A: Thank you for your question. Using the Bible’s own
built in dictionary is
the best method for defining its own terminology. First off, the word dumb
in the Scriptures does not mean lacking intelligence but rather
the
inability to speak. Luke 1:20 – “And, behold, thou shalt be dumb,
and not
able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed.” Ezekiel
24:27- “In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped,
and
thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb.”
Next, if we look at the parallel passages in regard to this event
(Matthew
17:14-21, Mark 9:17-29) we can see that this dumb spirit is also
referred to
as a deaf spirit, a foul spirit, an unclean spirit and a devil.
We know from
the Scriptures that there are three basic classes of spiritual
beings in
direct opposition to God: the devil, fallen angels and devils.
Out of these
three, only the devils are never described as having a bodily form
of their
own. Also, it is these disembodied spirits that are the only ones
that ever
show a desire to inhabit a body. If you would like to learn more
about their
origin then please click here. Fallen
Angels
Comparing Scripture to Scripture we can deduce the following traits
that
marked these devil possessions:
1. These unclean spirits have the ability to afflict their host
with a vast
array of physical abnormalities such as dumbness (Matt. 9:32-33),
blindness
(Matt.12:22), personal injuries (Mark 9:18), physical defects,
deformities
(Luke 8:29) and impart super human strength (Mark 5:5, Acts 19:16).
2. The psychological side effects of these possessions ranged from
insanity
(Luke 8:26-35), suicidal mania (Mark 9:22), self-mutilation, nakedness
(Mark
5:5) and excessive crying (Luke 8:27,28, Mark 5:5).
3. They have an affinity for warm, wet places (Mark 5:13, Matt.
17:15).
4. These devils have knowledge of their future condemnation and
judgment
(Mark 5:7, Matt. 8:29).
5. They acknowledge the deity and the authority of the Lord Jesus
Christ
(Mark 1:24, James 3:19, Mark 5:6-7).
6. Once control is obtained over a human body they can come and
go at will
(Luke 11:24-26, Mark 9:25 - Note the Lord’s command here in Mark
for the
unclean spirit not only to come out but also not to re-enter).
7. It also is apparent that one or many devils could inhabit a
body
simultaneously Mark 5:9-13, Luke 11:24-26 (A Roman legion typically
consisted of several thousand soldiers).
8. They preferred human bodies to inhabit but were also willing
to dwell in
unclean animals (Mark 5:12).
In closing we have learned this boy was possessed by a devil that
caused him
to be both deaf and unable to speak (dumb), vexing him with fits
of lunacy
and self-mutilation. And that none could heal him but “he that
hath healing
in his wings” and none could deliver him but “he that has all power
and
authority.” I hope this study will be both a blessing and help
in your
Christian growth and service.
Yours in Christ,
Jeff Newman