Demonic Hierarchy
The Heavenlies
There are three Heavens. In (2 Corinthians 12:2-3) the Apostle Paul describes a third Heaven in which he was caught up to and given amazing revelations. Genesis 2:1 talks about how God made the Heavens and the earth. If there is a third Heaven then one has to surmise that there are a first and second Heaven.
First Heaven: The term "first heaven" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, it is commonly understood to represent the sky or the atmosphere that surrounds the Earth, where clouds, birds, and weather phenomena exist. In this sense it is part of the earthly realm. Satan roams freely in this realm.
Second Heaven: The Bible refers to the second heaven as the celestial or cosmic heaven. It is the realm of outer space, where the sun, moon, stars, and other celestial bodies are located. It is often associated with the vast expanse of the universe. Satan’s domain is the second Heaven and where He operates from. And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1-2 NKJV). The word air in this passage in Greek is aer and means lower and denser as distinguished from the higher and denser.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV). The KJV uses the word high places instead of heavenly places and in Greek the word is Epouranios and is translated as The Heavenly Regions
1. Heaven itself, the abode of God and angels
2. The lower heavens, of the stars
3. The heavens, of the clouds
Third Heaven: The third heaven is often associated with the dwelling place of God and paradise, a place of divine presence and glory. The third Heaven is where God sits on His throne. Satan will go to the third Heaven to petition to God in order to afflict us. This is also where the Heavenly Courts operate from. Although there is a Heavenly Court where an angelic and demonic government battle day and night this does not mean we go to the Courts of Heaven in order to request a court session and plead our cause. Jesus is our advocate and pleads on our behalf. We go to Jesus and submit ourselves to Him. Entering into the Courtrooms of Heaven means we are coming back under the law as we are asking God to judge our case when Scripture clearly shows us that God is in the mercy seat (Throne of Grace). We are not supposed to come before God and plead our own cause. Do you want to be judged through the legal system or the Throne of Grace?
The Hierarchael System
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16, NKJV). This is the Scripture that shows the Hierarchael system in the Heavens. The Holy Spirit showed me how it all works by asking me to take the Scripture back to Greek.
Thrones – This was translated as Kings or Governors. Jesus is the ultimate King whilst satan is the demonic King over His Hierarchael system.
Dominions– This was translated as Government, one who possess dominion (legal right). There is a demonic government and an angelic government that battle day and night. They battle in God's Supreme court over legal rights to inflict us, our lands, churches, Ministries and geographical locations.
Principalities – Translated as Archangels (Princes) and of the first order; chief. These can be over geographical locations and/or people, and/or churches, Ministries etc.... An example of this may be Michael the Archangel in Gods Kingdom, and Leviathan in satans kingdom.
In a deliverance Ministry session we are addressing the Principalities over a person, which is also known as a 'strongman'. (I believe a strongman is a demon who has rule over a group of other demons. There may also be more than one strongman but they will be in order of rank with other demons also under their authority. The highest one in rank will have authority over the others). Always bind the strongman before plundering his goods! Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house (Matthew 12:29, NKJV).
We have been given all power and authority to address all things in our own domains. God may send a group of people to come against a principality over a geographical location, but this must only be done with Gods instruction and mandate. Many people have come against geographical principalities without a God given mandate only to end up seriously attacked. When Daniel came against the Prince of Persia God sent Michael the Archangel to assist Him, hence why it must be done with a God-given mandate. Principalities over churches, Ministries, buildings etc normally need a group of people and again only under Gods instruction. Examples of Principalities are Baal, Jezebel, Leviathan, Python, Destroyer, Ahab, Antichrist etc.......
Powers - Translated as the leading and more powerful among created beings. These are the demons that carry out the bidding. They are also known as ruler demons and are lower in rank than principalities. Examples of these are fear, rejection, anger, self condemnation, rebellion etc........ Each power spirit can have many minions lower in rank under their authority. Powers/rulers can be over people, churches, Ministries etc.......Powers is also translated as the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege). The power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed). In other words they actively exert their authority.
Minions - Foot soldiers. They too can be over people, buildings, in Churches etc.....They are in a group with the ruler spirits and come under their authority. These can be things such as self-rejection, fear of man, fear of things, self-pity, fear of rejection, etc............
Territorial Spirits – The word territorial spirit is not mentioned in the Bible. It is a name that is given by man to demons who are over geographical areas, as well as national, ethnic or tribal, religious, and even generational groups.
Tribal Spirits – Witchcraft spirits. These are power/ruler spirits and subject to principalities. These can be on lands as well where ceremonial acts and practices may have taken place.
By Tania Francis