{Book Review} Demons: What the Bible Really Says about the Powers of Darkness

Well-known author Michael Heisler has written another book on the supernatural. This book is titled Demons: What the Bible Really Says about the Powers of Darkness. This book is published by Lexham Press. 

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If you’re anything like me, you may be a little slower to read a book on demons than, say, other theological and biblical topics such as justification by faith alone, adoption, the Trinity, angels, etc. But picking up a book that is entirely on demons may seem like something strange. And yet I found this book to be very fascinating and even encouraging. 

Demons: What the Bible Really Says about the Powers of Darkness

Heisler breaks the book up into four sections:

1. Biblical vocabulary for the powers of darkness;
2. The powers of darkness in the Old Testament and Second Temple Judaism;
3. The powers of darkness in the New Testament;
4. Common questions and misconceptions. 

This book is a scholarly treatment on the powers of darkness. I would venture to guess that 98% of the almost 300 pages contain in-depth footnotes that deal with original languages and other relevant sources (many of which are scholarly sources). Heisler is the guy to go to with your questions on this topic. 

As with every book, there will be portions of Hesiler’s work that you disagree with. You won’t always arrive at the exact same conclusions as him. However, he shows his work. He will exposit the Word of God and offer theological argumentation. If you do disagree with him, you will at the least have to deal with his arguments. This is a very articulate and well-researched work! 

Why Read a Book About Demons?

Again, if you’re like me, and you find yourself reading this book, you will probably be amazed at certain things that you assumed were true about the powers of darkness. Whether it has to do with the word satan, the thought of demons being ⅓ of the fallen angels that Revelation 12 mentions, demon possession, how much of your thoughts demons know, or a host of other topics, you may find yourself corrected and amazed at what you assumed. This was an excellent part of the reading experience for me, and I’m sure it will be for you as well. Speaking of that, Heisler’s last section on common questions and misconceptions is excellent! 

Reading a book on demons isn’t what I expected. It was constantly intriguing and filled with Scripture. Heisler wasn’t merely talking about demons, expressing his opinions or sharing personal experience (perhaps what most books on the supernatural are like). This book was a historial-biblical-theological study on the powers of darkness. Heisler has provided an excellent book for the church to benefit from.

Tolle lege, take up and read! 

Disclaimer: My thanks to Lexham Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own. 

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Other Book Reviews by Lexham Press:

• The Care of Souls: Cultivating a Pastor’s Heart
• In Season and Out: Sermons for the Christian Year
• Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans
• Ever in Thy Sight: 31 Devotions on the Psalms
• Journeys of the Apostle Paul
• Introduction to the New Testament
• Who God Is: Meditations on the Character of Our God
• The Lexham English Septuagint

Reviews of Commentaries by Lexham Press:

• Walking the Ancient Paths: A Commentary on Jeremiah
• Ephesians: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary