And on the fringe of the heathen territory to the east of the Lake of Galilee Jesus at once came upon evidence of the activity of the forces of darkness, for this was no ordinary case of possession. When Jesus asked, “What is your name?” he replied “Legion”. A legion was the largest unit in the Roman army with a nominal strength of 6,000 men.

The demons had well established themselves in the locality and were loth to leave. They therefore pleaded to be allowed to take possession of a large herd of swine that was feeding nearby – another sign, incidentally, that this was heathen territory since, of course, the pig was an animal forbidden to the Jews. Directly Jesus gave the demons leave, the herd broke into a stampede which carried them down the steep hillside into the Lake below where they were drowned.