Demons: What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness

by Michael S. Heiser

Overview

2020 Center for Biblical Studies Finalist for Biblical Theology

The truth about demons is far stranger—and even more fascinating—than what's commonly believed.

Are demons real? Are they red creatures with goatees holding pitchforks and sitting on people's shoulders while whispering bad things? Did a third of the angels really rebel with Satan? Are demons and "principalities and powers" just terms for the same entities, or are they different members of the kingdom of darkness? Is the world a chaotic mess because of what happened in Eden, or is there more to the story of evil?

What people believed about evil spiritual forces in ancient biblical times is often very different than what people have been led to believe about them today. And this ancient worldview is missing from most attempts to treat the topic.

In Demons, Michael Heiser debunks popular presuppositions about the very real powers of darkness. Rather than traditions, stories, speculations, or myths, Demons is grounded in what ancient people of both the Old and New Testament eras believed about evil spiritual forces and in what the Bible actually says. You'll come away with a sound, biblical understanding of demons, supernatural rebellion, evil spirits, and spiritual warfare.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683592891
Publisher:	Lexham Press
Publication date:	04/29/2020
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	53,170
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Michael S. Heiser is scholar-in-residence for Faithlife Corporation. He is the author of numerous best-selling books, including Angels, The Unseen Realm, Supernatural, and The Bible Unfiltered. He earned his PhD in Hebrew Bible and Semitic languages and holds an MA in ancient history and Hebrew studies.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations vii

Introduction xiii

What You Know May Not Be So xiii

Section I Biblical Vocabulary for the Powers of Darkness 1

1 Hebrew Terms for Evil Spiritual Beings 5

2 It Was All Greek to Them, Too 37

Section II The Powers of Darkness in the Old Testament and Second Temple Judaism 59

3 The Original Rebel-I Will Be Like the Most High 61

4 Satan in Second Temple Judaism 83

5 The Second Divine Rebellion-Making Our Own Imagers 109

6 Depravity and Demons in Second Temple Judaism 127

7 The Third Divine Rebellion-Chaos in the Nations 145

8 Dark Powers over the Nations in Second Temple Judaism 159

Section III "The Devil and his Angels": The Powers of Darkness in the New Testament 173

9 The Devil-His Dominion and Destiny 175

10 Evil Spirits-Demons and Their Destiny 194

11 The Ruling Powers-Their Delegitimization and Destiny 213

Section IV Common Questions and Misconceptions 237

12 Myths and Questions about the Powers of Darkness 239

Select Bibliography 269

Index of Subjects and Modern Authors 289

Index of Scripture and Other Ancient Literature 301

Editorial Reviews

2020 Center for Biblical Studies Finalist for Biblical Theology

This book brings clarity and coherence to what the Bible is and is not trying to tell us about the nature and origins of spiritual evil. Reading Heiser's work has a way of exposing just how much we have unconsciously rewritten the Bible to fit our modern sensibilities, and how we've muddled the Biblical storyline by underestimating the themes explored in this book. Get ready for many lightbulb moments, and for a whole new appreciation of biblical texts you thought you already understood. This book is highly recommended!
—Tim Mackie, co-creator of The Bible Project

Dr. Michael Heiser is a master guide into the unseen realm of angels and demons, making accessible to a wider audience the findings of top Hebrew and Semitic scholars. And his newest book focusing on demons-in keeping with his recent bestselling books-will challenge you to rethink many of your common assumptions. Let all things be tested by the truth of the Word! You are in for an enlightening read.
—Michael Brown, host of the Line of Fire radio broadcast, president of FIRE School of Ministry, and author of Jezebel's War with America

Is it right to say that you love a book about demons? If so, I love this book about demons! Dr. Michael Heiser brilliantly unveils more of the Unseen Realm, this time the mysterious and misunderstood forces of darkness that made the death and Resurrection of Christ necessary. Demons will not only answer your most difficult questions about the underworld, but it will help you realize why your role in the Great Commission is so important. Get this book now!
—Frank Turek, CrossExamined.org and co-author, I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist

Michael Heiser has done a great service to all who want to understand the biblical theology of demons, the supernatural powers in rebellion against God. He gives a detailed exploration of the biblical materials as well as the best of the literature of ancient Jewish writers. He correctly believes that we must read the biblical accounts in the context of their ancient worldview. Reviewing all this material, helpfully gathered into this book, will challenge most everyone's understanding of demons. His work is controversial so he brings the work of those who differ with him into his discussions. The study will correct widely-held errors in modern demonology and make us more faithful followers of the One who has won the decisive victory over the Devil.
—Gerry Breshears, Professor of Theology, Western Seminary, Portland

Dr. Michael Heiser is a master guide into the unseen realm of angels and demons, making accessible to a wider audience the findings of top Hebrew and Semitic scholars. And his newest book focusing on demons-in keeping with his recent bestselling books-will challenge you to rethink many of your common assumptions. Let all things be tested by the truth of the Word! You are in for an enlightening read.
-Michael Brown, host of the Line of Fire radio broadcast, president of FIRE School of Ministry, and author of Jezebel's War with America

Is it right to say that you love a book about demons? If so, I love this book about demons! Dr. Michael Heiser brilliantly unveils more of the Unseen Realm, this time the mysterious and misunderstood forces of darkness that made the death and Resurrection of Christ necessary. Demons will not only answer your most difficult questions about the underworld, but it will help you realize why your role in the Great Commission is so important. Get this book now!
- Frank Turek, CrossExamined.org and co-author, I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist

Michael Heiser has done a great service to all who want to understand the biblical theology of demons, the supernatural powers in rebellion against God. He gives a detailed exploration of the biblical materials as well as the best of the literature of ancient Jewish writers. He correctly believes that we must read the biblical accounts in the context of their ancient worldview. Reviewing all this material, helpfully gathered into this book, will challenge most everyone's understanding of demons. His work is controversial so he brings the work of those who differ with him into his discussions. The study will correct widely-held errors in modern demonology and make us more faithful followers of the One who has won the decisive victory over the Devil. -Gerry Breshears, Professor of Theology, Western Seminary, Portland

From the Publisher