PDF Summary:The Unseen Realm, by Michael S. Heiser

In The Unseen Realm, Michael S. Heiser takes readers on a journey through the Bible's supernatural worldview. He explains how the biblical authors were deeply conscious of a spiritual realm populated by celestial beings engaged in ongoing heavenly and earthly conflicts.

Heiser reveals how this divine council framework influenced the religious practices of ancient Israel. He shows how the Bible portrays struggles between God's people and opposing powers, illustrating a cosmic battle that spans from Eden's creation to the role of the Church in restoring God's kingdom.

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The multitude of regulations dictating conduct when near the sacred underscores the deep chasm that developed between the divine and humans after the fall of mankind, leading to intense estrangement from the holy. Whether one was a priest or a layperson, male or female, there were restrictions for entry into the tent dwelling of God. For example, individuals were barred from engaging in worship activities and performing sacrificial rites if they had been involved in sexual activities or had exposure to bodily fluids such as semen or menstrual blood. An individual who had encountered a deceased creature or showed signs of sickness was required to stay beyond the hallowed boundaries and undergo a ritual purification before they could appear before the Divine. The divine realm, as perceived by the ancient Israelites, epitomized strength and flawlessness, a stark contrast to the human realm associated with mortality and flaws. Within the consecrated area, varying levels of sanctity and cleanliness were recognized. The closer one was to the ark of the covenant, the more sacred the surrounding area became. The sacred space beyond the veil was exclusively accessible to the high priest, and it was acknowledged that the entry of any other priest could result in their death.

Offerings and praises that signify deep respect and adoration emphasize the recognition of Yahweh's sovereignty and highlight the uniqueness of his realm.

One might contemplate the rigorous and baffling ritual restrictions set for individuals who seek to come into contact with the divine, as depicted in sacred scriptures. Heiser clarifies that these details affirm the celestial plan for humankind, which included being fashioned in the image of the divine. It was always intended for humans to sustain a relationship with God, despite being fashioned to inhabit a separate sphere from the celestial congregation and to function within their own unique domain. Eden was the meeting place for both realms and their associated familial beings.

Rituals underscored the separation between the holy and the ordinary, requiring a purification ritual before one could come into contact with the divine.

The ritualistic practices of worship and sacrifice served as a continual reminder to the Israelites of their human limitations, the supreme otherness of God, and the essential reality that approaching God without prior purification could be deadly. The focus of Yahweh was not on the ceremonial act of presenting and burning offerings; rather, these rituals symbolized a dedication to life, which is frequently linked to the significance of blood. The rules governing access to sacred spaces were designed to convey and maintain this idea. The purity laws consistently emphasized that Yahweh was distinct and superior to all subordinate beings. The Supreme Being is also referred to as the singular Creator.

The Day of Atonement ceremony symbolically banished sins, removing them from the holy land governed by Yahweh and consigning them to the realm where demons reside.

The annual ceremony described in the sixteenth chapter of Leviticus used two goats to perform the ritual purification of both the sanctuary and the congregation. Heiser emphasizes that the method of choosing the goats did not hinge on chance. One goat was consecrated for the adoration of Yahweh, and the other was allocated to Azazel. In Jewish traditions postdating the Old Testament, "Azazel" is identified as the principal of demonic entities, a distinction emphasized by the conferment of a sacred epithet and a distinct additional moniker that highlight his importance, surpassing that of a simple desert demon. The goat meant for Azazel was dispatched into the wilds, carrying symbolically the misdeeds of the people of Israel, thus cleansing the holy site. However, Heiser emphasizes that this act of removal should not be misconstrued as a tribute or concession made to Satan. The ritualistic customs and their emblematic components were designed to deepen the Israelites' understanding of the divine organization of the universe and the uniqueness of sacred spaces. The community residing in the land was seen by the ancient Israelites as forming an indivisible unity with the land's sacredness. God's presence was no longer with the other nations, as He had entrusted them to celestial entities that had descended from their virtuous state and transformed into demons. The goat sent to Azazel symbolized a vessel that conveyed the sins of the Israelites to a realm outside their lands, a region under the control of evil entities.

Other Perspectives

• The emphasis on distinct realms may oversimplify the complex nature of the divine as understood in other religious or philosophical systems, where the divine and earthly can be seen as more interwoven or non-dualistic.
• The concept of holiness as separate from moral conduct might be contested by those who see ethical behavior as intrinsic to the sacred.
• The idea that common spaces are profane could be challenged by beliefs that see the divine in all aspects of life, not just in designated sacred spaces.
• The restriction of access to sacred spaces based on purity might be criticized for potentially reinforcing social hierarchies or exclusionary practices.
• The notion that the sanctuary and temple were scaled-down models of the universe could be seen as a culturally specific interpretation that may not hold universal significance.
• The view that the temple represented the original union between heaven and earth akin to Eden might be contested by those who interpret the Eden narrative differently or who hold different cosmological views.
• The idea that the temple stood as an earthly representation of the heavenly seat of authority could be challenged by those who question the need for physical structures to represent divine authority.
• The regulations governing access to sacred spaces could be criticized for potentially marginalizing certain groups or for being overly ritualistic.
• The concept of offerings and praises as a recognition of Yahweh's sovereignty might be seen as one of many ways to express spirituality, with some traditions emphasizing personal introspection or direct communion with the divine.
• The rituals emphasizing separation between the holy and the ordinary could be viewed as perpetuating a sense of unworthiness or distance from the divine, which some spiritual traditions seek to overcome.
• The Day of Atonement ceremony's symbolism could be interpreted differently in various Jewish or Christian theological frameworks, with some seeing it as a metaphor for internal spiritual processes rather than a literal transference of sins to a demonic realm.

The prophets' association with the heavenly council.

Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent motif involving a celestial assembly composed of divine beings who work in concert with God. The prophets held a solemn responsibility to announce the presence of God's kingdom to the people. The idea of a divine assembly illuminates the distinctive characteristics of an Old Testament prophet and elucidates the rationale for God's choice of particular persons for this role.

Individuals who have had encounters with the sacred are acknowledged as authentic emissaries of the divine realm.

Heiser emphasizes that today's prevalent belief is that prophets are mainly people endowed with the ability to warn others of impending occurrences. Prophecy should never be reduced to something insignificant or treated as trivial. What are the defining qualities that identify someone as a prophet?

Individuals were identified as prophets following their direct experiences with Yahweh or encounters with beings from the heavenly realm.

People were recognized as prophets when they fulfilled the duty of delivering divine communications. They were also assigned the duty of warning people about the consequences of disobeying God, which encompassed the negative outcomes stemming from the rebellion initiated by Adam. To establish their trustworthiness and authenticity, the individuals chosen had to experience a critical encounter with the heavenly beings that called them into service.

The encounter with the divine calls upon the prophet to fulfill their responsibility of delivering God's messages to humanity.

The assembly, frequently referred to in holy texts as "the summons," was compulsory because God's distinct divine essence sets Him apart from humans, and because individuals, constrained by their finite comprehension and their earthly bodies, cannot endure His immediate presence. Biblical stories frequently employ symbolic elements like flames, swirling fog, bursts of lightning, and potent, often indistinct noises to underscore the otherworldly characteristics inherent in the deity. In instances where symbolism isn't predominant, fully grasping the encounter necessitates acknowledging the blend of the divine with the earthly, such as when God manifested to Abraham in a human likeness, within the sacred tabernacle, or while walking in the Garden.

Adam, recognized as the inaugural prophet

Considering Adam from a prophetic perspective is a method rarely used, but Heiser's implementation of this technique is warranted. What was the fundamental nature of Adam? Adam's connection to the divine is unmistakably acknowledged, and he is identified as the originator of the human race. He conversed with the divine and grasped God's purposes. He surpasses the fundamental label of being the first prophet.

Adam's dwelling in Eden, which was also the abode of Yahweh and his celestial council, implies his participation with this divine gathering.

In his discourse, Michael S. Heiser cites passages from the Book of Job. In the fifteenth chapter, one of Job's friends chastises him for continuing to believe that God has dealt with him unjustly. Eliphaz questioned Job on his involvement, if any, in the counsel of the heavenly beings. Do you believe that wisdom is your exclusive possession? The questions are posed in a rhetorical manner, suggesting that confirmation is not anticipated. Job was merely a mortal and not a supernatural being who came into existence before the formation of the hills. Job's understanding did not come from access to the assembly of heavenly beings. The logic is based on the possibility that an individual could have covertly overheard the discussions occurring within the gathering of the divine beings. In the story, the narrative unmistakably identifies the person in question as Adam, humanity's progenitor, who lived in the garden that functioned as the congregation's gathering spot.

Adam functioned as a bridge linking the divine realm to his descendants.

Adam initially fulfilled the duties as an emissary of God. Adam was fashioned to reflect the divine likeness, bearing the duty to convey this essential reality to subsequent generations. Adam prefigured all subsequent messengers and embodied the person meant to manifest the divine message in human form.

Divine endorsement and confirmation were bestowed upon the prophetic ministry.

This interplay between the divine realm and humanity is evident for any who have been called by God to speak on his behalf. Adam and Eve faced expulsion from the Garden of Eden prior to the rise of individuals known as prophets. While the biblical narrative might not offer explicit details, it uniformly conveys a theme throughout the diverse interactions between the divine and humanity.

Enoch and Noah are depicted as having a close relationship with the divine, indicated by their "walking with God."

Scriptures portray Noah and Enoch as prophets who had a profound connection with the divine realm. Heiser emphasizes that the phrase should not be construed as merely indicating a strong bond with the divine, which in contemporary terms might suggest an individual with deep spiritual dedication or one who participates in religious rituals and is in harmony with the divine's intentions. The people of Israel used this expression to describe their experiences with the divine presence, likening it to a direct encounter with God.

Yahweh's direct encounters with Abraham and his descendants affirmed and supported their roles as prophets.

Heiser also underscores a comparable pattern evident through Abraham's deeds. Prior to departing the region known for its connection to the Chaldeans, Mesopotamia, and journeying to Haran, located to the north of Canaan, Abraham became aware of God's revelation to him. Abraham experienced a significant event when the divine presence made a direct and physical appearance to him. The legacy initiated by Abraham was perpetuated through divine encounters experienced by both Isaac and Jacob. Heiser notes that these interactions frequently take place in areas traditionally held to be holy, like certain mountains or trees that are linked with manifestations of the divine.

The divine assembly's activities included the involvement of prophets.

The validation of prophetic vocations was not limited to figures like Adam, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham, nor was it restricted to the setting of a divine assembly. The Israelite society was profoundly rooted in the recognition of those who delivered divine messages.

Access to the divine throne is crucial for obtaining and proclaiming God's message.

The prophets of Israel, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, affirmed their status as messengers of the divine by experiencing visions that transported them to the central assembly of heavenly beings. Mount Sinai was revered by the Israelites as a terrestrial parallel to the heavenly dwelling of the divine.

The recurring motif served to validate Ezekiel and Jeremiah as genuine messengers of the divine, in the same way it affirmed Isaiah's legitimacy.

The vocations of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel are frequently referenced as archetypal instances. God, in the company of his celestial council, assigned distinct tasks to each of the trio of men. Indeed, Heiser observes that these stories were so profoundly embedded in Israel's collective spiritual awareness that Jeremiah used them as a standard to evaluate the truthfulness of prophets. Who has stood in the council of the LORD to observe or pay attention to His command, or who has taken notice of His word and hearkened? Yahweh also declares that prophets not sent by Him would falsely assert their divine commission and speak from their own creativity rather than conveying messages that stem from the divine council. As such, had they genuinely served as messengers from God, their duty would have been to impart His teachings to the populace, guiding them away from their sinful behaviors and the transgressions they perpetrated.

Other Perspectives

• The concept of a divine council is not universally accepted in all branches of Christianity or Judaism, and interpretations of the roles and functions of prophets can vary significantly.
• Some scholars argue that the encounters with divine beings in the Bible should be understood metaphorically rather than as literal historical events.
• The identification of Adam as the first prophet is not a traditional view in mainstream Judaism or Christianity and is subject to theological debate.
• The idea that prophets had to have direct encounters with the divine to be legitimate is not held by all religious traditions; some believe that prophetic inspiration can come in various forms.
• The notion of a divine endorsement or confirmation of prophets is challenged by those who question the historical accuracy of biblical accounts.
• The phrase "walking with God" as it pertains to Enoch and Noah can be interpreted in different ways, and not all traditions see it as indicative of a prophetic role.
• The assertion that direct encounters with Yahweh affirmed the roles of Abraham and his descendants as prophets is debated among scholars who question the anthropomorphic depiction of God.
• The involvement of prophets in a divine assembly is a specific interpretation that may not align with all theological perspectives.
• The importance of access to the divine throne for obtaining and proclaiming God's message is not a universally held belief and is open to interpretation.
• The use of the motif to validate the legitimacy of prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah can be seen as circular reasoning, relying on the biblical text to prove the authority of the biblical text.
• The experiences of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel are sometimes viewed as symbolic visions rather than literal experiences in a heavenly assembly.

The authors of the Bible's theological viewpoint was influenced by their consciousness of a spiritual realm that encompasses divine tactics and interactions with hostile spiritual beings.

The biblical authors acknowledged and incorporated the belief in the existence of otherworldly beings. The divine council is pivotal to the grand narrative that includes the creation, humanity's fall, the flood, the judgment at Babel, and the story of Israel's exile and eventual return. In our analysis, it is evident that a number of pivotal events, including the erasure of the nations' heritage during the fragmentation at Babel followed by the choice of Abraham to establish a new lineage and people, are essential to understanding God's divine plan and its ultimate realization. The strategy of the heavens to reestablish a global Eden and incorporate human participation in its management consistently faces opposition from hostile and rebellious beings. The strategies and challenges faced by a deity of unlimited power in achieving victory against adversaries are evident in both the earthly and heavenly domains.

The conceptual framework for understanding the interactions between the divine and various nations is provided by Deuteronomy 32.

A pivotal scripture that informs the Old Testament view is encapsulated in Deuteronomy 32:8-9, which reveals that "When the Most High distributed the nations and separated humanity, He established the limits of the nations" in alignment with the count of divine beings. The Lord selected Jacob as His cherished treasure and designated His people as His own inheritance. Heiser emphasizes that this passage lays the foundation for comprehending how God's kingdom goals are progressively achieved through events in history.

The dispersion of the nations from Babel resulted in their rule by lesser deities.

The choice of Abraham and Sarah by God to form a nation for Himself in Mesopotamia did not indicate that He abandoned other nations, as Heiser points out. They would, however, endure the repercussions stemming from their defiance. They would no longer benefit from the privileges associated with the divine covenant. The existence of these nations would be shaped by the influence of various heavenly beings assigned to them, rather than by a comprehension of the Almighty. God's original intention was for Adam and Eve to multiply and extend the joy and perfection found in the Garden of Eden across the entire globe, a mission that was later assigned to different celestial entities. These entities were charged with nurturing human progress and overseeing the terrestrial realm for its inhabitants, operating without the immediate direction or close presence of Yahweh to His terrestrial children.

God selected Israel to initiate His plan to restore the paradisiacal state that existed in Eden.

Israel, selected by the Divine to embody a portion of humanity, persists in its role as His emissary, endeavoring to fulfill the original objective of global sovereignty as first conceived in the earthly paradise. The rest of the Old Testament story focuses on the struggle between God's selected nation, Israel, and competing peoples and their gods, as Israel maintains a steadfast dedication to their deity to ensure His blessings in the land promised to them. The writer stresses the significance of this viewpoint on worldview, highlighting its importance in clarifying the foundational motives behind conflicts of conquest, the notion of sacred conflict, and the rituals connected with consecrated locations and religious rites as portrayed in the sacred scriptures of the Hebrews.

Throughout history, the dominion of Yahweh has been persistently challenged by malevolent forces.

The author conveys that through passages like Psalm 82, it becomes evident that God had a purpose in apportioning the nations for governance by different celestial entities. These subordinate divine beings, created in the likeness of the supreme deity, were tasked with the fair governance of their assigned regions, reflecting the celestial sovereign's power on earth, and setting the stage for these territories to ultimately revert to the control and guidance as outlined in the covenant made with Abraham. It is crucial to give due attention to this central element of theological study within the context of the Bible. The New Testament expands upon Abraham's covenant through the inclusion of Christ's sacrifice and the advent of the Holy Spirit, thus extending an invitation to people globally to become authentic members of God's family, securing their roles within God's congregation amidst a restored Eden, all governed by Jesus Christ, a scion of Abraham.

The biblical narrative portrays a persistent struggle that encompasses both celestial and terrestrial realms, with Yahweh at the center of it.

The Old Testament's historical and prophetic stories are set against a backdrop where it is detailed that nations were abandoned, as expounded upon in Deuteronomy 32:8-9.

The conflict between Israel and the surrounding nations, along with their gods, reflects a heavenly conflict against beings that contest the supreme authority of Yahweh.

Michael S. Heiser offers an interpretation that the biblical narrative of the Israelites transcends simple shifts in their political landscape. A constant battle of otherworldly forces was always in progress. God maintained the power to assess the conduct of every nation, regardless of the divine entities governing them, since they all belonged to His creation. The prophets of Israel frequently rebuked neighboring nations for their moral choices and their worship of beings that the author of the Bible deemed demonic, particularly in the context of Deuteronomy 32:8-9.

The accounts of conquest highlight the beginnings of the giant tribes, emphasizing their malevolent ancestry and the challenges they posed to Israel.

Joshua led the successful conquest of Canaan. Heiser underscores the importance of recognizing the role of supernatural forces for a complete comprehension of the narratives of conquest. The scouts from Israel who were sent into the land reported back to Moses that they had encountered Nephilim, offspring of the semi-divine titans referenced in Genesis as having lived on the earth in ancient times, with their colossal stature stemming from the union of the divine with beings from beyond our world. Second, the revelation of giants forms the essential groundwork for the belief system and rational underpinning linked to the Hebrew term kherem, which denotes "a divinely mandated campaign." Heiser clarifies the application of the term kherem. The phrase frequently denotes the dedication of an important object or a notable landform in honor of Yahweh. The term is also used in military contexts to signify a commitment to complete annihilation, implying thorough eradication. The ban specifically targeted areas populated by the Nephilim's descendants, as identified in Numbers 12-13. The command required that they be utterly annihilated, which meant they were to be entirely wiped out as a sacrificial gift to God.

The New Testament writings portray a continuous struggle in the spiritual domains after Jesus' victory over Satan.

In his observations, Heiser highlights the clear influences of the worldview of the divine council from the Old Testament that also appear in the New Testament.

The gospel's message and the resurrection herald a victory against the gods of different nations and restore those who were previously disenfranchised.

The foundational concept for understanding the spread of the gospel in the New Testament is derived from the account in Deuteronomy 32:8-9, where it is described how God apportioned the nations under the stewardship of lesser deities. Jesus, who personified Yahweh and stood as the supreme authority in the line of David, initiated the formation of a community with Israel at its core, a critical aspect of His mission. The Apostle Paul recognizes that the Church, consisting of devoted adherents from both Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds, rightfully inherits the legacy of Israel and therefore constitutes the descendants of Abraham. The Great Commission, as described in Matthew 28:19-20, is fundamentally connected to the occurrence at Babel and is motivated by the original Edenic intent to form a human family that serves as representatives of God.

The Church assumes Israel's mantle as the representative of God's sovereignty, forming a renewed assembly that stands in opposition to Satan and his demonic legions.

