Gog of Magog - The Eschatological Balrog | Ezekiel 38-39 Part I | Tolkien's Monsters
#prophecy #monsters #tolkien
In Part One of our study of Ezekiel 38-39, we will explore the background of Gog of Magog.
Many have sought to identify the entity known as Gog in Ezekiel 38&39. Attempts to identify Gog historically have failed. This is because, in the words of Stephen L. Cook, Gog is “physically real but of mythological,…fantastic, and archetypal proportions...Ezekiel 38-39 describes earthly reality invaded by the chaos monster Gog, with whom God grapples with hooks in the jaws. Across mythologies, half-imagined denizens of darkness wriggle away their lives in such crevasses as Gog’s cavern, deep in the roots of mount Zaphon. Thus, JRR Tolkien’s Balrog dwells deep in the mines of Moria…Consider Gog of Magog. A Balrog eschatologized, he is at once both mythic and realistic. When a visionary’s eye sees a Balrog archetype appear incarnate within terrestrial reality as Gog, a proto-apocalyptic revelation has occurred. Certainly Revelation, a full blown apocalypse, had no doubt that Gog was an end time fiend…an end time monster.”
I am looking forward to analyzing these statements by Professor Cook in depth. His commentary is what inspired me to take on Ezekiel 38-39 in depth.
We will also need to have an accurate understanding of the terms "mythology" and "apocalyptic literature” as we proceed through Ezekiel.
What is the definition of mythology? Myth is defined as: a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events. Myth can be true.
What is Apocalyptic Literature? Apocalyptic literature transcends space and time. It contains cosmic visions, often described in terms of war between light and darkness. There is no peace or coexistence between the supernatural forces of light and the supernatural forces of darkness and rebellion. Ezekiel 38-39 is an early form of Jewish apocalyptic. Cook calls these chapters Proto-apocalyptic. Revelation is perhaps the most well known example of Jewish apocalyptic literature. Joseph Blenkinsopp says Ezekiel 38-39 “can be seen as transitional between prophetic eschatology and the apocalyptic visions of Daniel and Revelation.”
Gog was a subject of fascination for the Jewish community just as he remains so for the Christian community. The Jewish community has had a lot to say about Gog over the centuries. The Targums, Septuagint, and Sameritan Pentateuch all mention Gog in places the Masoretic Text does not. These differences will be important in our study of Ezekiel 38-39.
We will also look at some of the mythology of J.R.R. Tolkien, specifically the Balrog. How is this revelant to Gog and Biblical prophecy? Join us to find out!!
Select Sources:
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Ezekiel. Interpretation Commentary. John Knox, 1990
Cook, Stephen L.Ezekiel 38-48: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Yale Bible 22B. Yale, 2018
Eichrodt, Walter.Ezekiel. OTL. Westminster, 1970
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 1, Episode 152. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 1, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-152-Transcript.pdf
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 2, Episode 153. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 8, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-153-Transcript.pdf
Holy Bible. NLT. Filament Edition. Tyndale. 2022
van der Toorn, Karel, Bob Becking, and Pieter W. van der Horst eds.Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible. Brill, 1995. Second edition, 1998
Zimmerli, Walther.Ezekiel 25–48. Hermeneia. Fortress, 1983
Please like, share, and subscribe to help the channel grow.
Thank you and God Bless!
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The Locust King, Satan, & God’s War with Chaos | Ezekiel 38-39 Part III
#ezekiel #prophecy #endtimes
In this part of our Ezekiel study we focus on 38:7-9 “Be prepared and get yourself ready, you and your whole assembly that has been mobilized around you; you will be their guard. After a long time you will be summoned. In the last years you will enter a land that has been restored from war and regathered from many peoples to the mountains of Israel, which had long been a ruin. They were brought out from the peoples, and all of them now live securely. You and all your allies—a vast and awesome army—will roll down on them like a storm and cover the land like a cloud.”
Gog invades like a swarming horde. This brings to my mind locust imagery. In fact, a scholar named Hugo Gressmann considers Gog to be a “locust giant.” We have discussed locust imagery before on the channel, but we will recap it briefly in this study.
In the gathering of Gog and his horde, the words of the prophet Micah comes to mind. Micah 4:12 “But they do not know the LORD’s intentions or understand his plan, that he has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor.”
We also discuss the importance of Ezekiel 38:8’s use the phrase “the latter years” and it’s possible connection to Satan being let out of the abyss.
Ezekiel 38:16 You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud covering the land. It will happen in the last days, Gog, that I will bring you against my land so that the nations may know me, when I show myself holy through you in their sight.
The outcome of this war with chaos is that all the nations will know who the true God is. This knowledge the Lord desires us to have of him is not cognitive but experiential. And this should be the desire of us all.
Join us as we continue our study of the famous Gog and Magog prophecy!
Select sources:
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Ezekiel. Interpretation Commentary. John Knox, 1990
Cook, Stephen L.Ezekiel 38-48: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Yale Bible 22B. Yale, 2018
Eichrodt, Walter.Ezekiel. OTL. Westminster, 1970
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 1, Episode 152. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 1, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-152-Transcript.pdf
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 2, Episode 153. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 8, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-153-Transcript.
Holy Bible. NLT. Filament Edition. Tyndale. 2022
Kaiser, Otto.Isaiah 1-39. 2 vols. OTL. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983, 1974
van der Toorn, Karel, Bob Becking, and Pieter W. van der Horst eds.Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible. Brill, 1995. 2nd ed, 1998
Zimmerli, Walther.Ezekiel 25–48. Hermeneia. Fortress, 1983
If you like the content be sure to like, share and subscribe to help the channel grow.
Thank you and God Bless!
71
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Gog, Apollyon, & Goliath | Ezekiel 38-39 Part VIII
#ezekiel #prophecy #endtimes
Ezekiel 39:3 depicts Gog as an archer that Yahweh easily disarms and defeats. This likening of Gog to an archer provides us with several interesting connections, including a connection to a famous passage in the book of Revelation.
Also, what is the connection between Gog and Goliath, the famous Philistine giant?
Join us as we continue our study of the famous Gog and Magog prophecy!
Select sources:
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Ezekiel. Interpretation Commentary. John Knox, 1990
Cook, Stephen L.Ezekiel 38-48: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Yale Bible 22B. Yale, 2018
Eichrodt, Walter.Ezekiel. OTL. Westminster, 1970
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 1, Episode 152. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 1, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-152-Transcript.pdf
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 2, Episode 153. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 8, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-153-Transcript.
Holy Bible. NLT. Filament Edition. Tyndale. 2022
Kaiser, Otto.Isaiah 1-39. 2 vols. OTL. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983, 1974
van der Toorn, Karel, Bob Becking, and Pieter W. van der Horst eds.Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible. Brill, 1995. 2nd ed, 1998
Zimmerli, Walther.Ezekiel 25–48. Hermeneia. Fortress, 1983
If you like the content be sure to like, share and subscribe to help the channel grow.
Thank you and God Bless!
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Cults of the Dead & The Inverse Eucharist | Ezekiel 38-39 Part X
#ezekiel #prophecy #endtimes
Ezekiel 39:17--18 Son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says: Tell every kind of bird and all the wild animals, ‘Assemble and come! Gather from all around to my sacrificial feast that I am slaughtering for you, a great feast on the mountains of Israel; you will eat flesh and drink blood. You will eat the flesh of mighty men and drink the blood of the earth’s princes: rams, lambs, male goats, and all the fattened bulls of Bashan.
The Hebrew phrase “nasi ha erets”, princes of the earth, can also mean “chieftains of the underworld.” The gibborim are also twice named among those being slaughtered. This is not a coincidence. But what does this phrase, in this context, point to?
What is the significance of the bulls of Bashan being mentioned in association with the earth’s princes?
We will also examine the meaning and symbolism of this sacrificial feast in light of the New Testament.
As Joseph Blenkinsopp says, “As incongruous as it may seem, the Eucharistic language of the NT also echoes the language used here - the summons to the Lord’s table; eating flesh and drinking blood - and in doing so, expresses the eschatological aspect of the Eucharistic meal.”
The sacrificial meal that Yahweh has prepared in Ezekiel 39 is not for human consumption. It is a reversal of the great messianic banquet.
Join us as we continue our study of the famous Gog and Magog prophecy!
Select sources:
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Ezekiel. Interpretation Commentary. John Knox, 1990
Cook, Stephen L.Ezekiel 38-48: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Yale Bible 22B. Yale, 2018
Eichrodt, Walter.Ezekiel. OTL. Westminster, 1970
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 1, Episode 152. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 1, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-152-Transcript.pdf
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 2, Episode 153. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 8, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-153-Transcript.
Holy Bible. NLT. Filament Edition. Tyndale. 2022
Kaiser, Otto.Isaiah 1-39. 2 vols. OTL. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983, 1974
van der Toorn, Karel, Bob Becking, and Pieter W. van der Horst eds.Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible. Brill, 1995. 2nd ed, 1998
Zimmerli, Walther.Ezekiel 25–48. Hermeneia. Fortress, 1983
If you like the content be sure to like, share and subscribe to help the channel grow.
Thank you and God Bless!
51
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Is There a City in HELL? | Ezekiel 38-39 Part IX
#ezekiel #prophecy #hell
Ezekiel 39:11 And I will make a vast graveyard for Gog and his hordes in the Valley of the Travelers, east of the Sea. It will block those who travel through, for Gog and all his hordes will be buried there. So it will be called Hordes of Gog Valley. V16 There will even be a city named Hamonah there.
Stephen L. Cook “The passage to the Beyond is now clogged with the crush of the living dead.”
The Travelers, according to Cook, “those traversing cosmic, ontological boundaries - make up Gog’s army. The force is ghoulish - Gog’s troops are denizens of the pit.”
