People have interpreted this name to mean ‘Lord of the Dunghill’ Dunghill is a hill of the excrement of animals otherwise known as manure. Therefore, Beelzebub is typically referred to as ‘Lord of the Flies.’ In the Old Testament, Beelzebub is referred to as a false god, whereas in the New Testament, Beelzebub is the chief of demons.
Beelzebub in the gospels of Mathew, Mark, and Luke
“The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, ‘He is possessed by Beelzebul,’ and ‘By the prince of demons he drives out demons.’ – Mk 3:22
“This man drives out demons only by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons.” – Mt 12:24
“Some of them said ‘By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” – Lk 11:15
In all of these passages of Mathew, Mark, and Luke, Beelzebub is referred to the prince of demons.
Other significant appearances of Beelzebub
- In the Mathers edition of the Grimoire of Armadel, Beelzebub joins together with Lucifer to teach about rebellion and the fall of angels.
- In the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage, Beelzebub transforms animals into humans and humans into animals. He casts harm and puts curses on people. He is one of 8 other demon princes who rule over the other demons. This role has a significant play when he appears in The Testament of Solomon
- In the Grand Grimoire, is referred to as a prince of Hell
- In True Keys of Solomon, Beelzebub rules all demons of America aside his partner Astaroth.
Beelzebub in the Testament of Solomon
In the Testament of Solomon, Beelzebub explains he is the Lord of demons because he is one of the only heavenly angels left who had fallen. This means he was not a child of an angel but an angel himself.
“Then I summoned Beelzeboul to appear before me again. When he was seated, I thought it appropriate to ask him, ‘Why are you alone Prince of the Demons?’ He replied, ‘Because I am the only one left of the heavenly angels (who fell). I was the highest-ranking angel in heaven, the one called Beelzeboul. There is also accompanied me another ungodly (angel) whom God cut off and now, imprisoned here, he holds in his power the race of those bound by me in Tartarus. He is being nurtured in the Red Sea; when he is ready, he will come in triumph.”
“I said to him, ‘What are your activities?’ He replied, ‘I bring destruction by means of tyrants; I cause the demons to be worshiped alongside men; and I arouse desire in holy men and select priests. I bring about jealousies and murders in a country, and I instigate wars.” – TSol 6:1-4
Overall, Beelzebub is a powerful Demon. He is powerful not only because he has the ability to evoke evil but also because he is the ruler of all other demons. He is often referred to as the prince of demons. This allows him to aid King Solomon in the interrogation of other creatures.
Sources
http://www.esotericarchives.com/solomon/testamen.htm
https://www.scribd.com/read/274412262/The-Dictionary-of-Demons-Names-of-the-Damned#
https://www.deliriumsrealm.com/beelzebub/