Leviathan Attacks and Removing Strongholds

We have learned that Leviathan is the army of Satan who is king over the children of pride. When the sin of pride is in our lives, we may have an open door through which Leviathan may attack us.

Since all attacks come from Satan, the fallen angels, what makes an attack related to Leviathan? The fact that it is the ARMY of Satan, that the attack will come from many directions, not just one person.

How Leviathan Attacks

Recognizing an attack from Leviathan will help us know how to respond so it can be removed. Leviathan, like the sea monster to which he is compared, attacks with its mouth and tail. Mouth attacks are easy to identify; all involve words spoken against you. It can also involve teeth, which metaphorically represent wisdom. They can come in three basic forms:

Mouth Attacks

1. Many seemingly wise words

2. Words that lead to Miscommunication and Confusion

3. Twisting Words to Sow Discord

Tail attacks come in two ways, and they are linked to how the word sounds. Have you seen animals that use their tail to swipe at people to cause damage? That is one form of attack. Tale is a homophone for tail: they sound the same but are spelled differently. The second form of attack is telling tales or sowing lies.

Tail Attacks

4. Suggesting or Sowing Lies

5. A Parting Blow

The tactics related to these can help identify his activity in our lives.

1. Many Words that seem like Wisdom

Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out. (Job 41:19 AKJV)

When God described Leviathan to Job, He mentioned “burning lamps” coming from his mouth with “sparks of fire.” A lamp is something that sheds light, but sparks can create fire which is harsh correction that brings destruction. This is wisdom that comes with thorns: painful consequences.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. (Matthew 7:15-17 ESV)

False prophets may bring wisdom, but it comes with pain and condemnation. They are mouthpieces for Leviathan as righteous prophets are mouthpieces of God. Listening to wisdom from a false prophet may open the door to Leviathan. The best example of Leviathan using words that seem like wisdom is given in a prophetic vision to Daniel about the final kingdom of the AntiChrist:

“Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet, and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions.

As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.” (Daniel 7:19-22 ESV)

This beast will exist when the Ancient of Days comes back: when Jesus returns, so this is for the end times. With ten horns this means it is the same one mentioned in Revelation 13 and will come into power in the world during Daniel’s Week, what some call the Tribulation. Because it is led by Satan and represents his army moving on the Earth it gives us another picture of Leviathan.

 In the mouth, teeth represent wisdom. Iron is unbending and strong, so it uses wisdom that is unbending and strong to devour the world. Let’s combine this with another scripture about what the AntiChrist will do to see a bit more concerning this:

And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. (Revelation 12:15 AKJV)

Leviathan wants you to be destroyed and carried away with what is being said. Often, accusations are spewed forth in a great torrent or flood that is disguised as wisdom. His goal is for you to be overwhelmed with Earthly wisdom that may be opposed to God or used to push you away from Him.

2. Creating Miscommunication and Confusion

For He [Who is the source of their prophesying] is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order. As [is the practice] in all the churches of the saints (God’s people)... (1 Corinthians 14:33 AMPC)

When you are walking with God, He will bring peace and order into your life. The enemy brings confusion and disorder. If there is an open door to Leviathan, confusion and disorder may be prevalent. It can stem from miscommunication and cause strife.

Have you ever been at work or in a relationship where what you say is taken the wrong way? Sometimes, even the words you actually say are not always heard. You may say blue, but they hear red. When you both think you know what was said, this can cause a big problem. It can occur between friends, in marriages, in ministry, and even between parents and children.

When our hearts are lifted up against God, when we are in pride because we want to do things our way instead of submitting to God’s will, He may allow Satan to confuse communication. An example of this can be found in the story of Noah.

And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. (Genesis 9:1 ESV)

God told the children of Noah to disperse in the land and fill up the earth. Instead of doing this, he went east and settled in the plain of Shinar.

And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar.

Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” (Genesis 11:3-4 ESV)

This is exactly opposite of what God told them to do. He said to go and fill up the land, not to gather in one place. There didn’t want to be dispersed as God told them to be. When we decide what we want is more important than what God tells us to do, that is pride. It will create an open door for the enemy to attack us, just as it did for the descendants of Noah.

And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. And the LORD said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.”

So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth. (Genesis 11:5-9 ESV)

When the Bible says “the Lord” did such and such, what it means is that a decree was issued by God who allowed actions to come against mankind. This can be done by one of God’s obedient servants or it can be done by handing us over to the enemy who will be allowed to afflict us.

