Tag: demons

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Who are the Evil Angels?

QUESTION

Who are the “evil angels” in Psalm 78:49 (KJV)?
~ John & Pamela, USA

ANSWER

Psalm 78 speaks of the rebellious history of Israel even though God brought His favor and blessings to them again and again. In His anger toward their sin, God brought judgment against Israel in a variety of ways. One of the ways God punished Israel is given to us in v.49.
King James Version: “He (God) cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.”
New International Version: “(God) unleashed against them his hot anger, his wrath, indignation and hostility—a band of destroying angels.”
According to Strong’s Concordance, the Hebrew word “malak” used in this verse can mean angel, messenger, or ambassador (Strong’s H4397). The Hebrew word “ra” used in this verse can mean evil, distress, injury, or calamity (Strong’s H7451).
Therefore, technically, both the KJV and the NIV are correct. How, then, are we to understand this verse? If you take the translation “evil angels” to mean demons, then you have a problem because “shed” is the Hebrew word for demon. That is not the word used here. If you understand “evil angels” to mean “angels who bring distress, injury, or calamity” you will be in a better interpretive position. Angels who are carrying out God’s judgment on mankind can be seen as “evil” in the sense that what they are doing hurts. Judgment is painful.
Charles Spurgeon says it this way in The Treasure of David: “The angels were evil to them, though good enough in themselves; those who to the heirs of salvation are ministers of grace, are to the heirs of wrath executioners of judgment.” In his classic commentary on the Bible, Matthew Henry writes this about the angel messengers from God, “…those who to the heirs of salvation are ministers of grace, are to the heirs of wrath executioners of judgment.”
Three examples of angels bringing calamity from God are found in Genesis 19:1-13; 2 Samuel 24:16; and Revelation 15-16. We will do well to make sure that there is no rebellion against God in our hearts.

~ Pastor Chris

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Is it safe to confront a spiritual presence?

Pastor Chris,

 

I have always gotten the most powerful Devine sensations When I think about God. I also tend to get them when I hear stories of near death experiences both good and bad. It’s like a wierd tingling sensation that feels good but I am soon bursting forth with tears and emotions that are indescribable. It is most certainly a presence that is coming closer to me. At times lights will flicker or loud cracks will imitate from furniture. I then get fearful and worried I am opening myself up for evil presences and stop the thoughts immediately. If I pray is it safe to fully confront this presence? It feels like it is healing me but I only allow it to go on for a short amount of time because I am fearful. If you Have any idea wHat This could be I would be very greatful. I have never told anybody else aBout This. Today my mom told me a story about her friend who is battlinG cancer that triggered it. He was being treated for cancer and flatlined. He says the dEvil appeared in the corner oF the room with a well between Them and as it Ran towarDs him he was revived. Thinking about stories like this one and positive near death experiences physically do something to me. Is this Normal and what is happening to me during these times. Thanks for any advice in advance.

 

~ Anthony

 

 

ANSWER

 

Anthony,

 

As you have discovered, the spiritual world is real. In answer to your questions please note these things:

 

1. Jesus will not give you a spiritual experience that will contradict the Bible (Isaiah 40:8; Hebrews 4:12). Remember, Jesus is the

Word of God made flesh (John 1:1-2, 14). The Bible is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Be sure to test any supernatural

experience by the Word of God.

2. Jesus’ miracles were signs that pointed to His deity (John 2:11; 4:54; 6:14). They met needs and led people to put their faith in

Jesus.

3. The enemy can work counterfeit miracles (Exodus 7:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:13-14).

4. When a person becomes a child of God, that relationship is forever (John 1:12-13; 3:16; 5:24; 10:27-30). Therefore we do not need

to worry or fear (Matthew 6:25-34).

 

The enemy will try to use fear to intimidate God’s children, therefore making us ineffective in our witness and our service. He knows that when we are afraid we are not walking by faith. You are in a spiritual war. Be sure to put on the armor of God and use the weapons of God (Ephesians6:10-18).

 

Jesus often spoke about fear (Matthew 28:10; Mark 4:40; Luke 8:50; John 14:27, etc.). He called people to follow Him and trust Him. We do not need to fear when Jesus is near (Matthew 14:25-33). Faith is the cure for fear (Matthew 14:31) and faith comes through hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

 

When fear hits, the right thing to do is call out to Jesus. That is what Peter did when he started walking on the water, saw the wind, got afraid, and started sinking. In response the Bible says, “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him” (Matthew 14:31, NIV). James tells us to submit to God first; then “resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

 

For additional study on the subject of fear I recommend these two books:

Let it Go!: Breaking Free From Fear and Anxiety (Tony Evans Speaks Out Booklet Series)

From Fear to Faith: Studies in the Book of Habakkuk

 

~ Pastor Chris