two of the most enigmatic passages in the prophetic literature. The Bible tells us about two ancient kings, one of Babylon and one of Tyre, in language so extraordinary that it simply cannot be describing mere human rulers.
Or can it?
That’s the question. And the answer, as you might expect from this series, is both/and. But with a twist that has enormous implications for how you understand spiritual warfare, and for how you conduct yourself when engaging the unseen realm.
Great post! Your distinction between rebuking spiritual forces in our own name verse Yahushua's is important. And I agree with the both-and interpretation of Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14. These passages witness to how Satan has manifested through humans.
Thank you for your work, Kevin! God Has Greatly Blessed me through it. I have a question: How does Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal in 1st Kings Chapter 18 fit into this conversation? Elijah’s comments in Verse 27 seem to border on reviling Baal… Is there something going on in the Hebrew that indicates he’s directly rebuking the prophets of Baal while maintaining the appropriate, “The LORD Rebuke you,” attitude toward a rebellious divine being/force of darkness?
I can see where this question is coming from, but honestly I think what's at work in this passage is of a wholly different order than the "Lord rebuke you" conversation.
Here's the thing: Elijah isn't rebuking Baal. He is mocking him, but that's a very different thing. He's rebuking the prophets themselves.
In fairness, under normal circumstances even mocking a fallen elohim is not advisable and potentially dangerous. But this is Elijah. He's the chosen prophet of the Lord and is there doing the Lord's business.
But also, there's a subtext to this passage that gets missed a lot, and that's the fact that the very ways Elijah is mocking Baal are a direct assault on Ancient Near Eastern thought about their gods. It's basically one long, drawn out comparison showcasing the things Baal could be occupied with that could never be a factor for the God of Israel.
And that, ultimately, is why I believe Baal didn't respond to his prophets in that confrontation. He knew he was outmatched. He knew Elijah's statements were accurate. And most importantly, he knew that if the Lord wanted Elijah to outperform his prophets here there was nothing he could do to prevent it.
Great post! Your distinction between rebuking spiritual forces in our own name verse Yahushua's is important. And I agree with the both-and interpretation of Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14. These passages witness to how Satan has manifested through humans.
Looking forward to part 7. 😊
Thank you for your work, Kevin! God Has Greatly Blessed me through it. I have a question: How does Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal in 1st Kings Chapter 18 fit into this conversation? Elijah’s comments in Verse 27 seem to border on reviling Baal… Is there something going on in the Hebrew that indicates he’s directly rebuking the prophets of Baal while maintaining the appropriate, “The LORD Rebuke you,” attitude toward a rebellious divine being/force of darkness?
I look forward to your response.
I can see where this question is coming from, but honestly I think what's at work in this passage is of a wholly different order than the "Lord rebuke you" conversation.
Here's the thing: Elijah isn't rebuking Baal. He is mocking him, but that's a very different thing. He's rebuking the prophets themselves.
In fairness, under normal circumstances even mocking a fallen elohim is not advisable and potentially dangerous. But this is Elijah. He's the chosen prophet of the Lord and is there doing the Lord's business.
But also, there's a subtext to this passage that gets missed a lot, and that's the fact that the very ways Elijah is mocking Baal are a direct assault on Ancient Near Eastern thought about their gods. It's basically one long, drawn out comparison showcasing the things Baal could be occupied with that could never be a factor for the God of Israel.
And that, ultimately, is why I believe Baal didn't respond to his prophets in that confrontation. He knew he was outmatched. He knew Elijah's statements were accurate. And most importantly, he knew that if the Lord wanted Elijah to outperform his prophets here there was nothing he could do to prevent it.
Thank you for your response!