Because we know that God is not an author of confusion, we know He didn’t create this confusion in Babel. They disobeyed God which gave the enemy a right to afflict them with confusion in communication.

Leviathan may confuse what you hear and what others hear you say. He will also seek to hide true revelation and confuse the true meaning of the Word of God when you are in pride or disobedience to God. The goal is to prevent God’s wisdom from coming to us or from us. If confusion surrounds you, then you may want to look for an open door.

A. Have you obeyed what God told you to do?

B. Have you placed what you want over God?

3. Twisting Words to Sow Discord

All day long they twist my words and trouble my affairs; all their thoughts are against me for evil and my hurt. (Psalms 56:5 AMPC)

David was God’s king. Those who opposed him were aligned with Satan and his army. They came against God’s anointed by twisting his words to “trouble” his affairs, which is causing strife, conflict, and hostility. As mentioned earlier, this Leviathan spirit will distort your words, resulting in miscommunication between people to stir up strife.

In that day [the Lord will deliver Israel from her enemies and also from the rebel powers of evil and darkness] His sharp and unrelenting, great, and strong sword will visit and punish Leviathan the swiftly fleeing serpent, Leviathan the twisting and winding serpent; and He will slay the monster that is in the sea. (Isaiah 27:1 AMPC)

Leviathan is described as a twisting and winding serpent. A person with a stronghold of Leviathan may not see “bending the truth” as bad, even though it is really lying. They will twist what others say for their benefit. They may try to stir up strife by speaking to others, often saying, “Don't tell so-and-so about this.” Someone who says this is operating in darkness, not in the light.

According to God's word, we should only be talking to others so that we can go together and address the issue with the person who is found in sin. Other negative insinuations may be gossip, slander, or manipulation.

4. Suggesting and Sowing Lies

In the Garden of Eden, Satan said to Eve:

“Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’ ” (Genesis 3:1 NIV)

The purpose of this insinuation on the part of Satan was to get Eve to begin to question what God said. Leviathan will suggest “Did God really say...” Receiving their suggestion may begin opening the door to sin as it did with Eve when she replied:

But of the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die. (Genesis 3:3 AKJV)

Satan began by suggesting a lie, then Eve continued in this trend by relating God’s instructions inaccurately. God only said not to eat of the fruit, He never said not to touch it. Could Eve have touched the fruit and seen that it was good, and when she didn’t die, also assumed she wouldn’t die from eating it either?

Leviathan still uses this tactic today; he loves to suggest that something is a lie or untrue. When we consider his lie, then there is an opportunity for misunderstanding to come in. We must know what the truth is and hold fast to it, as long as it is based in God’s Word.

5. A Parting Blow

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (Revelation 12:11-12 ESV)

In the last days when Satan is kicked out of all the Heavens and is fully on the Earth, he knows his time will be short. Whenever Satan is bested, he becomes enraged. He will attack in any way he can. Some call this a swipe of his tale, a final parting blow.

Leviathan Strongholds

A stronghold of Leviathan is built over time as someone continues to work with Leviathan over and over. People with a stronghold may be very friendly, making it difficult to identify them. The easiest ones to recognize are those who are very ritualistic. When they pray, they are compelled to perform certain actions. A couple of examples include:

• They need to take off their shoes before entering “holy ground.

• Using any item to get results like salt or lighting candles.

• Going to one specific place to pray.

• Wanting to verify right and wrong by feelings instead of by God's word.

Anytime that you think you must do something every time you enter into God’s presence or receive from Him, this is a manifestation of pride. Jesus said the highest form of faith was from the soldier who knew He could pray for someone in another city, and his servant would be healed. Jesus also never did the same action twice when healing people. Unless the Holy Spirit gives us a special direction to do something, it is only our words of faith that are ever needed.

We should always put the Word of God first. The Devil loves to imitate God and can place “feelings” upon you, which some refer to as “discernment.” Placing discernment above the Word of God makes it an idol. When Leviathan has a place in someone’s life, Satan may empower them:

• To operate in a counterfeit Holy Spirit

  • You may feel a “presence” when they are speaking with you or praying for you.

• To operate in miracles, word of knowledge, prophecy, and word of wisdom

  • These are vague or from what they know instead of being divinely inspired.