The Hebrew word translated “travelers” is abarim. According to the DDD, this word “seems to have a special meaning in the context of the cult of the dead, denoting the spirits of the dead crossing the border between the land of the living and the world of the dead. It can be interpreted as a divine name in Ezek 39:11, 14, which may have also been preserved in the geographical name Abarim.” Numbers 21:10-11 “The Israelites set out and camped at Oboth. They set out from Oboth and camped at Iye-abarim in the wilderness that borders Moab on the east.” Heiser “Oboth is the Hebrew word for "spirits of the dead." The "Mistress of the Ob" is the title of the medium at Endor in 1 Samuel 28. Oboth is, therefore, naturally associated with necromancy, the spirits of the dead, the Rephaim dead in the underworld. There are a few of these references that link ʿōbĕrîm with Oboth. They're very close to each other. Again, these are gateways. These are considered to be places that lead to the netherworld, the underworld—the realm of the dead where the Rephaim are…This is the place that is referred to in Ezekiel 39. So you have Gog and his hordes winding up in the bad place—the netherworld, the realm of the dead where the Rephaim are.”
Marvin Pope argues that the valley of the travelers is the terminal depot for those passing on to the underworld, and that Hamonah is the corresponding city on the other side, an infernal underworld metropolis known as “crowd town” (which is a possible translation of the word Hamonah). In other words, he’s arguing this is a city in #hell. Some scholars argue this place where Gog and his hordes are buried is associated with the Valley of Hinnom, the place of human sacrifice in Judah. This area had been, as Cook says, “a ritual gate to the netherworld through which parents passed their children. Now, it morphs into a portal to the realm of death for…Gog.”
I had never heard of this suggest of there being a city in hell before I was prepping this series. But as I have been thinking about it, I remembered that some scholars suggest the gates in Psalm 24:7-10 are the gates to the underworld. They are commanded to open and Yahweh will enter. When Yahweh the mighty warrior entered through these gates into the underworld he conquered the realm of the dead. And Jesus said the gates of hell would not prevail against his church. Gates are defensive structures built to protect a city
Join us as we continue our study of the famous Gog and Magog prophecy!
Select sources:
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Ezekiel. Interpretation Commentary. John Knox, 1990
Cook, Stephen L.Ezekiel 38-48: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Yale Bible 22B. Yale, 2018
Eichrodt, Walter.Ezekiel. OTL. Westminster, 1970
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 1, Episode 152. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 1, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-152-Transcript.pdf
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 2, Episode 153. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 8, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-153-Transcript.
Holy Bible. NLT. Filament Edition. Tyndale. 2022
Kaiser, Otto.Isaiah 1-39. 2 vols. OTL. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983, 1974
van der Toorn, Karel, Bob Becking, and Pieter W. van der Horst eds.Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible. Brill, 1995. 2nd ed, 1998
Zimmerli, Walther.Ezekiel 25–48. Hermeneia. Fortress, 1983
If you like the content be sure to like, share and subscribe to help the channel grow.
Thank you and God Bless!
146
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The Primeval Dragons of Chaos | Ezekiel 38-39 Part II
#ezekiel #prophecy #endtimes
In this next section, we will look at the linguistic connections between Gog and Leviathan, and how Gog is depicted as a dragon, a chaos monster.
Comparing Ezekiel 38:1-4 & 39:2-5 with Ezekiel 29:3-5 and 32:2-7 will show how these verses cast Gog as the dragon, the sea monster of chaos, and how Ezekiel reuses the same language and imagery that he applied to Pharaoh earlier in the book. The same language, the same phrases, are used for both Gog and Pharaoh. And this language is not directed at human leaders. This language is directed at supernatural beings. The gods of chaos. The gods who stand in opposition to Yahweh.
We will also discuss Gog’s previous attempt at invading Israel. When was this and why was it stopped?
We then turn our attention to Gog’s human army. Where do they come from? Does the language carry a symbolic significance? Does the book of Revelation help in our understanding of Ezekiel’s intended meaning?
We’ll also note the repetition of seven throughout the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39. The book of Revelation is famous for its sevenfold structure, but there are glimpses of this structure in Ezekiel as well. Did Ezekiel influence John?
Join us as we continue our study of the famous Gog and Magog prophecy!
Select sources:
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Ezekiel. Interpretation Commentary. John Knox, 1990
Cook, Stephen L.Ezekiel 38-48: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Yale Bible 22B. Yale, 2018
Eichrodt, Walter.Ezekiel. OTL. Westminster, 1970
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 1, Episode 152. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 1, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-152-Transcript.pdf
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 2, Episode 153. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 8, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-153-Transcript.
Holy Bible. NLT. Filament Edition. Tyndale. 2022
Kaiser, Otto.Isaiah 1-39. 2 vols. OTL. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983, 1974
van der Toorn, Karel, Bob Becking, and Pieter W. van der Horst eds.Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible. Brill, 1995. 2nd ed, 1998
Zimmerli, Walther.Ezekiel 25–48. Hermeneia. Fortress, 1983
If you like the content be sure to like, share and subscribe to help the channel grow.
Thank you and God Bless!
115
views
Gog, Apollyon, & Goliath | Ezekiel 38-39 Part VIII
#ezekiel #prophecy #endtimes
Ezekiel 39:3 depicts Gog as an archer that Yahweh easily disarms and defeats. This likening of Gog to an archer provides us with several interesting connections, including a connection to a famous passage in the book of Revelation.
Also, what is the connection between Gog and Goliath, the famous Philistine giant?
Join us as we continue our study of the famous Gog and Magog prophecy!
Select sources:
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Ezekiel. Interpretation Commentary. John Knox, 1990
Cook, Stephen L.Ezekiel 38-48: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Yale Bible 22B. Yale, 2018
Eichrodt, Walter.Ezekiel. OTL. Westminster, 1970
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 1, Episode 152. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 1, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-152-Transcript.pdf
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 2, Episode 153. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 8, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-153-Transcript.
Holy Bible. NLT. Filament Edition. Tyndale. 2022
Kaiser, Otto.Isaiah 1-39. 2 vols. OTL. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983, 1974
van der Toorn, Karel, Bob Becking, and Pieter W. van der Horst eds.Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible. Brill, 1995. 2nd ed, 1998
Zimmerli, Walther.Ezekiel 25–48. Hermeneia. Fortress, 1983
If you like the content be sure to like, share and subscribe to help the channel grow.
Thank you and God Bless!
38
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Ezekiel, Gog, & Armageddon: The Timing |When Does Gog’s Invasion Occur? | Ezekiel 38-39 Part VII
#ezekiel #prophecy #endtimes
Many theories have been proposed as to the timing of Gog’s invasion of Israel.
Does Ezekiel 38-39 have any relationship to Armageddon? Where does this invasion fall in relation to the return of Jesus Christ? What does John’s use of “Gog and Magog” in Revelation 21 add to the equation?
In this study we will seek to answer these questions. The verses I will cite in support of my view might surprise you!
There is also a very important textual criticism issue in Ezekiel 39:7, which will once again take us into Codex Vaticanus. I believe the correct understanding of this textual question is very important in interpreting the timing of Ezekiel’s prophecy.
Join us as we continue our study of the famous Gog and Magog prophecy!
Select sources:
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Ezekiel. Interpretation Commentary. John Knox, 1990
Cook, Stephen L.Ezekiel 38-48: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Yale Bible 22B. Yale, 2018
Eichrodt, Walter.Ezekiel. OTL. Westminster, 1970
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 1, Episode 152. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 1, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-152-Transcript.pdf
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 2, Episode 153. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 8, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-153-Transcript.
Holy Bible. NLT. Filament Edition. Tyndale. 2022
Kaiser, Otto.Isaiah 1-39. 2 vols. OTL. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983, 1974
van der Toorn, Karel, Bob Becking, and Pieter W. van der Horst eds.Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible. Brill, 1995. 2nd ed, 1998
Zimmerli, Walther.Ezekiel 25–48. Hermeneia. Fortress, 1983
If you like the content be sure to like, share and subscribe to help the channel grow.
Thank you and God Bless!
72
views
Gog of Magog - The Eschatological Balrog | Ezekiel 38-39 Part I | Tolkien's Monsters
#prophecy #monsters #tolkien
In Part One of our study of Ezekiel 38-39, we will explore the background of Gog of Magog.
Many have sought to identify the entity known as Gog in Ezekiel 38&39. Attempts to identify Gog historically have failed. This is because, in the words of Stephen L. Cook, Gog is “physically real but of mythological,…fantastic, and archetypal proportions...Ezekiel 38-39 describes earthly reality invaded by the chaos monster Gog, with whom God grapples with hooks in the jaws. Across mythologies, half-imagined denizens of darkness wriggle away their lives in such crevasses as Gog’s cavern, deep in the roots of mount Zaphon. Thus, JRR Tolkien’s Balrog dwells deep in the mines of Moria…Consider Gog of Magog. A Balrog eschatologized, he is at once both mythic and realistic. When a visionary’s eye sees a Balrog archetype appear incarnate within terrestrial reality as Gog, a proto-apocalyptic revelation has occurred. Certainly Revelation, a full blown apocalypse, had no doubt that Gog was an end time fiend…an end time monster.”
I am looking forward to analyzing these statements by Professor Cook in depth. His commentary is what inspired me to take on Ezekiel 38-39 in depth.
We will also need to have an accurate understanding of the terms "mythology" and "apocalyptic literature” as we proceed through Ezekiel.
What is the definition of mythology? Myth is defined as: a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events. Myth can be true.
What is Apocalyptic Literature? Apocalyptic literature transcends space and time. It contains cosmic visions, often described in terms of war between light and darkness. There is no peace or coexistence between the supernatural forces of light and the supernatural forces of darkness and rebellion. Ezekiel 38-39 is an early form of Jewish apocalyptic. Cook calls these chapters Proto-apocalyptic. Revelation is perhaps the most well known example of Jewish apocalyptic literature. Joseph Blenkinsopp says Ezekiel 38-39 “can be seen as transitional between prophetic eschatology and the apocalyptic visions of Daniel and Revelation.”
Gog was a subject of fascination for the Jewish community just as he remains so for the Christian community. The Jewish community has had a lot to say about Gog over the centuries. The Targums, Septuagint, and Sameritan Pentateuch all mention Gog in places the Masoretic Text does not. These differences will be important in our study of Ezekiel 38-39.
We will also look at some of the mythology of J.R.R. Tolkien, specifically the Balrog. How is this revelant to Gog and Biblical prophecy? Join us to find out!!
Select Sources:
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Ezekiel. Interpretation Commentary. John Knox, 1990
Cook, Stephen L.Ezekiel 38-48: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Yale Bible 22B. Yale, 2018
Eichrodt, Walter.Ezekiel. OTL. Westminster, 1970
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 1, Episode 152. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 1, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-152-Transcript.pdf
Heiser, Michael S. Ezekiel 38-39 Part 2, Episode 153. Naked Bible Podcast Transcript. April 8, 2017. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NB-153-Transcript.pdf
Holy Bible. NLT. Filament Edition. Tyndale. 2022
van der Toorn, Karel, Bob Becking, and Pieter W. van der Horst eds.Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible. Brill, 1995. Second edition, 1998
Zimmerli, Walther.Ezekiel 25–48. Hermeneia. Fortress, 1983
Please like, share, and subscribe to help the channel grow.
Thank you and God Bless!
358
views
Demon Locusts, Gog, & The Sun of Righteousness
#endtimes #SunOfRighteousness #gog
In this video we will discuss demon locusts and their king, Gog. This will take us into Ezekiel 38-39, Joel 1-2, Amos 7, and Revelation 9. Within this discussion we will explore Nahum’s mention of the “sun rise” and how later biblical authors expanded this concept into a full blown Messianic title. And when Jesus arrived on the scene, his interactions with the demonic was in fulfillment of these prophesies.
The Targum translates the open line of Nahum 3:17 as “behold, your plates gleam like the locust.” Dr. Klaus Spronk “The same idea is found in Revelation 9:9, speaking of demonic locusts with ‘scales like iron breastplates.’ So here we have another example of the influence of the book of Nahum - apparently, via the Targum - upon Revelation.”
Amos 7:1 LXX “Thus has the Lord God showed me; and, behold, a swarm of locusts coming from the east; and, behold, one caterpillar, king Gog.” So according to the Septuagint, Gog is the king of the locusts. But Proverbs 30:27 “Locusts—they have no king.” This lets us know that at times when the Bible mentions locusts, it isn’t talking about normal insects.
Gog is the prince over the coalition in Ezekiel 38&39. Ezekiel 38:2,9 “Son of man, turn and face Gog of the land of Magog, the prince who rules over the nations of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him…You will advance, coming on like a storm. You will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your hordes, and many peoples with you.” Granted, locusts are not mentioned in these chapters. However, Amos 7:1 speaks of a swarm of locusts. The idea of Locust swarms could also be communicated as a cloud of locusts. One news article from 2020 described a swarm of locusts as resembling dark storm clouds. So if the LXX is correct, Gog, a supernatural entity, is the king of the locusts. And he and his army descend upon Israel as a cloud in the last days. See Revelation 9:1-3, 7-11. Joel also describes a supernatural army as locusts.
But these locusts that Nahum describes flee when the sun rises and shines upon them. And the question is asked: where are they? Malachi 4:1-2 “The LORD of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all. But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.” The Hebrew word translated hedges, the place where the locusts camp, in Nahum 3:17 is gederah. Matthew 8:28-32 “And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters.”
When the Son of Righteousness came to gederah the demons fled. Luke 1:78-79 “because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 1:78 the Greek word translated sunrise is Anatole. This is the word the Septuagint uses to translate the Branch, a famous messianic title, in Jeremiah 23:5, Zechariah 3:8 and 6:12. So for Luke, the Sunrise is a Messianic title. This is confirmed by the Septuagint of the passages I just mentioned, but is also supported by Malachi 4:2 and Nahum 3:17. Because in Malachi and Nahum, the sun rises, is again in the Septuagint, the word anatello. This is the verb form of the same Greek word. Anatole is the noun and anatello is the verb. This verb also shows up in another messianic prophecy. Numbers 24:17 “I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel.” Nahum doesn’t present any overt, explicit messianic prophecy, although I do suggest the possibility that he has presented subtle messianic statements that are expanded upon later by Malachi, Jeremiah, Zechariah, and Luke.
When the Sun rises, when the Messiah comes, the locusts flee, and humanity, those who believe on his name, are set free. Amen!!
Thank you for listening. Please like, share, and subscribe to help the channel grow.
God Bless!
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Nahum Part VIII: The City of Amon Ra (3:8-13)
#Nahum #CupOfWrath #communion
In this study we will explore Nahum’s second taunt song in chapter three. The taunt compares Nineveh with Thebes. The Assyrians conquered Thebes in 663 BC and Nahum uses this as the backdrop for a further discussion of Nineveh’s imminent destruction. Just as Thebes, which was strong and well fortified, fell to the Assyrians, so too will Nineveh fall to Babylon.
The most interesting part of this study to me is in the discussion about the connection between the cup of Yahweh’s wrath and the cup of blessing in the new covenant. Before I started this study I was not aware of this connection but it’s well known in the scholarly literature. The final section of this video is dedicated to this topic.
Thank you for listening. If you like the content please like, share, and subscribe to help the channel grow.
