Influenced By Evil Spirits

Q

I was watching a bible teacher I respect the other day and he said something I had never heard before. He said spirits can influence a child in the womb. He said in John the Baptist’s case it was the Holy Spirit influence when John leaped in the womb but he also said evil spirits can influence a child in the womb as well. What do you think?

A

He’s referring to Luke 1:44 where Elizabeth said the sound of the newly pregnant Mary’s voice caused John the Baptist to leap for joy in her womb. The Bible says the Lord knew us from the time we were conceived (Psalm 139:15), but it does not mention us being influenced by evil spirits so early. I think he’s taking a unique event involving two very special babies and making it into a general occurrence without any confirming Biblical support.