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Confronting Jezebel: Discerning and Defeating the Spirit of Control
Many believers are increasingly aware of the Jezebel spirit, a demonic spirit of control, one intending to supplant true authority. Individuals ruled by the flesh, who cooperate with this spirit, sow discord, presumption, rebellion, insubordination and a host of other marks of Satan's kingdom.
In this biblical, balanced, and eye-opening study, Steve Sampson, a gifted prophetic teacher, explains the origins and history of this insidious spirit, as well as how it functions through leaders in positions of spiritual authority. Because the Jezebel spirit is fueled by self-centeredness and self-promotion, Sampson helps readers understand how our flesh must be ruled by God and put under subjection to the Holy Spirit. He also offers readers clear signals of the presence of this spirit and specific direction for those who find themselves battling this subtle and destructive influence.
In this biblical, balanced, and eye-opening study, Steve Sampson, a gifted prophetic teacher, explains the origins and history of this insidious spirit, as well as how it functions through leaders in positions of spiritual authority. Because the Jezebel spirit is fueled by self-centeredness and self-promotion, Sampson helps readers understand how our flesh must be ruled by God and put under subjection to the Holy Spirit. He also offers readers clear signals of the presence of this spirit and specific direction for those who find themselves battling this subtle and destructive influence.
- GenresChristianNonfiction
160 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2003
111 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Steve Sampson
11 books4 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 6, 2012
Confronting Jezebel by Steve Sampson highlights a serious problem in life—the Jezebels who try to control other people through manipulation and control. While I have been exposed to the “Jezebels” in this life, I’m not ready to agree that every “Jezebel” is controlled by a demon as he asserts.
Sampson thoroughly outlines what it means to be a Jezebel or an Ahab. In one chapter, he outlines the, “Characteristics of a Jezebel.” She takes credit for everything, refuses to admit guilt, withholds information, talks in confusion, uses people to accomplish a personal agenda, volunteers for anything, lies convincingly, criticizes everyone, never gives credit or shows gratitude, etc. For anyone who has encountered a Jezebel you’ll find yourself nodding in agreement and getting drawn into his chapters. Each chapter ends with questions and a prayer. It’s a very harsh book as Sampson seeks to reveal how a Jezebel and Ahab work based on scriptures in 1 Kings. One of the claims went unsubstantiated.
In chapter seven on page 113, Sampson says, “The desire to control and dominate, if not mastered, can lead to witchcraft. Witchcraft is nothing more than illegitimately controlling the will of another person.” In my experience, the type of Jezebel spirit he describes has never led to witchcraft. In fact, what he describes can be found in a book by Dr. Cloud and Townsend called, “Boundaries.” They call what Sampson describes as a Jezebel spirit, “Narcissistic Personality Disorder.” I tried to find examples in the rest of, “Confronting Jezebel,” when this kind of disorder has led to witchcraft, but Sampson goes right into the next topic called, manipulation, then to the Ahab personality towards the end of the book. Otherwise, Sampson was very good at inserting examples and proving his point.
Stories of common family and church problems pepper the books pages; most of them extreme. While I don’t doubt demons exist or doubt their influence on some people, I am also cautious about making such claims loosely. I am not a theology student and I don’t have a degree from a seminary. I have seen and sensed things that scared me before I was saved, but my interest in this book waned about halfway through when it felt like he was repeating himself like he did on page 147. He all ready made it clear earlier in the book that Jezebels like to work their way into places of authority. There were also some grammar issues. He did succeed, however, in describing a Jezebel accurately.
A Jezebel spirit can destroy a family, a church, and friendships. Sampson is right to say we need to confront this kind of behavior. Controlling people have issues. Because of the problems above I have rated this book three stars. While he kept my attention through the first half of the book, he lost me in the second half.
*book given by publisher to review.
Sampson thoroughly outlines what it means to be a Jezebel or an Ahab. In one chapter, he outlines the, “Characteristics of a Jezebel.” She takes credit for everything, refuses to admit guilt, withholds information, talks in confusion, uses people to accomplish a personal agenda, volunteers for anything, lies convincingly, criticizes everyone, never gives credit or shows gratitude, etc. For anyone who has encountered a Jezebel you’ll find yourself nodding in agreement and getting drawn into his chapters. Each chapter ends with questions and a prayer. It’s a very harsh book as Sampson seeks to reveal how a Jezebel and Ahab work based on scriptures in 1 Kings. One of the claims went unsubstantiated.