  • They may bring fear instead of freedom

• To see visions

  • These are from their own mind or the enemy.

God isn’t the only one who can move in spiritual ways; a person can be used by Leviathan instead of by the Holy Spirit. There may be anointed men and women of God who are actively pursuing God, but they are not listening to the right spirit.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (Matthew 7:15-16 AKJV)

Trees are usually used to represent leaders or people in general. The Bible says we will know a tree by its fruit. Always look for the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of your leaders: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humbleness, and self-control. Pride is the opposite of being humble. Those who bring condemnation instead of correction and hope have “thorns” with their fruit.

Thorns can also be harsh or “prickly” words that attack others. These traits may indicate the presence of Leviathan. Additional warning signs to look out for are:

• Their goal is to have people run to them instead of to Jesus for miracles, breakthroughs, healings, and directions.

• Pride will insist on the acknowledgment that THEY are the leader or should be in a higher place:

  • Insist on being called by their title all of the time

    • Instead of when it is appropriate.

    • This is wanting the acknowledgement of man

  • Having multiple titles like Doctor or Professor - these are taking pride in the adoration of man who have proclaimed them to have knowledge

    • Like the Pharisees who loved to be acknowledged.

• They will tell you they have prayed for you:

  • It draws attention to them instead of God.

• There will be gaps in the fruit of the Spirit.

  • Thorns will be present instead: gossip, slander, condemnation

Someone under the influence of these demons may seem spiritually gifted with dreams, visions, words of wisdom, or prophecy. They may even be labeled as a prophet or be a pastor of a church. You may be able to spot someone who is under Leviathan’s influence if:

• They desire to be the solution with their prayers or gifts from the Holy Spirit.

• They claim to be the only one who is able to teach you something or discern what is right.

Do you see the consistency in those two items? It is all about them: what they can do for you. Someone with a Leviathan stronghold doesn't like to promote others. They want a place in your life by saying what you want to hear. An open door to Leviathan can be created in your life when someone with a Leviathan stronghold:

• Lays hands on you or prays over you.

• Gives you a prophecy or “word.”

  • The advice may be according to God’s word, but done with a wrong motive.

  • The “prophecy” is often from what they know or will contain a blessing that you may desire. In some cases, it will contain a curse as they attempt to influence you through fear.

• Encourages you to seek them for prayer and advice instead of seeking God.

  • Following their advice will open the door to this spirit.

If you have come into wrong agreement, you will need to renounce their spiritual leadership or words spoken over you, as well as sever any soul ties. If the prophecy is really from God, He will not be offended by your dedication to righteousness. When you renounce the prophecy, word, or prayer, just state that if it is from God you know He can fulfill it or bring it again to you. Soul Ties are taught in the class called ‘Where is the Attack Coming From?’

Generational Connections

Generational curses are sins of our ancestors that Satan may use to move into our lives. A Leviathan curse can be established in many ways, including:

• Dedication by ancestors for the family line, at birth, or later in life.

  • This includes dedications in the Catholic church

    • They place the Pope between us and the Lord, making the Pope greater than the Lord in people’s lives.

      • This is the sin of pride because you are placing someone above God.

• Ancestors who have worshiped idols or other gods.

  • “Saints” or ancestors are worshiped by making sacrifices to them, praying to them, or lighting candles.

    • This is no different than how other gods are worshiped.

When we have ancestors or parents who have made dedications to other gods, this creates a connection that Leviathan may use to attack us. If blood was spilled, then there is a blood covenant that will need to be renounced before we plead the blood of Jesus over it. Certain associations may open a door to, or reinforce, these types of generational curses.

• Supporting leaders operating in pride.

  • You may be drawn to those who have an open door to Leviathan.

  • An instant or intense emotional connection may indicate an active generational curse.

• Worshipping leaders as idols.

• You or your ancestors may “overhonor” pastors, prophets, evangelists, or apostles.

  • Giving offerings and gifts to receive a blessing.

    • You should be giving to God for what they bring, acknowledging God who is working through them, not to bribe God into giving you something.

  • Look to them for permission to buy a home, marry, or start a business.

    • God should be directing your life, you do not need man’s permission. (Matthew 23)

We need to be sure to respond the right way to these demonically inspired connections with people being used for the devil’s purpose. If it is a co-worker or family member:

• Ask the Holy Spirit to bind any spirit from speaking to you through them.

