Note 5 at Mk. 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; Dt. 5:9), the spirit gone out of a man seeking to return (Mt. 12:43-45; Lk. 11:24-26), and the fact that demonic "princes or kings" of an area exercised spiritual authority over that area (Ezek. 28:2-19; 38:2-3; 39:1; Dan. 10:12-13,20; Eph. 1:21; 6:12; Col. 1:16; 2:15). Luke says this man had the devils a "long time" and 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 warn of this possibility (Mt. 12:43-45; Lk. 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. A person delivered of demons must fill himself with the presence and power of God to stay free (see note 4 at Mt. 12:44, p. 132).