In chapter seven on page 113, Sampson says, “The desire to control and dominate, if not mastered, can lead to witchcraft. Witchcraft is nothing more than illegitimately controlling the will of another person.” In my experience, the type of Jezebel spirit he describes has never led to witchcraft. In fact, what he describes can be found in a book by Dr. Cloud and Townsend called, “Boundaries.” They call what Sampson describes as a Jezebel spirit, “Narcissistic Personality Disorder.” I tried to find examples in the rest of, “Confronting Jezebel,” when this kind of disorder has led to witchcraft, but Sampson goes right into the next topic called, manipulation, then to the Ahab personality towards the end of the book. Otherwise, Sampson was very good at inserting examples and proving his point.
Stories of common family and church problems pepper the books pages; most of them extreme. While I don’t doubt demons exist or doubt their influence on some people, I am also cautious about making such claims loosely. I am not a theology student and I don’t have a degree from a seminary. I have seen and sensed things that scared me before I was saved, but my interest in this book waned about halfway through when it felt like he was repeating himself like he did on page 147. He all ready made it clear earlier in the book that Jezebels like to work their way into places of authority. There were also some grammar issues. He did succeed, however, in describing a Jezebel accurately.
A Jezebel spirit can destroy a family, a church, and friendships. Sampson is right to say we need to confront this kind of behavior. Controlling people have issues. Because of the problems above I have rated this book three stars. While he kept my attention through the first half of the book, he lost me in the second half.
*book given by publisher to review.
Read
January 3, 2018I found this book to be an easy read and very informative.
Excerpt from my review:
Confronting Jezebel is a powerful and timely book. I’ve often heard of the Jezebel spirit, but didn’t know exactly what it was. I’d always heard that the Jezebel spirit had something to do with seducing or seduction, but that is actually only one of its manifestations and that manifests due to the real force behind this spirit, control.
My eyes were opened to devastating impact this spirit, as well as the Ahab spirit, has on a person’s life. I had no idea of all the Jezebel characteristics that we often see today and perhaps live out ourselves. A real eye-opener for me. This book allows you to.... For my full review, please visit http://p413life.com/book-review-confr...
Thanks and happy reading!
Excerpt from my review:
Confronting Jezebel is a powerful and timely book. I’ve often heard of the Jezebel spirit, but didn’t know exactly what it was. I’d always heard that the Jezebel spirit had something to do with seducing or seduction, but that is actually only one of its manifestations and that manifests due to the real force behind this spirit, control.
My eyes were opened to devastating impact this spirit, as well as the Ahab spirit, has on a person’s life. I had no idea of all the Jezebel characteristics that we often see today and perhaps live out ourselves. A real eye-opener for me. This book allows you to.... For my full review, please visit http://p413life.com/book-review-confr...
Thanks and happy reading!
October 25, 2012
This book talks about identifying "Jezebels" and "Ahabs" in your life and church. Basically people who are driven by power and control or so passive they get run over. I've only met maybe 2 people in my life who are as extreme as this book goes so it almost seems like an overkill. The author does give a good "point by point" characteristic guide to identifying a person with such a control issue and how to help deal with them.
May 27, 2017
Great balanced book.
Great balanced book and real insight on how the insidious spirit of Jezebel operates. Thanks for the insight Steve. God bless you.
Great balanced book and real insight on how the insidious spirit of Jezebel operates. Thanks for the insight Steve. God bless you.
October 26, 2018
important to understand this end times spirit
Awesome read. Very easy to understand. I read this book in three days. Going to read his book on Ahab next.
Awesome read. Very easy to understand. I read this book in three days. Going to read his book on Ahab next.
January 30, 2019
Very good read, true assessment of this particular spirit that dominates to bring whosoever unto a subservient posture.
June 14, 2021
It’s a very religious book and I found myself disagreeing with a lot of it. I believe in bondage but not the guilt and condemnation associated with it by most religious followers. I believe in redemption and grace which the book speaks little of. Jesus’ suffering carried an infinite moral weight of forgiveness and grace, it doesn’t mean that I take sin lightly or that I am accepting of it, no, it just means that I am open to using love and grace and mercy to being just toward others; knowing that on this earth we are nothing but sinners redeemed by a single sacrifice.
August 21, 2025
I liked parts of this book, and other parts were so long and drawn out. The stories of those who were in power at churches were a bit too much for me. They just went on and on, especially toward the end. By that point, I already had a good idea of what a Jezebel spirit could look like, yet it was one story after another. I would have preferred more stories about people in your everyday life, or even family members who deal with it.
August 8, 2017
this book was very interesting and very helpful in discerning the Jezebel spirit. it was not very helpful in dealing with family issues and felt more with the Jezebel spirit in the church. perhaps Steve Samson's defeating Ahab book will help more. all in all Mr Samson is a good teacher and is listening to the Holy Spirit.
December 25, 2018
Addresses personality disorders
Sampson does a good job examining the spiritual side of personality disorders. I was hoping to find more about prayer and deliverance (like Neal Lozano), but it was ok to read the Biblical analysis of boundaries with toxic, narcissistic, manipulative people.
Sampson does a good job examining the spiritual side of personality disorders. I was hoping to find more about prayer and deliverance (like Neal Lozano), but it was ok to read the Biblical analysis of boundaries with toxic, narcissistic, manipulative people.
October 8, 2024
One of the most useful books to read!
This book has so many real-life examples of how this principality operates. These examples give clarity and context.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has come against someone or themselves with control issues. I rated this book based on how it helped me, and I tell everyone I know to read it!
This book has so many real-life examples of how this principality operates. These examples give clarity and context.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has come against someone or themselves with control issues. I rated this book based on how it helped me, and I tell everyone I know to read it!
November 18, 2021
Very Insightful!
This is a very practical guide to recognizing and removing the Jezebel spirit from our lives and ministry. It is easy to read, insightful, and down to earth. The author utilizes sound doctrine and scripture to present this timely message.
This is a very practical guide to recognizing and removing the Jezebel spirit from our lives and ministry. It is easy to read, insightful, and down to earth. The author utilizes sound doctrine and scripture to present this timely message.
July 25, 2022
awesome
I have learn a lot about theses two spirits I am dealing with both of these spirits in my church. I believe the Holy Spirit lead me to this book for more understanding. It was a eye opener. I understand better. Thank you.
I have learn a lot about theses two spirits I am dealing with both of these spirits in my church. I believe the Holy Spirit lead me to this book for more understanding. It was a eye opener. I understand better. Thank you.
August 22, 2020
Love this book
This was a great book, I learnt so much..Very thought provoking.. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn more deeper about the jeezbeel spirit.
This was a great book, I learnt so much..Very thought provoking.. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn more deeper about the jeezbeel spirit.
March 26, 2021
Good at identifying but was expecting more practical ideas.
August 14, 2022
powerful and scriptural
I’ve read a few books on the subject and I’d say this comes across very clearly with scripture support and also leading the reader in reflection and prayer.
I’ve read a few books on the subject and I’d say this comes across very clearly with scripture support and also leading the reader in reflection and prayer.
March 31, 2015
Confronting Jezebel by Steve Sampson describes the Jezebel spirit which is a demonic spirit of control. It further describes how to recognize the Jezebel spirit in one's own self as well in those around you. It tells you how to protect yourself and break free from cycles of control. It has strategies so you can bring it under control of the Holy Spirit.
I'm going to start off by saying that I usually read books really fast and this one was a struggle for me to get through, even though it was only 191 pages. I think the first thing that made it difficult to read was the fact that I read the word "Jezebels" hundreds of times. I didn't like the fact that anyone who had a "Jezebel spirit" was referred to as a Jezebel. Also it seemed like almost every not so pleasant characteristic was referred to as a "Jezebel."
It seemed like this book was more a self-help book rather than one for discerning and defeating the spirit of control in others, which brings me to another other aspect I disliked about the book. Sampson gives many examples of others he knows who have been demonized by Jezebel. So while some of the examples were helpful, he makes it seem as though he never had to deal with the Jezebel spirit himself. He doesn't look at it from an objective point of view; rather he comes off as preachy.
Overall I believe there are a few useful things to be found in this book. However, I wouldn't recommend it because overall I feel it would be a waste of time to read the whole book. Even though it is only 191 pages I believe that it could have been shorter and still gotten all of the important material across.
I received this book from Chosen Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
I'm going to start off by saying that I usually read books really fast and this one was a struggle for me to get through, even though it was only 191 pages. I think the first thing that made it difficult to read was the fact that I read the word "Jezebels" hundreds of times. I didn't like the fact that anyone who had a "Jezebel spirit" was referred to as a Jezebel. Also it seemed like almost every not so pleasant characteristic was referred to as a "Jezebel."
It seemed like this book was more a self-help book rather than one for discerning and defeating the spirit of control in others, which brings me to another other aspect I disliked about the book. Sampson gives many examples of others he knows who have been demonized by Jezebel. So while some of the examples were helpful, he makes it seem as though he never had to deal with the Jezebel spirit himself. He doesn't look at it from an objective point of view; rather he comes off as preachy.
Overall I believe there are a few useful things to be found in this book. However, I wouldn't recommend it because overall I feel it would be a waste of time to read the whole book. Even though it is only 191 pages I believe that it could have been shorter and still gotten all of the important material across.
I received this book from Chosen Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
August 10, 2012
Steve Sampson's 191 page book is a revised and expanded edition of a book I don't remember seeing. Upon receiving this book I began to flip through its pages. I was immediately drawn to the subject matter and once I began reading, could not put it down.
In eleven chapters Steve explains the cause, strategies, damage and results of the controlling spirit he calls Jezebel. He also supplies Biblical guidance on how to deal with this evil in our own lives and the lives of others. Chapters range in length from fifteen to thirty pages and conclude with three or four short questions for reflection and a prayer. I walked around our neighborhood reading, flipping back at times to reread something for a second time. I was hooked.
As a Pastor with over twenty years of experience in and around church leadership, I've seen and experienced many of the dynamics Steve discusses. From small churches being run by a deacon's wife, to a large multi-pastor church staff run by the senior pastor, to my own flaws in leadership at home. This book opened my eyes and helped me in all the right ways.
I'd encourage Pastors, church leaders and believers who desire to grow more deeply in God to pick up a copy at your local bookstore and see if this book impacts you. Manipulation, intimidation and domination continue to ruin many of our churches, homes and lives. Steve provides wonderful Biblical counsel to strengthen your inner life, forgive past hurts and walk in true agape love.
I found it exceptional that this book was succinct and to the point. There is no long prologue or afterward and it makes great reading for a daily devotional.
This book is being published by Chosen a division of Baker Publishing Group. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for this review.
In eleven chapters Steve explains the cause, strategies, damage and results of the controlling spirit he calls Jezebel. He also supplies Biblical guidance on how to deal with this evil in our own lives and the lives of others. Chapters range in length from fifteen to thirty pages and conclude with three or four short questions for reflection and a prayer. I walked around our neighborhood reading, flipping back at times to reread something for a second time. I was hooked.
As a Pastor with over twenty years of experience in and around church leadership, I've seen and experienced many of the dynamics Steve discusses. From small churches being run by a deacon's wife, to a large multi-pastor church staff run by the senior pastor, to my own flaws in leadership at home. This book opened my eyes and helped me in all the right ways.
I'd encourage Pastors, church leaders and believers who desire to grow more deeply in God to pick up a copy at your local bookstore and see if this book impacts you. Manipulation, intimidation and domination continue to ruin many of our churches, homes and lives. Steve provides wonderful Biblical counsel to strengthen your inner life, forgive past hurts and walk in true agape love.
I found it exceptional that this book was succinct and to the point. There is no long prologue or afterward and it makes great reading for a daily devotional.
This book is being published by Chosen a division of Baker Publishing Group. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for this review.
June 15, 2012
I believe this is the 2nd or 3rd printing of this book. It has been reprinted to include more content. At the end of each chapter is some questions and a small prayer.
