Note 5 at Mr 5:10: Scripture implies that once evil spirits have found an individual, a family, or an area in which to dwell, they are unwilling to leave. Examples are iniquities of fathers being passed on to the third and fourth generations (Ex 34:7 and De 5:9), the spirit gone out of a man seeking to return (Mt 12:43-45 and Lu 11:24-26), and the fact that demonic "princes" or "kings" of an area exercised spiritual authority over that area (Eze 28:2-19, 38:2-3, 39:1; Da 10:12-13, 20; Eph 1:21, 6:12; Col 1:16, and 2:15). Luke said this man had the devils a "long time," and Mark said they implored Jesus not to send them "out of the country." They may have had hopes that after Jesus had gone, they could once again enter the demoniac. Matthew and Luke warned of this possibility (Mt 12:43-45 and Lu 11:24-26), and the demons may have reasoned that if Jesus permitted them to enter the swine, they would not have to leave the area. People delivered of demons must fill themselves with the presence and power of God to stay free (see note 4 at Mt 12:44).