When Evil Wears a Mask: Exposing Jezebel, Absalom, and Simon

Not every battle comes with a warning. Not every enemy wears horns. Some slip in with charm, charisma, and even a Bible in hand.

We are living in a time when the most dangerous influences are often dressed in the most desirable packaging. Manipulation is celebrated as strategy. Rebellion is applauded as authenticity. And spiritual influence is too often auctioned off to the highest bidder. Beneath the cultural confusion lies something deeper—an unseen spiritual conflict infiltrating hearts, churches, and entire communities.

The Bible reveals this battle through the rise of three spiritual forces: the spirits of Jezebel, Absalom, and Simon. These aren’t just ancient figures—they represent active influences that continue to seduce, divide, and deceive. While true believers in Christ cannot be possessed by demons, they can come under demonic influence—especially when prayer is neglected, the flesh is fed, and sin is left unrepented.

God, in His sovereignty, often gives us what we pursue most—whether that leads to blessing or bondage. That’s why understanding these spirits isn’t optional—it’s essential. Recognizing their patterns is critical for any believer who wants to walk in purity, spiritual authority, and lasting freedom.

The Spirit of Jezebel: The Master Manipulator

First introduced in 1 Kings 16:31–33, Jezebel was the pagan queen who brought Baal worship into Israel and led the nation into idolatry and spiritual compromise. Her tactics were subtle, seductive, and deeply manipulative. She orchestrated the death of Naboth (1 Kings 21), threatened Elijah (1 Kings 19), and usurped leadership through control.

Her name resurfaces in Revelation 2:20–23, where Jesus rebukes the church in Thyatira for tolerating “that woman Jezebel,” who leads believers into immorality and idolatry.

Modern Jezebel Manifestations:

Manipulation disguised as spiritual discernment
Control masked by emotional or prophetic influence
Undermining leadership through gossip or private counsel
Seducing others into spiritual compromise or doctrinal deception

How to Defeat It:

Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment (1 John 4:1)
Speak the truth in love and confront with grace (Ephesians 4:15)
Engage in fasting, prayer, and spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10:4–5)

The Spirit of Absalom: The Hidden Rebel

Absalom’s story begins with a legitimate injustice. His sister Tamar was violated, and no justice came. But instead of seeking healing, Absalom let bitterness take root. What began as a wound turned into a strategy. He flattered the people, gained their loyalty, and launched a rebellion against his father, King David (2 Samuel 13–16).

This spirit doesn’t storm the gates—it whispers in the hallways. It sounds like “concern,” but it’s building a platform on the back of division.

Modern Absalom Manifestations:

Flattery that masks rebellion
Gathering followers through whispered critiques of leadership
Sowing discord while appearing humble or spiritual
Creating “better ways” outside of godly order

How to Defeat It:

Test the fruit, not just the language (Matthew 7:16)
Heal from offense before it becomes infection (Hebrews 12:15)
Restore gently and guard your heart (Galatians 6:1)

The Spirit of Simon: The Self-Promoting Opportunist

Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9–24) watched the apostles lay hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit—and tried to buy the same power. His heart was exposed: he wanted God’s power without God’s heart. His name gave rise to “simony,” the practice of using spiritual things for personal gain.

This spirit is alive today—subtly transforming ministry into marketing, platforms into pedestals, and the sacred into self-promotion.

Modern Simon Manifestations:

Turning faith into formulas and ministry into a brand
Using God’s name for personal fame or influence
Believing that anointing can be bought, earned, or manipulated
Treating church leadership like a corporate ladder

How to Defeat It:

Reject greed and choose godly contentment (Matthew 6:24)
Embrace humility and the servant-hearted nature of Christ (Philippians 2:3–8)
Pray for a clean heart and repent quickly when pride arises (Acts 8:22)

How These Spirits Gain Ground

Neglecting Spiritual Disciplines – When we stop praying, worshipping, and meditating on the Word, our spiritual defenses collapse.
Feeding the Flesh – Jealousy, pride, offense, and selfish ambition open the door (Galatians 5:16–17).
Unrepented Sin – Hidden sin festers into strongholds (1 John 1:9).

Walking in Lasting Freedom

You don’t have to live under the weight of Jezebel’s manipulation, Absalom’s rebellion, or Simon’s ambition. Through Christ, you have everything you need to walk in freedom, discernment, and authority.

Walk in the Spirit – Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit and walk closely with God (Galatians 5:22–25).
Submit to God, resist the devil – Humility is your spiritual shield (James 4:7).
Stay in Community – Accountability, encouragement, and biblical correction are safeguards against deception (Hebrews 10:24–25).

These spirits may be ancient, but they are still active today. Don’t tolerate them. Expose them. Confront them. Cast them out.

A Prayer for Discernment and Deliverance

Father, I come before You with a heart that longs for purity, truth, and freedom. Open my eyes to every counterfeit spirit operating in my life, my family, or my church. Expose what’s hidden and give me the courage to confront it in love. I reject every spirit of manipulation, rebellion, and self-promotion. I choose humility over pride, unity over division, and truth over deception. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and strengthen me to walk in boldness and discernment. Guard my heart, renew my mind, and anchor my soul in Your Word. May Your Church rise in power, purified and set apart, for such a time as this. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement