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Unmasking the Jezebel Spirit
With keen insight, John Paul Jackson peers through the enemy's smoke screen and exposes one of the most deceptive snares used to destroy the Church. Biblically anchored, this fascinating book is seasoned with years of personal observation, divine revelation, and thoughtful reflection.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
242 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
About the author
John Paul Jackson
73 books103 followersRecognized as a minister who revealed God, awakened dreams, and led people closer to Jesus, John Paul Jackson (1950–2015) was an authority on biblical dream interpretation for over thirty years. He renewed passion in people of various faiths and age groups with his sincere explanations of the unexplainable mysteries of life and enabled people to relate to God and others in fresh and meaningful ways.
As an inspirational author, speaker, teacher of true spirituality, and host of the television program Dreams & Mysteries, John Paul enlightened hundreds of thousands of people across the world. He found satisfaction in his role as a youth mentor and advisor to church and national leaders, as well as in the promotion of the spiritual arts.
As an inspirational author, speaker, teacher of true spirituality, and host of the television program Dreams & Mysteries, John Paul enlightened hundreds of thousands of people across the world. He found satisfaction in his role as a youth mentor and advisor to church and national leaders, as well as in the promotion of the spiritual arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 5, 2016
Caution Alert. I would approach this book with discernment, it's not for the average person. This book deals with difficult matters of the spirit and is best consumed by mature believers who are spirit-filled and spirit-led. There's high potential to do great harm by misapplying the principles in this book (as the author sternly warns). This book is not meant to send you on a witch hunt, no pun intended. It is meant to make you sensitive to a very active spiritual dynamic whose eye is set on destruction of the church. I appreciate the personal stories included within every chapter as it helps put a real face onto this problem. I also appreciate the emphasis on biblical confrontation, repentance, restoration, and reconciliation.
Seeing the number of churches closing daily or embroiled in strife saddens me. Reading this book has reinforced in me the importance of strong intercessory prayer. We need prophetic voices speaking today. Which means there's also a risk of false prophetic voices, as the author notes several times. And that means that we must be people of prayer. We must take our place on the wall praying protection over those in positions of leadership within the church.
Overall, if you're new to matters of the spirit, have significant strongholds in your life, or are otherwise unhealthy spiritually -- this is not the book for you.
Seeing the number of churches closing daily or embroiled in strife saddens me. Reading this book has reinforced in me the importance of strong intercessory prayer. We need prophetic voices speaking today. Which means there's also a risk of false prophetic voices, as the author notes several times. And that means that we must be people of prayer. We must take our place on the wall praying protection over those in positions of leadership within the church.
Overall, if you're new to matters of the spirit, have significant strongholds in your life, or are otherwise unhealthy spiritually -- this is not the book for you.
May 1, 2017
Unmasking the Jezebel spirit by john Paul Jackson
Book 13 of 2017 completed!
This book was another selection from the Tiphani Montgomery book club. I received clarity about certain things while reading the book. God has a specific reason for instructing us to do things. He might not reveal it to you right away but when He does it will blow your mind.
My takeaways:
1. One must be ready (spiritually) to receive the message in this book.
2. Guard your gates. Yes, many people overuse this statement but it's true. I used to love an alternative rock band called incubus. Very early in my walk the lord took away the desire to listen to their music. I never understood why until I read this book. Incubus the name of a male demon that engages in intercourse with women while they sleep. The lord revealed this to me 10 years after the initial instruction!
3. Read this book with discernment! This is not a book to breeze through! An immature Christian and possessing the Jezebel spirit is not the same thing. The characteristics may look that way on the outside. Be prayerful and utilize sound judgement before claiming that anyone has the Jezebel spirit.
#read52booksin52weeks
Book 13 of 2017 completed!
This book was another selection from the Tiphani Montgomery book club. I received clarity about certain things while reading the book. God has a specific reason for instructing us to do things. He might not reveal it to you right away but when He does it will blow your mind.
My takeaways:
1. One must be ready (spiritually) to receive the message in this book.
2. Guard your gates. Yes, many people overuse this statement but it's true. I used to love an alternative rock band called incubus. Very early in my walk the lord took away the desire to listen to their music. I never understood why until I read this book. Incubus the name of a male demon that engages in intercourse with women while they sleep. The lord revealed this to me 10 years after the initial instruction!
3. Read this book with discernment! This is not a book to breeze through! An immature Christian and possessing the Jezebel spirit is not the same thing. The characteristics may look that way on the outside. Be prayerful and utilize sound judgement before claiming that anyone has the Jezebel spirit.
#read52booksin52weeks
May 2, 2015
The best teaching I have ever read/heard on this topic. EVER. IN LIFE. I'll be recommending it to everyone.
July 10, 2018
I didn't know about the Jezebel spirit. When I learned about it I wondered if I was dealing with someone that was operating in the Jezebel spirit. I learned as much as I could about it and it's frightening stuff! I realized that, yes, I had been dealing with someone operating in the Jezebel spirit for quite sometime and I had not known it and had not opposed this spirit. This book is not to be taken lightly but is highly recommended if you even think this is something that someone you know (usually a "friend") may be consumed with.
September 26, 2024
This book is thinly veiled misogyny and wrongfully turns various human traits into something inherently evil, and I feel the need to leave this review just as a heads up.
The book attributes a WIDE range of habits, desires, motivations, etc to that of a demonic source. For example, it puts women’s rights on the same ‘counter culture’ platform as Wicca, being a strong-headed leader (as a woman) as a bad thing when in men it’s a good thing, and overall fails to understand that humans can simply have a variety of specialties/interests without being motivated by hatred.
It also needs to be said that while the book mentions this ‘phenomena’ happening in both men and women, the author almost always gives examples and negative connotations to women. Such negative traits include teaching others, suggesting a church may be becoming ‘cultish’, and saying things like “You don’t understand me.” or “You intimidate me.”. I suspect that when someone says they’re very worried about groups being called cultish and that they’re anxious about women taking leadership roles…something is amiss.
Overall, it was also very dull, there wasn’t much said outside of what’s mentioned here besides tying it in to bible verses. Despite being from 2014, it feels very dated in both concept and execution.
The book attributes a WIDE range of habits, desires, motivations, etc to that of a demonic source. For example, it puts women’s rights on the same ‘counter culture’ platform as Wicca, being a strong-headed leader (as a woman) as a bad thing when in men it’s a good thing, and overall fails to understand that humans can simply have a variety of specialties/interests without being motivated by hatred.
It also needs to be said that while the book mentions this ‘phenomena’ happening in both men and women, the author almost always gives examples and negative connotations to women. Such negative traits include teaching others, suggesting a church may be becoming ‘cultish’, and saying things like “You don’t understand me.” or “You intimidate me.”. I suspect that when someone says they’re very worried about groups being called cultish and that they’re anxious about women taking leadership roles…something is amiss.
Overall, it was also very dull, there wasn’t much said outside of what’s mentioned here besides tying it in to bible verses. Despite being from 2014, it feels very dated in both concept and execution.
April 13, 2026
A Jezebel spirit counterfeits the prophetic anointing in gifts, calling, and authority, a prophetic leader will become a target of a Jezebel spirit, as will a church in which the prophetic is held in high regard. A prophetic church and its leaders must realize that if the spirit of Elijah is going to return, so will its counterspirit—the Jezebel spirit.
How I started reading the book
I started reading the book on the suggestion of my mum. We were doing some house cleaning, and she stumbled upon this book by John Paul Jackson and suggested it would be a good read, especially as I get more involved in deliverance ministry.
About the book
The book is a deep dive into all that is Jezebelic and Ahabic in nature. It covers the origins of the word and its relevance in today's day and age, for pastors, leaders, and members of the body.
It also contains warnings on ways not to confront Jezebelic spirits and the harm it can do. He expounds from the lives of Elijah, Elisha, and Jehu on lessons we can learn from the Bible on ways to deal with the spirit in a discerning and wise manner.
The book ends with lawlessness and how insubordination, divisiveness, or rebellion isn’t from God—something we as believers should guard against.
Reflections from the book
After reading the book, I've developed a deeper respect for leaders, pastors, and elders running a church. Not only do you have to manage people, but having to deal with spiritual forces makes the task one of much greater responsibility and honor.
The thing that struck me the most was the aspect of submitting to authority and the godly way to deal with disagreements—to have a Davidic attitude when it comes to differences in the church.
A true watchman is submissive to authority, whereas someone operating under a Jezebel spirit usurps authority. A true watchman does not seek authority, but he or she prays for those who have authority.
A watchman who is submitted to the Holy Spirit has the same attitude as David when he served Saul—one of restraint and respect to God's chosen authority: The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord's anointed—1 Samuel 26:11a.
Way too often, I realized I didn't possess this attitude, and it's a humbling process to realize you were wrong about something you were so confident in.
Learnings from the book
Apart from the personal reflections, I've also learnt about some things to be wary of, like having an "Absalom-like spirit."
Over the years, I have watched assistant pastors and elders flow in what some have called an "Absalom spirit." But it is also a masculine form of a Jezebel spirit. In their need to gain recognition and prove they are anointed, they openly or covertly subvert God's appointed authority and engage in lawlessness, thinking they must take action for the sake of the church and the advancement of God's Kingdom. But they secretly go about building their own empire, which is designed to dismantle any other authority.
I started reading how the Jezebelic/Absalom-like spirit brings about so much division in the church, and the author writes about different instances where he's observed this take place.
*Recognise that it's not up to us to overthrow the Jezebelic spirit in another person
One of the key learnings I'm going to take back from the book is to respect the authority God has vested in pastors and not try to overstep my authority in dealing with a Jezebelic spirit.
Prophetic leaders must understand that they have not been given the authority to overthrow a Jezebel spirit. They can only reveal this spirit to their pastors. In Israel, God did not ask the prophet Elijah to remove Jezebel. In fact, Elijah exhibited signs of anxiety and depression by sulking and running from her presence. So it fell to Elisha, the next prophetic voice, to forewarn Jehu, to whom God gave the authority to remove her.
Likewise in Thyatira, God did not ask the prophets to remove Jezebel. Instead He addressed the pastor, who wields a type of apostolic and kingly authority on the behalf of his flock.
**Spiritual authority and LAWLESSNESS
The author warns us about speaking against God's established leaders, as in doing so, you'd be sowing seeds for your own destruction.
We may think we are within the will of God when we criticize our pastor, but God calls it lawlessness.
*Below are some good protocols for dealing with disagreements with leaders, I'll leave notes for reference later.
Let God be the judge
Even if your pastor is angry and controlling like Saul, you must demonstrate a heart of David. You must refrain from taking the opportunity to "kill" God's leader (1 Samuel 24). David waited for God to intervene and deal with Saul.
Don't go the absalomic way
May it never be said of you, as it was of Absalom, that you stole the hearts of the people away from your pastor (2 Samuel 15:4-6). Let God judge your pastor.
Don't step out of your spiritual covering
In addition, by taking judgment into our own hands, we give demonic spirits a legal right to judge, hassle, harass, and come against us, simply because we have acted presumptively and have stepped out from under our covering. Therefore, it would be better to leave a church quietly than to speak against God's anointed.
Overall
All in all, an extremely comprehensive book, and it certainly took me a while to get through it. 4 stars for me. It's one whose lessons will definitely pay dividends in church life, especially if you're a leader or someone who deals with those in authority.
So cheers, and I'll catch you guys later. I'll leave y'all with a quote for some food for thought as you ponder whether or not you should submit to authority.
A heart dedicated and consecrated to the Lord honors the spiritual authority that God has established. A heart that rejects that authority allows lawlessness to influence perceptions and decisions.
April 6, 2021
Interesting read
It’s interesting read. Plain and simple, this book is about overt narcissist and covert narcissists (jezebel and Ahab spirits) and codependent personalities (as the followers of Jezebel, or the weak and low self esteem insecure individuals). Broad explanation of these spiritual influences; and ways of dealing with them; and healing from them. I did not feel comfortable, in the book, with the predominant examples of Jezebel (Narcissistic individual) lead individuals were women.
Were as in my life I predominantly I have seen all Jezebelic spiritual expressions were men (and 1 woman)... men who dominated, controlled, manipulated, and destroyed their women, children and every one would not agree with them with the Bible scriptures. It did seem to me, that certain life personalities were over spiritualized (as being dominated by a certain “spirit”. Another idea that I have a hard time with is of individuals being dominated by Jezebel Spirit in adult life. May be lead or fooled, but not dominated. I do believe, that individuals who happened to be dominated by Jezebel were in it since childhood or teen hood.
Otherwise, it’s very informative read. Very descriptive.
It’s interesting read. Plain and simple, this book is about overt narcissist and covert narcissists (jezebel and Ahab spirits) and codependent personalities (as the followers of Jezebel, or the weak and low self esteem insecure individuals). Broad explanation of these spiritual influences; and ways of dealing with them; and healing from them. I did not feel comfortable, in the book, with the predominant examples of Jezebel (Narcissistic individual) lead individuals were women.
Were as in my life I predominantly I have seen all Jezebelic spiritual expressions were men (and 1 woman)... men who dominated, controlled, manipulated, and destroyed their women, children and every one would not agree with them with the Bible scriptures. It did seem to me, that certain life personalities were over spiritualized (as being dominated by a certain “spirit”. Another idea that I have a hard time with is of individuals being dominated by Jezebel Spirit in adult life. May be lead or fooled, but not dominated. I do believe, that individuals who happened to be dominated by Jezebel were in it since childhood or teen hood.
Otherwise, it’s very informative read. Very descriptive.
November 8, 2022
You know, I read this whole thing and I'm still not exactly sure what a "Jezebel spirit" is. And I don't think it's due to my reading comprehension. I picked this up as a joke at a book sale, but it was less laughable than just plain confusing. I understand what Jackson's getting at, and it's been a while since I read something charismatic, so that was fun, but he is just not a lucid writer.
I also found it interesting that, while Jackson clearly has no problem with women in pastoral positions and ostensibly believes that a Jezebel spirit can operate in men as well, all of his examples were of women. And woof, the examples... if they weren't made up, they certainly sounded like it. That, or church has changed a ton over the past twenty years.
If nothing else, reading this alerted me to the fact that Jackson wrote a diatribe about Pokemon being demonic spirits, so obviously I have to read that now.
I also found it interesting that, while Jackson clearly has no problem with women in pastoral positions and ostensibly believes that a Jezebel spirit can operate in men as well, all of his examples were of women. And woof, the examples... if they weren't made up, they certainly sounded like it. That, or church has changed a ton over the past twenty years.
If nothing else, reading this alerted me to the fact that Jackson wrote a diatribe about Pokemon being demonic spirits, so obviously I have to read that now.
May 10, 2012
Wow! Reading this book was like reading the epitaph of some people I know. It helped me to understand what I have dealt with in the past with certain "Christ followers". The Jezebel spirit is very real and alive in the church. Standing against it, instead of running, is the best thing you can do as a believer. This book helps you to recognize it's characteristics then teaches you how to deal with someone who has this spirit operating through them.
April 11, 2014
Every book I have read by John Paul Jackson is worth while reading. Very informative. Especially for anyone who has worked within "the church" where there have been well meaning individuals that managed to cause division, disruption, and so on. I always love the prayers John Paul Jackson walks you through. He does not just identify a problem, he walks you through it, so there is, as it should be always - victory in Christ Jesus.
August 3, 2015
this book was very insightful. a great introduction into the seductive spirit of Jezebel. It describes the spirit of jezebel and how this spirit can operate in males or females. It describes the mission of this spirit which is to divide congregations and the people of God and destroy lives. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested at the beginner level of spiritual warfare.
February 6, 2013
This book gave me much more insight than I had expected. While I learned much about controlling people and how it can effect the church, it also opened my eyes to controlling people in and around my daily walk.
July 10, 2013
Mr. Jackson's depiction and knowledge of the Jezebel Spirit was accurate and extremely informative. I found it biblically sound and grounded. He offers various personal experiences to support his knowledge.
June 14, 2018
So Good.
I choose this rating because not only is this book informative it teaches about how 2 overcome this. Just knowing that we always have a remedy 2 a solution makes the fight way more worth it.
I choose this rating because not only is this book informative it teaches about how 2 overcome this. Just knowing that we always have a remedy 2 a solution makes the fight way more worth it.
September 15, 2020
Unmasked indeed!
Some areas of a Jezebelite i found in my life while reading this book. It might have been ignorance or laking maturity but thank God with the help of this book i was able to put a finger on it. Thanks Mr. John for this book
Some areas of a Jezebelite i found in my life while reading this book. It might have been ignorance or laking maturity but thank God with the help of this book i was able to put a finger on it. Thanks Mr. John for this book
November 9, 2010
This book was so enlightening and informative. A very good read for some in any level of service to the Lord........
June 16, 2012
WOW is the first word that comes to mind after reading this AWESOME and POWERFUL book!! ANYONE involved in MINISTRY NEEDS THIS TOOL!! THAT'S ALL!!
June 14, 2013
Such an interesting book. Easy to read. Made me re-examine my thoughts, desires and motives. Real insight into what is happening in churches today.
January 22, 2014
Wasn't what I was looking for exactly, but gave some great information on how this spirit manifests in a church.
February 7, 2017
Excellent book.
Read
January 2, 2020This book was not long enough for me, but the content was useful.
July 14, 2020
Filled with anecdotes and tales of caution. Jackson engages the reader and makes a case for taking caution regarding the spirits that operate around the church.
July 28, 2024
Very interesting read. I already knew some about the Jezebel Spirit, but this helped me to learn more. It talks a lot about the Jezebel Spirit in the church. It was very mind-boggling to me. I was just like, wow, when reading about those stories of churches that have dealt with the Jezebel Spirit. 🥺
Some quotes from the book.