#Yahweh #Kingofkings
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Demon Locusts, Gog, & The Sun of Righteousness
#endtimes #SunOfRighteousness #gog
In this video we will discuss demon locusts and their king, Gog. This will take us into Ezekiel 38-39, Joel 1-2, Amos 7, and Revelation 9. Within this discussion we will explore Nahum’s mention of the “sun rise” and how later biblical authors expanded this concept into a full blown Messianic title. And when Jesus arrived on the scene, his interactions with the demonic was in fulfillment of these prophesies.
The Targum translates the open line of Nahum 3:17 as “behold, your plates gleam like the locust.” Dr. Klaus Spronk “The same idea is found in Revelation 9:9, speaking of demonic locusts with ‘scales like iron breastplates.’ So here we have another example of the influence of the book of Nahum - apparently, via the Targum - upon Revelation.”
Amos 7:1 LXX “Thus has the Lord God showed me; and, behold, a swarm of locusts coming from the east; and, behold, one caterpillar, king Gog.” So according to the Septuagint, Gog is the king of the locusts. But Proverbs 30:27 “Locusts—they have no king.” This lets us know that at times when the Bible mentions locusts, it isn’t talking about normal insects.
Gog is the prince over the coalition in Ezekiel 38&39. Ezekiel 38:2,9 “Son of man, turn and face Gog of the land of Magog, the prince who rules over the nations of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him…You will advance, coming on like a storm. You will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your hordes, and many peoples with you.” Granted, locusts are not mentioned in these chapters. However, Amos 7:1 speaks of a swarm of locusts. The idea of Locust swarms could also be communicated as a cloud of locusts. One news article from 2020 described a swarm of locusts as resembling dark storm clouds. So if the LXX is correct, Gog, a supernatural entity, is the king of the locusts. And he and his army descend upon Israel as a cloud in the last days. See Revelation 9:1-3, 7-11. Joel also describes a supernatural army as locusts.
But these locusts that Nahum describes flee when the sun rises and shines upon them. And the question is asked: where are they? Malachi 4:1-2 “The LORD of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all. But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.” The Hebrew word translated hedges, the place where the locusts camp, in Nahum 3:17 is gederah. Matthew 8:28-32 “And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters.”
When the Son of Righteousness came to gederah the demons fled. Luke 1:78-79 “because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 1:78 the Greek word translated sunrise is Anatole. This is the word the Septuagint uses to translate the Branch, a famous messianic title, in Jeremiah 23:5, Zechariah 3:8 and 6:12. So for Luke, the Sunrise is a Messianic title. This is confirmed by the Septuagint of the passages I just mentioned, but is also supported by Malachi 4:2 and Nahum 3:17. Because in Malachi and Nahum, the sun rises, is again in the Septuagint, the word anatello. This is the verb form of the same Greek word. Anatole is the noun and anatello is the verb. This verb also shows up in another messianic prophecy. Numbers 24:17 “I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel.” Nahum doesn’t present any overt, explicit messianic prophecy, although I do suggest the possibility that he has presented subtle messianic statements that are expanded upon later by Malachi, Jeremiah, Zechariah, and Luke.
When the Sun rises, when the Messiah comes, the locusts flee, and humanity, those who believe on his name, are set free. Amen!!
Thank you for listening. Please like, share, and subscribe to help the channel grow.
God Bless!
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Nahum Part IX: The Death of Assyria (3:14-19)
#nahum #assyria #biblestudy
At the height of Assyrian power, when they had conquered Thebes, forced Tyre to surrender, subdued Babylon, and plundered Susa, Nahum stood up and prophesied their complete destruction. Today we’ll be looking at the final piece of Nahum’s prophecy, the third taunt song of chapter three.
In this video we will discuss the following topics:
The spiritual symbolism of water.
The futility of defying Yahweh.
The connection between Nineveh and God’s promise to Abraham.
Shepherds vs the Good Shepherd.
The fatal wound of the Assyrian and it’s connection to the beast in Revelation 13.
How the Assyrian, the king of Tyre, and the king of Babylon serves as models of Satan and the antichrist.
We will also have a lengthy discussion about demon locusts and their king, Gog. This will take us into Ezekiel 38-39, Joel 1-2, Amos 7, and Revelation 9. Within this discussion we will explore Nahum’s mention of the “sun rise” and how later biblical authors expanded this concept into a full blown Messianic title. And when Jesus arrived on the scene, his interactions with the demonic was in fulfillment of these prophesies.
Please like, share, and subscribe to help the channel grow!
God Bless!
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Nahum Part VII: Woe to The Bloody City! (3:1-7)
#Yahweh #mysterybabylon #endtimes
Nahum chapter 3 contains three taunt songs directed at Nineveh, her goddess, her king, and Mystery Babylon. Each of these taunt songs contains a rhetorical question.
In this study we will explore the first of these taunt songs, which is verses 1-7.
It begins with “Woe” and we must identify the meaning of the woe oracle. Who is it directed towards? Why is it being pronounced? What links does this woe oracle have with our own time? And what connection exists between this woe oracle and the book of Revelation?
We will then have to identify the prostitute, the mistress of sorcery. Who is this prostitute? How is sorcery involved? How does she represent future mystery Babylon? Why does the Lord pronounce the specific judgment that he pronounces?
And finally we will seek to understand the meaning of the rhetorical question that ends this first taunt song. Nineveh will have no comforters in hell. How does this relate to the name Nahum? What does Nineveh’s judgment have to do with ancestor veneration and funerary rituals?
Join us as we discuss these issues and more!
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Armageddon: The Battle for the Cosmic Mountain (Cosmic Mountain Part VI)
#armageddon #prophecy #markofthebeast
In this final episode in our study of the Cosmic Mountain we will address the following topics:
The battle of Armageddon is generally taught and believed to occur in the valley of Megiddo. Is this correct?
This battle will be made up of supernatural beings on both sides. These beings include watchers, chaos angels, gods, giants, hybrids, and zombies. That’s right, ZOMBIES! What biblical evidence can I possibly provide to support such a claim?
There is an interesting verse in Habakkuk chapter one that I believe gives us the details of what happens when a person takes the mark of the beast. They ascribe this new power to their gods.
The dark side will bring all of its power to bear in this moment. They have to try to kill Jesus Christ when he returns. Of course they will not succeed, but this is what I believe their plan will be. And why they are pushing the transhuman and alien narrative so strongly.
Join us as we conclude our fascinating exploration of the Cosmic Mountain!
Thank you for listening. If you like the content please like, share, and subscribe to help the channel grow.
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Nahum Part VI: Desolation, Decimation, Devastation! (2:1-13)
#Yahweh #DivineWarrior #endtimes
We’re continuing our study of the book of Nahum. In this study we will go through chapter 2.
I personally learned a lot preparing this study. I wasn’t aware of how much supernaturalism was laced throughout Nahum chapter 2.
The chapter begins with a description of the Divine Warrior and his army coming to do battle. While a surface reading leads one to believe the primary enemy is Nineveh, Nineveh is actually not mentioned until verse 8. This ambiguity is intentional and encourages us to view this battle in a cosmic eschatological sense; which links directly with the book of Revelation and #MysteryBabylon
We also find multiple references to the goddess Ishtar throughout the chapter. Additionally, we will discover allusions to the Rephaim, the primeval sea, the chaos of Genesis 1:2, and poisoned spiritual water. Finally, we will seek to discover the identities of the lion, lioness, young lion, and lion’s cub.
Join us as we continue exploring this amazing book of prophecy!
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The Transfiguration: A Declaration of WAR (Cosmic Mountain Part IV)
#CosmicMountain #Transfiguration #SpiritualWarfare #ChristusVictor
Jesus’ transfiguration in Matthew 17 is a popular and well known event. But did you know that what occurred on that mountain was a declaration of war?
In part IV of our cosmic mountain study we will seek to answer the following questions:
How was Jesus’ transfiguration a declaration of war?
To whom was the declaration of war addressed?
Why was it done on a mountain?
Is the specific mountain relevant?
How does it relate to the cosmic mountain?
As Jesus declared war, how did his opponents respond?
Join us as we explore the deeper significance behind this famous event!
Thank you for listening. If you like the content please like, share, and subscribe to help the channel grow.
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Watchers, Dead gods, & A Loathed Branch
#Watchers #deadgods #Antichrist
Isaiah 14 is a famous chapter. It describes the rebellion of Helel ben Shakhar, usually referred to as Lucifer.
Some scholars believe Isaiah used loan words from other languages in this chapter. One Egyptian word and one Aramaic word.
What is the significance of this issue? What do these potential loan words mean? How do they affect our understanding of the passages? And what does this chapter have to do with the antichrist?
Below is a link to the paper by Christopher B. Hays discussing the potential Egyptian loan word in Isaiah 14:9.
https://academia.edu/resource/work/1950050
Thank you for listening. If you like the content please like, share, and subscribe to help the channel grow.
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When God Came Down the Mountain, The Answer to Brokenness (Cosmic Mountain Part III)
#CosmicMountain #JesusSaves #HealingBrokenness
Matthew 8:1-3 is one of my favorite passages in the entire Bible.
In part III of our cosmic mountain study we will analyze the depths of this amazing passage. The richness of what’s being communicated can’t be understood without an understanding of the cosmic mountain and why Matthew emphasizes Jesus going up the mountain and Jesus coming down the mountain. We tend to overlook this aspect of the narrative as we read. But these are theologically rich details and statements Matthew is making. It is intentional in order to illustrate a much deeper truth. The truth that when Jesus comes down the mountain it is God stepping off the cosmic mountain. And when Jesus reaches the bottom of the mountain he finds a leper. This leper represents humanity. Jesus’ interaction with this leper shows us how God desires to interact with each of us. Matthew is communicating to us literal truth, symbolic truth, and spiritual truth all at the same time. And this truth can transform the lives of whoever embraces it. It is the answer to brokenness.
Thank you for listening. If you like the content please like, share, and subscribe to help the channel grow.
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Eden, Enlil, Rebel gods & Spiritual Warfare (Cosmic Mountain Part II)
#CosmicMountain #DivineCouncil #GardenOfEden
The original mountain of God on earth was in Eden. In Ezekiel 28 we read of a rebellious member of the divine council being judged and cast off the mountain of God, the cosmic mountain.
