We have processed several books over the last several years which take on different aspects of the battle in which we find ourselves. Each is included in the recommended reading list at the end of this. We have an extensive series of Warfare podcasts here. These are some interesting insights to ponder, for sure.
YAHWEH & ELOHIM (Who was the Us?)
Michael Heiser postulates that this plural name for God (elohim) includes more than just the Trinity when talking about “us.” He ties it to principalities and powers per Paul’s conversation in Ephesians 6:12 etc.
YAHWEH X 2 (On Earth as it is in Heaven)
Because the Father is Yahweh (I Am Who I Am) and Jesus is Yahweh (before Abraham was born I Am) he believes that Jesus was Yahweh on earth, emulating the picture found in the “copies” spoken of in Hebrews. Two persons – one God.
YAHWEH’S COUNSEL OF THE GODS
He presents a series of woven thread passages on page 19, and returns to these (adding many others), to establish his belief that these principalities and powers are God’s divine counsel. He thinks they include multiple “gods” (supernatural beings) who were beside Yahweh when He created the earth (Job 38:7). This, of course, would have also included presumably Gabriel, Satan, and Michael, together with myriads of angels (10k x 10k is a myriad), the four living creatures, and the twenty-four elders – all making up God’s “counsel.”
ADAM & EVE/DIVINE IMAGERS
Our parents were placed in the garden of Eden to be fruitful, multiply, and subdue the earth. We were meant to bear the image of God throughout His creation, and through the second Adam (Jesus) we are being returned to Eden, which of course, will be on a new heavens and new earth, and center around the New Jerusalem. Exciting!
TURBULENCE OF IMPERFECTION/HEAVENLY REBELLION
Like many things we interpret, our perspective on the rebellion of the angels (sons of God), is often limited. Heiser investigates Deuteronomy, numerous Psalms, words of the prophets, and ties many passages into the story of Jesus in order to contextualize the rebellion of the evil ones (Genesis 6:1-8). His consideration of the sons of god/daughters of men, the Tower, giants in the land, and the confrontation of Jesus/Moses/Elijah with the “gods” of Mt. Hermon (Assyria and Babylon) is cosmic.
ISRAEL/GOD’S PORTION
God rejects all the nations (at Babel) and proceeds to choose Abraham to be the father of the Jews, His people for His own possession. In Abraham all the nations will be blessed and redeemed, for the Lord Himself will provide a sacrifice (Jesus got this). Paul gives us clarity on what constitutes a true Jew (Romans 2:28,29).
WHAT THE PROPHETS SAY
Heiser gives truly remarkable explanations of the original language’s view of many of the topics of his book. He makes sense and amplifies many statements of the prophets, and helps bring clarity, culminating in his consideration of the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation of Jesus.
For the person who wants to take the time to process some deeper things about the bigger picture, this book is worth a few weeks (or even months) of your reading, processing, and personal study followthrough.
Dave and Burnadette
Recommendations for your interest on this topic:
The Unseen Realm by Michael S. Heiser
Return of the Gods by Jonathan Kahn
The Adversary by Mark Bubeck
Behind Enemy Lines by Charles Kraft
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” – Ephesians 6