While the term “Jezebel spirit” is used in some charismatic circles, few people truly understand how this demonic force operates. A Jezebel spirit is a celestial power that has worldwide influence. It is not simply a demon that possesses an individual. It is a demonic power in the heavenly realm that transcends specific geographical boundaries and can affect nations. Whatever region this power enters, it co-joins and collaborates with the ruling principality of that territory. Jezebelic powers operate in conjunction with principalities and powers that torment people (Ephesians 6:12). These demonic powers include spirits of religion, manipulation, control, lust, perversion, and the occult. These spirits often work in concert with a Jezebel spirit to build strongholds in a person’s mind. When a Jezebelic stronghold is established in a person’s mind, I define this as “coming under the influence of a Jezebel spirit.” At the moment this occurs, the individual’s rational, reasoning process begins to deteriorate. His or her thoughts and actions become distorted.
Although the illustrations of Jezebel in Scripture are female-oriented, this demonic power does not simply infect women. Men have operated in this spirit as well. When this occurs, they are left weakened and emasculated by the demonic presence. However, it is difficult for men to operate under the influence of this spirit for very long because it needs an Ahab spirit to keep it alive. Instead, the Jezebel spirit commonly operates through women, who use the allure and seduction of this spirit to accomplish their objectives.
Some quotes from the book.
While the term “Jezebel spirit” is used in some charismatic circles, few people truly understand how this demonic force operates. A Jezebel spirit is a celestial power that has worldwide influence. It is not simply a demon that possesses an individual. It is a demonic power in the heavenly realm that transcends specific geographical boundaries and can affect nations. Whatever region this power enters, it co-joins and collaborates with the ruling principality of that territory. Jezebelic powers operate in conjunction with principalities and powers that torment people (Ephesians 6:12). These demonic powers include spirits of religion, manipulation, control, lust, perversion, and the occult. These spirits often work in concert with a Jezebel spirit to build strongholds in a person’s mind. When a Jezebelic stronghold is established in a person’s mind, I define this as “coming under the influence of a Jezebel spirit.” At the moment this occurs, the individual’s rational, reasoning process begins to deteriorate. His or her thoughts and actions become distorted.
Although the illustrations of Jezebel in Scripture are female-oriented, this demonic power does not simply infect women. Men have operated in this spirit as well. When this occurs, they are left weakened and emasculated by the demonic presence. However, it is difficult for men to operate under the influence of this spirit for very long because it needs an Ahab spirit to keep it alive. Instead, the Jezebel spirit commonly operates through women, who use the allure and seduction of this spirit to accomplish their objectives.
October 2, 2020
The author with the use of solid scriptural references sheds light on this destructive and evil spirit. Everyone climbing on the ladder to greatness must read this book. This spirit is at work targeting the anointed, gifted or those in leadership.The book will give you practical insights in exposing this deceiving, manipulating and controlling enemy. Today there is war between the spirit of Elijah and that of Jezebel and the soul of every nation is the prize. Jezebels greatest enemies are the prophets of God because they expose her evil schemes. While reading this book do not mistakenly assume only women are the ones influenced by this demonic spirit. While it is true that only clear examples according to scripture were women, notable men like Absalom, Korah, and Balaam operated under this spirit.
August 25, 2025
This book is so timely and relative. I recommend to anyone anywhere but especially to those new to the faith or rejoining the faith. The Bible tells us that we do not fight against flesh and blood but spiritual principalities and this book covers one of those principalities. It will definitely highlight and prepare ways for you to overcome the spirit of jezebel the right way. This is not something that we should fear as children of the most High God, yet most Christians are. Pray over yourself before and after reading this so that the Holy Spirit can be with you. Love y’all peace out!
May 27, 2020
The content wasn't why I rated it as such. The rating is more from a place of understanding the covenant under which believers are to be living. Just like the Pharisees added more laws to what was already put in place by God, I wonder to what extent believers of today have added to the simplicity of the gospel?
May 6, 2025
I’ve read this book & studied it at least twice - everyone needs to read this book! - it’s the type of book that needs to be re-read from time to time so you can be better prepared to deal with this evil when you cross paths with it. It’s operating in churches way more than most realize- are you & your leaders recognizing & discerning it?
October 25, 2021
This book really gives you the tell all on the jezebel spirit, how controlling and manipulative this spirit is. And how some people don't even realize that they operate in this spirit. Great tool on how to recognize this spirit!
March 9, 2026
a vital read for church leadership
Forewarned is fore armed! A vital read for anyone in church leadership. John Paul Jackson’s teachings are the best! Well worth the read!
Forewarned is fore armed! A vital read for anyone in church leadership. John Paul Jackson’s teachings are the best! Well worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews