Demons in the Torah 

     Jewish people value the first five books in the Old Testament...called the Torah. They know about the devil who appeared to Adam and Eve. And years later, in the fifth book, Deuteronomy chapter 32: 

     "They (God's people), sacrificed to demons, which are not God - gods they had not known, gods that recently appeared, gods your fathers did not fear." This verse follows 40 years of teaching/preparation for entrance into the Promised Land. 

Commentary: "Behind the false gods and religions of this world are the spiritual powers of demons. Demons may act through their followers, even performing miracles."

     Later, around 1050 B.C., the Lord's people now settled, "God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem..."  

     In Psalm 106:37, "They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons." 

Commentary: "Those who served idols in OT times were dealing with demons, for behind all false religions are demonic manifestations, powers and influence. Likewise, when a believer in Christ adopts the world's ungodly customs and ways, he or she is in reality submitting to demonic influences."

Tomorrow: Still more Old Testament demons