  • You are not “binding” Leviathan, only the spirit in operation in that person who is connected to Leviathan.

  • This will not work if you still have an open door.

• Ask the Lord to remove that person from your life if they are a hindrance to your walk with Him.

  • Do not be surprised if they no longer feel like talking to you or if they move away.

If it is a spiritual leader, be careful of your actions. Never attack leaders who have gone astray from God’s ways. We must look at David’s example when dealing with those whom God may have anointed in the past but have lost their way.

• Saul was anointed as king, but then possessed by demons (1 Samuel 10).

• Saul was plagued by demons, so David played the harp to help (1 Samuel 16).

• David refused to attack God’s anointed even when Saul tried to kill him (1 Samuel 24).

We should not attack those anointed by God, or we may come under attack. David ran from Saul, so leaving a church headed by a pastor who is in pride and refuses to repent is the right course of action. Paul tells us how to respond when a Christian brother is found in error:

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1 NKJV)

It was the Sadducees and Pharisees who riled up a mob against Jesus, talking about Him behind closed doors. We are all the Body of Christ and we should present correction to every person when the Holy Spirit reveals it, even our leaders. First, it should be done privately, then bring two or three others with you if they don’t receive it. “Gentleness” refers to a spirit of humility. This is the right way to bring correction.

Responding to Leviathan

What should we do if we feel Leviathan is coming after us?

Lay your hand on him; Remember the battle [with him]; you will not do such [an ill-advised thing] again! Behold, his [assailant’s] hope and expectation [of defeating Leviathan] is false... None is so fierce [and foolhardy] that he dares to stir up Leviathan… (Job 41:8-10 AMP)

If people are attacking us in a multi-pronged attack, it may very well be caused by Leviathan, but it is occurring because we have an open door. God warned Job that attacking Leviathan leads only to regret. We must look to our own life and see where the door is open to remove the attack. Satan’s army is in Heaven, and the Bible tells us who can take action there: 

The Heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; but the Earth He has given to the children of men. (Psalm 115:16 AKJV)

We do not have authority in the Heavens; only the Lord does. If you challenge Leviathan in prayer, then you have wielded unauthorized authority because Satan’s army resides in the Heavens, over which humans have no power. We have only been given power on Earth. The half-brother of Jesus warned us to be careful how we deal with spiritual beings:

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” (Jude 1:9 AKJV)

When Moses died, Satan, the leader of the Leviathan army, tried to lay claim to Moses’ body. Instead of battling Satan, the angel said, “the Lord rebuke you” because he recognized that only the Lord has absolute authority over Leviathan and would destroy him at the appointed time. We need to put this verse in proper context to see the fullness of what is being discussed:

Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. (Jude 1:8 KJV)

The Greek word blasphēmeō translates as “speak evil,” but means to reproach, rail at, or revile. The word “dignities” is doxa in Greek, and it means that which belongs to God. The people who are attacking Satan wrongly are reproaching or coming against matters under God’s control. The next verse gives an example of how it should be handled; by calling upon the Lord.

In that day the LORD with His sore and great and strong sword shall punish Leviathan the piercing serpent, even Leviathan that crooked serpent; and He shall slay the dragon that is in the sea. (Isaiah 27:1 KJV)

Our Lord is the only One who can battle Leviathan. We need to cry out to Him to deliver us from Leviathan after confessing and repenting from any sins linked to pride.

Removing the Attack

A revelation of sin in our life connected to Leviathan is usually the most effective way to break free of a Leviathan attack. This allows us to close the doors we have opened so the Lord can remove the attack.

1. Confess your sins and those of your ancestors.

2. Renounce covenants, dedications, or rituals that the Holy Spirit specifically reveals.

3. Ask God to forgive you, and you must forgive anyone else involved.

4. Break soul ties with ancestors or people you have been involved with.

5. Plead the blood of Jesus over all your sins as well as those of your ancestors.

6. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you guard your heart or inner self against pride.

7. Cry out to the Lord to deliver you as the Hebrews did in ancient Egypt (Exodus 2:23) with His great, strong sword.

Protection

But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV)

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (1 Corinthians 11:28 KJV)

We must be vigilant and examine ourselves to remove sin, especially pride. This is the best way to protect ourselves from the attacks of Leviathan. We need to continue learning, have other Christians in our lives so that we are encouraged and can receive correction, and remain humble by confessing our sins to one another.