Can demons possess objects? Can demons attach themselves to inanimate / non-living objects?

The Bible does not specifically mention a case of a demon attaching itself to a non-living object, nor does it warn us about such events occurring. The Bible does clearly note the existence of demons on many occasions, as well as the power Jesus and His followers had over them.

In Acts 19, many former magicians or those involved with witchcraft who had become Christians burned their magic books. Though some have suggested this was due to evil spirits attached to the books, this is not stated. More likely, these new believers wanted to publicly show they had turned from witchcraft and magic.

In the Old Testament, the pagan cultures surrounding Israel often associated various gods with certain objects. The Philistines thought the Ark of the Covenant was a god, placing it in a temple with their own idols for a time (1 Samuel 5). Other nations celebrated the gods of gold, silver, and bronze, with varying degrees of belief regarding their role as gods or spirits. Still today, many believe inanimate objects are controlled by spirits or are gods.

In the New Testament, Jesus told a story about evil spirits that showed they seek out people to influence (Matthew 12:43). When Jesus sent the spirit out of the man in Mark 5, the demons asked to be sent into the nearby pigs. These were living objects, yet clearly different from demonic influence over humans.

In 1 Corinthians 10:19-20 Paul writes, "What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons." The idols themselves were not controlled by evil spirits, but worshiping them was associated with the worship of demons.

One interesting case is the future prediction regarding the statue of the beast that people will be required to worship in the tribulation period. Revelation 13:15 shares, "And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain." This statue will be made to look "alive," though it is unclear if the power is demonic or some kind of human trick.

Today, many see an association of evil spirits with objects such as voodoo dolls, crystal balls, Ouija boards, or other products related to the occult. Though it is possible for demons to work through such objects, demons appear to focus on deceiving people, not attaching themselves to things. The Bible consistently notes connections between demons and certain sinful items, but their attachment is to people whom they can control or influence for evil purposes. The items are simply objects used in the practice of evil or worship of false gods.

While it is possible that a demonic spirit would attach itself to a non-living object, the Bible is unclear on this issue. Instead of focusing on whether objects are possessed, our focus should be to, "Abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22). We are to worship God and to avoid those practices or objects that lead us to sin.

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