses to provide, but it should never overshadow Him as our true Provider. Similarly, religious structures and rules can become idols when they eclipse a living relationship with the Father. God demands first place in our lives, and we must choose Him above all else.
Satan’s Authority Structure
Ezekiel 28 also highlights the territorial nature of spiritual powers. As I mentioned in Part 1, Satan assigns his fallen angels and demons to specific tasks within a structured hierarchy, much like an army. Satan sits at the top, with powers assigned to regions, sub-regions, and so on. These powers gain influence through sin, and the impact of a sin depends on the authority of the person committing it. For example:
-
A regular person’s sin affects only themselves.
-
A husband’s sin impacts his household, as he is the priest of his family.
-
A king’s sin affects his entire kingdom.
-
A church leader’s sin influences their congregation.
I’ve seen this principle at work in the Netherlands. For instance, when our queen bowed to idols like Islam or Buddhism—likely intending to show respect to their adherents—she inadvertently engaged in an act of worship. In the spiritual realm, this granted demonic powers authority over the nation due to her position. Similarly, I recall a trip to Turkey with my wife, organized by a Christian travel agency. At a mosque, visitors were required to remove their shoes to enter. The Holy Spirit instructed me, “Do not enter the mosque or take your shoes off.” My wife and I waited outside, later realizing that removing shoes is an act of worship in Scripture, often tied to reverence for God. Many leaders—church leaders, presidents, kings—have unknowingly engaged in such acts, granting spiritual authority to demonic forces.
The Consequences of Sin in Leadership
When leaders, such as husbands, church leaders, or national figures, succumb to sins like greed, control, or manipulation, these become forms of idol worship. As I’ve observed, such sins empower demonic forces at the level of the leader’s authority. For example, a church leader’s compromise can weaken a congregation, leading to fewer miracles, struggles in deliverance, and diminished spiritual power. The spiritual state of a nation reflects the state of its churches, which in turn reflects the state of its families, rooted in the spiritual health of husbands as family priests. When leaders fall into sin, knowingly or unknowingly, it opens doors for demonic influence, impacting entire communities.
Satan’s forces, including the spirits of Jezebel and Ahab, target those in authority—husbands, pastors, apostles, and national leaders—because their fall yields the greatest spiritual impact. These spirits seduce leaders into sin, granting them authority in the spiritual realm.
The Importance of Truth
Without the Way (relationship with God), the Truth (His Word), and the Life (Christ in us), we are vulnerable to Satan’s schemes. As God warns, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). This knowledge is the Truth—God’s spoken and written Word. The more we know the Truth, the more light enters our lives, leaving less room for darkness. Everything begins and ends with Jesus.
A Word of Caution
I must emphasize a critical warning. Many believe they can confront any demonic power because Jesus has won the victory—and He has, completely. However, God’s Kingdom is highly structured, with each person assigned specific tasks. Confronting demons or territorial powers without God’s calling is dangerous. As I’ve learned, acting on our own insight, rather than God’s direction, is prideful and makes us vulnerable to the enemy (Proverbs 3:5-8). We must depend on God’s guidance in all things, especially in spiritual warfare.
I share this to help you understand the strategies of Jezebel and Ahab and the broader spiritual battle. In the next part, I will offer guidance on how to confront these spirits with God’s authority.
