The Chief of the Devils
The Identity: A Ruler of Darkness
Beelzebub (also spelled Beelzebul in some biblical texts) is not a heroic figure, but a central demonic entity referenced by Jesus Christ Himself. In the New Testament, the name functions as a title identifying the chief of the devils or a principal demon through whom others operate.
The name’s origin is generally traced back to the Philistine god of Ekron, Baalzebub (meaning “Lord of the Flies”), who was consulted by King Ahaziah of Israel (2 Kings 1:2, KJV). By the time of the Gospels, Jewish religious leaders had adapted this name to refer to the supreme demonic power.
The Charge: The Confrontation with Christ
Beelzebub is featured prominently in the Gospels because the Pharisees and scribes used the name to launch their most serious accusation against Jesus. They could not deny Christ’s miracles—His power to cast out devils and heal the afflicted was undeniable—so they attributed that power to the kingdom of darkness:
“And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.” (Mark 3:22, KJV)
This charge was a direct blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, as they were attributing the work of the Spirit of God to the power of Satan.
The Response: A Kingdom Divided
Jesus responded to this accusation with powerful, simple logic, proving that the charge was impossible and absurd:
- Logical Absurdity: If Jesus, being empowered by Beelzebub, were casting out Beelzebub’s own servants (devils), then Satan’s kingdom would be actively working against itself, which would lead to its collapse.”And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.” (Mark 3:26, KJV)
- The Strong Man: Jesus clarified that He was not working with Beelzebub, but rather against him. Christ’s power to cast out demons demonstrated that He had already entered the devil’s realm and bound “the strong man” (Beelzebub), thereby robbing him of his goods (Mark 3:27, KJV).
The Legacy: A Warning Against Blasphemy
Beelzebub’s legacy is twofold: he serves as a scriptural reference for the organized hierarchy of evil, confirming that Satan’s kingdom is structured and powerful. More importantly, his name is eternally linked to Christ’s definitive warning against blasphemy.
Jesus made it clear that to deny the divine power of the Holy Spirit and willfully attribute it to the prince of devils is a sin of such willful rejection and hardness of heart that it cannot be forgiven:
“Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:” (Mark 3:28-29, KJV)
Beelzebub stands not as a hero, but as the quintessential example of the spiritual darkness that the faithful must recognize and reject, emphasizing that salvation and deliverance come solely through the authority of Christ.