We can track the career of this divine rebel by identifying the Sumerian deity Enlil. Scholars link Enlil with Halel Ben Shakhar, commonly referred to as Lucifer in Isaiah 14.
Enlil was called the Great Mountain by his ancient worshippers. This gives a deeper meaning to certain passages in which the prophets and Jesus Christ himself pronounce judgment upon this Great Mountain. When viewed in this context, these passages become spiritual warfare statements.
Part II of our series on the cosmic mountain will take us into the prophets Ezekiel, Micah, Isaiah, and Zechariah. As well as multiple Psalms and the words of Christ Himself in the Gospel of Matthew.
Join us as we explore these ideas and more!
Thank you for listening. If you like the content please like, share, and subscribe to help the channel grow.
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What is the Cosmic Mountain?
#CosmicMountain #DivineCouncil #Ezekiel38
In this teaching we begin a short series on the cosmic mountain. The cosmic mountain is a well known concept amongst biblical scholars. It is clearly seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments, as well as in the writings of Israel’s pagan neighbors.
The cosmic mountain is the place where God dwells and the meeting place of his divine council.
Not surprisingly, the rebel gods have attempted to usurp Yahweh’s titles and created their own version of the cosmic mountain. Where was this counterfeit mountain? What was it called? What is it’s association with the remote North?
What does the counterfeit mountain have to do with Mount Sinai? When Moses and the elders of Israel ascended Mount Sinai and saw Yahweh, what did this signify? And what did it have to do with later Christian Trinitarian theology?
Is there a connection between the cosmic mountain, Lucifer, Gog of Magog, and the end times?
We will discuss these questions and more!
Join us as we lay the foundation of our study on the cosmic mountain!
Thank you for listening. If you like the content please like, share, and subscribe to help the channel grow.
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Belial, His Counselor, & ANTICHRIST
#EndTimes #Antichrist #AsTheChaosDies
Who is Belial? What did the Jewish scribes believe about this individual? How did the apostle Paul interpret Belial? What do Belial and his counselor have to do with the antichrist and false prophet? And how did the cross of Christ defeat them?
In this video we explore these questions and more!
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NAHUM Part V: Belial & The Gospel
#Nahum #TheGospel #Belial
As we continue our study of the book of Nahum, in this study we will examine Nahum 1:8-15.
What is “the darkness” into which Yahweh chases his enemies? What did the Jewish scholars who translated the Targum believe it to be?
Nahum challenges us to examine our hearts before the Lord. Today is the day of repentance and salvation. Let us not harden our hearts into impenetrable thorns, dried and ready for burning.
Nahum predicts the coming of the counselor of Belial. Who is this figure? What is his connection to antichrist and the false prophet?
Yahweh challenges the gods of Assyria and promises to bury them, the counselor, and Belial. Who is Belial?When will he be totally cut off?
Nahum also gives us a glimpse of the gospel. Directly referencing a prophecy from Isaiah, we read of the messenger that brings the gospel and announces peace. The Apostle Paul picks up this phrase from Isaiah and Nahum in Romans 10. There is also a connection between these prophecies and the Armor of God in Ephesians 6.
Join us as we analyze these ideas and many more in the incredible book of Nahum!
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Jesus IS Yahweh The Cloud Rider
#Yahweh #CloudRider #TwoPowersInHeaven
Nahum 1:3 describes a theophany of Yahweh.
The theophany of Yahweh that Nahum describes contains many of the same elements we see throughout other OT theophanies. We see Yahweh in the whirlwind in Job and Ezekiel.
We also see a reference to the Cloud Rider. The Cloud Rider is always Yahweh the God of Israel in the OT. The one “exception” is when it’s used of the Son of Man in Daniel 7:13. Jesus Christ claims this title for himself when he’s on trial before the high priest. This is one of the many instances Jesus Christ claims to be Yahweh the God of Israel. And specifically in that moment, Jesus claimed to be Yahweh The Cloud Rider!
In this short teaching I investigate the OT occurrences of the cloud rider designation and the importance of Jesus’s claim to this title.
I will also look briefly at the symbolism of Yahweh walking upon the air.
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Yahweh: The Killer of Chaos, The Destroyer of the Anunnaki
#Yahweh #DivineWarrior #AsTheChaosDies
Nahum 1:5 is one of my favorite verses for supernatural war and eschatological awesomeness!
Yahweh, the Divine Warrior, attacks Yam and Nahar, the gods of chaos.
He then moves on to Bashan, the location of hell to the Canaanites, and the site of Mount Hermon. Mount Hermon is where the sons of God descended in the days of Jared.
Carmel is then attacked. This is the location of Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal. Which Baal did Elijah challenge? The answer may surprise you!
Finally, Lebanon is addressed. What does Lebanon have to do with supernatural war? I could give one word, “Annunaki”. The Babylonian version of the Epic of Gilgamesh mentions these entities. But there is more to Lebanon than just the Annunaki. And the answer may be found in the writings of Ezekiel.
Join to us discover the details and much more!
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