THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE PROPHECY

DEMONS AND UNCLEAN SPIRITS

THE SYNONYMOUS TERMS DEMONS AND UNCLEAN SPIRITS refer to fallen Angels who follow satan in his revolt against God ( Matthew 12:24; Revelation 12:7 ). The real existence of these spirit beings is affirmed at least Ten times in the Old testament and by every writer of the new testament except the author of Hebrews. Jesus Christ recognized their existence  by teaching about their reality( Matthew 12:27- 28; 25:41 ; Luke 10:20; 11:18-20 ) and by casting demons out of individuals whom they indwelt.

THE TERMINOLOGY RELATED TO DEMONS – In the Old Testament

The Hebrews equivalent for Demon is shed, use in two key passages ( Deuteronomy 32:17; Psalms 106:36-37 ). These Scriptures reveal the role of Demons in promoting Idolatry and False religion. The physical Idol of metal, wood and stone were representation of Demons. A Second Hebrew word for Demon is Sa’ir. It occurs only in the Plural ( Leviticus 17:17; 2 Chronicles 11:15 ) and describe the Goat Demon (Satyrs ) worship by the pagans cultures that surrounded Ancient Israel. Two others words AZAZEL ( Leviticus 16:8, 10, 26 ) and Lilith ( also translated as Owl In Isaiah 34:11 ) Maybe the Names of Demons. The Old Testament also uses a more generic therm Spirit ( Hebrew Ruach) – To describe these creatures, suggesting their Immaterial nature. Spirit is modified by evil seven times ( Judges 9:23; 1 Samuel 16:14 – 16 ; 23; 18:10; 19:9), emphasizing their character. In each of these cases the evil spirit is sent from God. A more detail description of this is reveal in 1 Kings 22:19-23; Where the Prophet Micaiah  related how the sovereign Lord uses even the Evil Spirits to accomplish his purpose.

IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

The New Testament designates these fallen Angels by three words: demon ( daimon is used only in Matthew 8:31, but the diminutive  for daimonion is used more frequently), evil spirit (Pneuma Ponera ) and Unclean Spirits ( Pneuma  Akathartos ). In some cases the Adjective  evil ( Ponera, Matthew 12:45; Luke 7:21, 8:2; 11:26; Acts 19:12-16 ) or deceptive (Planos , 1 Timothy 4:1) describe these Spirits.