This book is about confronting the Jezebels in your life. The manipulators and controllers that come into our lives. It shows through example stories that have actually happened but not too many real Biblical references. In fact, within the second chapter the author basically says all Liberals are an example of Jezebels. That's where he lost my respect.
It's good however to help show how you have been a Jezebel yourself . Recognizing a trait in yourself is the first step in self improvement. However, I found this more a standard self help book than teaching principles of the Bible. Maybe it is from using so many real life stories and not those of the Bible.
I was given this book by Chosen to review. If I had not I may have picked it up but would not have finished it. Besides just the offensiveness it felt too text book. I enjoy Christian help books the way Joyce Meyer writes them. So sorry Mr. Sampson, I will not be reading any other of your works.
This book is about confronting the Jezebels in your life. The manipulators and controllers that come into our lives. It shows through example stories that have actually happened but not too many real Biblical references. In fact, within the second chapter the author basically says all Liberals are an example of Jezebels. That's where he lost my respect.
It's good however to help show how you have been a Jezebel yourself . Recognizing a trait in yourself is the first step in self improvement. However, I found this more a standard self help book than teaching principles of the Bible. Maybe it is from using so many real life stories and not those of the Bible.
I was given this book by Chosen to review. If I had not I may have picked it up but would not have finished it. Besides just the offensiveness it felt too text book. I enjoy Christian help books the way Joyce Meyer writes them. So sorry Mr. Sampson, I will not be reading any other of your works.
December 22, 2014
Sometimes I think the hardest part about serving Christ, other than our own flesh issues, is dealing with other people. Confronting Jezebel deals with some of the most difficult of all, those who are influenced by a spirit (and by spirit I mean a wicked heavenly creature, not just a personality trait) that takes advantage of willful people who unwittingly invite that spirit into their lives. I've met a few of these people in my nearly 60 years, and I have to agree with the thesis of the author that they have to be confronted, not tolerated.
The writing style is plain and straightforward. It's an easy read. He gives helpful tips on how to respond to a controlling spirit and the aftermath you can expect when you take action. I wager that as you read CJ, at least one person will come to your mind whose life is marked by the specific character traits Sampson outlines in his book. My hope is that after reading CJ you'll have the tools to deal with the spirit behind the bizarre behavior.
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The writing style is plain and straightforward. It's an easy read. He gives helpful tips on how to respond to a controlling spirit and the aftermath you can expect when you take action. I wager that as you read CJ, at least one person will come to your mind whose life is marked by the specific character traits Sampson outlines in his book. My hope is that after reading CJ you'll have the tools to deal with the spirit behind the bizarre behavior.
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers
December 20, 2014
I encourage everyone involved in ministry or anyone who is in a relationship with a person who seems to be controlling, to read this book. Because I worked with individuals with behavioral problems, I recognized many disturbing behaviors in some people but did not know that the underlying cause was not psychiatric. These people create havoc everywhere they go, and show no remorse when they try to discredit or destroy the reputation of others.
March 6, 2015
An excellent book, good teaching on how to discern and defeat the Jezebel spirit. Easy to understand. Sampson gives us diagnostic tools to recognize the symptoms of a Jezebel in operation. This edition is revised and expanded, so I assume there is more up-to-date information contained in it than the earlier editions. Recommended for anyone in a controlling situation who desires to be free.
February 20, 2016
A good book to read if you are looking to study, identify and overcome this spiritual area in your life. Mr Sampson gave examples and explanations of the jezebel spirit, how it operates in people and what to look for and do when you identify and confront this spirit. This book is a must read for anyone in church leadership or with a church membership.
February 18, 2011
This was an excellent book, however, I gave it only 4 stars because there were doctrinal problems with the author's view on the spiritual gift of tongues. Everything else matched up perfectly with Scripture.
April 11, 2011
Excellent source book on understanding and ridding your life of those influenced by the demonic Jezebel spirit of control.
September 10, 2016
It was a good read
June 10, 2012
full review at http://matichuk.wordpress.com/2012/06...
December 12, 2014
A very good book on the subject though I do recommend reading several books on the Jezebel to acquire more perspectives on a very important subject.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews