Topical Bible: Be-el'zebul

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Introduction:
Be-el'zebul, also spelled Beelzebub, is a name associated with a demonic entity or the prince of demons in the New Testament. The name is derived from the Hebrew "Ba'al Zebub," which means "lord of the flies," a deity worshiped in the Philistine city of Ekron (2 Kings 1:2-3). In the New Testament, Be-el'zebul is often equated with Satan, the adversary of God and humanity.

Biblical References:
The name Be-el'zebul appears in several passages in the New Testament, primarily in the context of accusations against Jesus and His ministry. In the Gospel of Matthew, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Be-el'zebul: "But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, 'Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons'" (Matthew 12:24). This accusation is also recorded in Mark 3:22 and Luke 11:15.

Theological Significance:
The use of the name Be-el'zebul in the New Testament highlights the spiritual conflict between Jesus and the forces of evil. The Pharisees' accusation reflects their refusal to acknowledge Jesus' divine authority and power. Instead, they attribute His miraculous works to demonic influence, thereby committing what Jesus describes as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32).

Jesus responds to the accusation by illustrating the absurdity of Satan casting out Satan, emphasizing the division it would cause within the kingdom of darkness: "If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?" (Matthew 12:26). This response underscores the unity and purpose of Jesus' mission to defeat the powers of darkness and establish the Kingdom of God.

Cultural and Historical Context:
The name Be-el'zebul reflects the syncretism and adaptation of pagan deities into Jewish demonology. The original Ba'al Zebub was a local god of Ekron, and over time, the name became associated with the chief of demons in Jewish thought. This transformation illustrates the Jewish understanding of foreign gods as malevolent spiritual beings opposed to the God of Israel.

Interpretation and Application:
In Christian theology, Be-el'zebul is often identified with Satan, representing the ultimate opposition to God's will and the embodiment of evil. The New Testament's portrayal of Be-el'zebul serves as a reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of discerning the true source of spiritual authority and power.

Believers are encouraged to recognize the authority of Jesus over all spiritual forces and to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and protection. The accusations against Jesus also serve as a warning against attributing the work of God to evil, highlighting the importance of spiritual discernment and the acknowledgment of Jesus' divine mission.

Concordance

Be-el'zebul (7 Occurrences)

Matthew 10:25
It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!
(See RSV)

Matthew 12:24
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "This man does not cast out demons, except by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons."
(See RSV)

Matthew 12:27
If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.
(See RSV)

Mark 3:22
The scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebul," and, "By the prince of the demons he casts out the demons."
(See RSV)

Luke 11:15
But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons."
(See RSV)

Luke 11:18
If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.
(See RSV)

Luke 11:19
But if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore will they be your judges.
(See RSV)

Thesaurus

Be-el'zebul (7 Occurrences)
Be-el'zebul. Beelzebul, Be-el'zebul. Been . Multi-Version Concordance
Be-el'zebul (7 Occurrences). Matthew 10:25 It is enough for ...
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