The descent of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost, as depicted by Heiser and the New Testament writers, marks a significant transition away from the occurrences at Babel. Luke depicts the event as a chaotic scattering of languages, reminiscent of the Babel narrative as described in the Septuagint version. Heiser presents the view that Pentecost signifies more than just a mere echo of the Genesis 10 enumeration of nations; it heralds the forthcoming conclusion of the separation and alienation that began at Babel. In his epistle to the Romans, Paul emphasized that the essence of the gospel's message is its expansion to every nation, and he indicated that this mission would reach its completion when the Church, fulfilling God's mandate, extends its influence to Spain—known in ancient times as Tarshish, a place that biblical authors considered the utmost edge of the world.

Paul's portrayal of celestial entities using language indicative of influence tied to specific realms suggests a heavenly battle for control over human souls.

Paul frequently uses metaphorical expressions when talking about spiritual conflicts, drawing heavily on viewpoints associated with celestial and spatial concepts as they are established in the Hebrew Scriptures. The apostle acknowledges the presence of demonic entities, using terms that, while absent from the Old Testament, are familiar to experts in ancient Greco-Roman texts.

The unseen domain is populated by celestial beings who wield control over different terrestrial regions, often referred to as "dominions and authorities."

For example, Heiser highlights that in the context of spiritual governance, Paul uses terms such as "arche" to denote principalities, "exousia" for authorities, "dynamis" for powers, and "kyrios" to indicate the jurisdictions or realms governed by rulers. Paul's discourse allows for various interpretations; his terminology might imply he is alluding to terrestrial governance systems or to heavenly beings similar to the divine progeny portrayed in the Hebrew Scriptures.

As children of God, believers undergo a transformation that equips them to rule over nations with Jesus, heralding an approaching victory.

To thoroughly understand Paul's message, it is essential to acknowledge his deep understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures. The idea that the celestial protectors of different nations correspond to the beings Paul denotes as "principalities and powers" is consistent with scriptural doctrine and sheds light on Paul's inquiry, "Do you not know that we will judge angels?" Believers will have the authority to judge angels, as indicated in the sixth chapter, third verse of Paul's initial epistle to the Corinthians. Paul, as well as other New Testament writers, understood that believers are not only assimilated into God's family but are also predestined to engage in His terrestrial rule, realizing the promise given to Abraham. The concept of inheritance as described in holy texts extends beyond mere physical assets, though they are indeed part of it. Jurisdiction is similarly linked to the inheritance passed down through family lines. Believers are preordained to hold positions of power within the hierarchy of the end times.

Other Perspectives

• The influence of other cultural mythologies on biblical narratives is a subject of scholarly debate, with some arguing that the Bible's authors were influenced by the mythologies of surrounding cultures, such as those of the Babylonians and Egyptians.
• The concept of a divine council and lesser deities ruling over nations may be interpreted metaphorically rather than as a literal spiritual reality, with some scholars suggesting these themes reflect the human need to understand and explain the complexities of life and governance.
• The historical accuracy of events described in the Bible, such as the Tower of Babel and the conquest of Canaan, is questioned by some historians and archaeologists, who point to a lack of corroborating evidence outside the biblical text.
• The portrayal of a cosmic struggle between good and evil forces, including the role of Satan and demonic entities, can be seen as symbolic representations of internal human struggles and moral dilemmas rather than literal beings.
• The idea that the Church assumes Israel's mantle in God's plan is contested by various theological perspectives, including those who maintain a belief in the continuing distinct role and covenant with the Jewish people.
• The interpretation of Paul's writings and the nature of celestial entities he describes is diverse within Christianity, with some denominations and theologians offering differing views on the nature of spiritual warfare and the role of angels and demons.
• The concept of believers ruling over nations with Jesus in a future victory can be seen as a theological construct that may not necessarily reflect a future historical reality but rather a spiritual or allegorical truth.
• The exclusivity of the biblical narrative as the sole divine revelation is challenged by other religious traditions that claim their own sacred texts and prophetic revelations are equally valid and divinely inspired.