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The Prince of Persia and the Divine Council Theory

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Arthyron:

A while back I was reading through Daniel and came across a curious passage:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%2010%20;&version=15;

This is something I'd like to see Ray do a study on sometime.  It basically tells a story of how Daniel has a vision in which the angel Gabriel comes to him to talk.  The thing that interests me is that Gabriel mentions how he was "detained" or "resisted" for a number of days by the "Prince" or "head" of Persia.  Now elsewhere in Scripture, an angel can slay a multitude of humans with ease, so it made me wonder "what, how could a human oppose an angel?"  After reading on past that, it talks of how Gabriel had to call Michael to aid him, and how he has to return soon, as the "head" of Greece is coming to help the "head" of Persia.

So what it seems to me is that this is a very clear glimpse of the spiritual battle that is going on in the background beyond our normal unaided perception.  It seems as though there are spiritual powers set out over certain regions or areas, and they appear at least in this instance to be opposed to God, perhaps demonic in nature.  It definitely lends credence to the passage in Ephesians 6:12:

12because we have not the wrestling with blood and flesh, but with the principalities, with the authorities, with the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, with the spiritual things of the evil in the heavenly places;

So it got me thinking about Ray's teaching of God's "family" and the like, which then resonated with another idea theorized by a Hebrew scholar named Dr. Michael Heiser.  It's known in most theological circles as the "Divine Council" theory.  It proposes that according to the Hebrew of the Old Testament, that the pantheon of Scripture is not a Monotheistic one as is taught by most Christians, but rather a Henotheistic one, in which there are many spiritual beings, but only one that is above all and worthy of worship.

So I'm wondering if anyone else has ever encountered the idea of the Judeo/Christian mythos being Henotheistic, and if anyone has heard of the Divine Council and what their thoughts are on it?  If you haven't heard of either, Dr. Heiser has some pdf's on his website from his studies:  *links not allowed*

In reading through some of his writings, there seems to be quite a bit that meshes with what Ray teaches.  I'm also wondering your thoughts on the passage I linked to in Daniel and what that means for how and what we should pray in regards to global/political/economic/social affairs.  There seems to be a LOT of very deep and large implications to these few passages and ideas.

hebrewroots98:
Hi Athyron,
The simple of it (imo) is that certain demons have the authority to rule and oppress over certain places/principalities in the earth.  By just observing w/ ones' physical eyes we can see how those demonic spirits operate; (the spirit of murder, death, suicide, as well as terrorism coming from the Muslum (spirit) part of the world; the spirit of greed,materialism, lying, cheating,  and pride/arrogance in the USA; the spirit of povery in the 3rd world countries; etc... ( B/c of this, I believe that the Elect of God will also reside over certain areas/prinicpalities of the world when it comes to assisting Christ in  judging the world of their sins and in teaching them of righteousness.  Thus, Ephesians 6 supports this.  These princes are the leaders/strong holds of Persia as you stated from the Book of Daniel.  I am not sure how humans can oppose angels in this life, but, in the life to come, the elect will be helping to judge even these beings, so I am thinking that God will put a limit on their abilities at that time; (not now), thus, we then will oppose the angels.  Absolutely these are the spiritual forces that we cannot see.  But, in the light of the spirit of this topic, with Christ, all things are possible; and with Christ in us, we are HIs representives while here, so we do have HIS authority in us to cast down any spirits that come against the truth, and those spirits are made to obey Christ and leave us when commanded to.

I do believe that in the OT that alot of the fallen angels became the pagan gods of the OT and even in the Mythology of that time (saturn, baal, janice, mythra, zues,and many, many others) and  exactly where Dr. Heiser gets his theory from.   I have not read this Divine Council.  As to how to pray, God is in control of those forces as well, so we can pray for HIS guidance and HIS will in dealing or not dealing with these dark spiritual forces.  God has put people in certain high places (as Presidents, Kings, rulers,) and for HIS reasons.  He can use them for building up a country or for destroying a country...it's all in HIS design and for HIS purposes...(but, there are always the evil forces in the midst waiting to do their damnable deeds to kill, steal,a nd destroy.... these demons manisfest and work through these vessles (these people!)

I hope that I did'nt muddy the waters even more, lol! ;)  godd post btw!
blessings,
Susan

hebrewroots98:
I have heard of Dr.Heisner on the talk show Coast to Coast, as well as he is a guest speaker at the Roswell UFO annual get togethers quite often, (which is only about 2 hrs from where I live,.) though I have never spoken with him in person.  I am impressed with this Dr.'s educational background, soemthing that I would love to study.  His websites are very interesting, and long ;)

As I was saying about these demons that rule over certain places, I have told my dad (who is into worrying about where our country is headed,) that God sometimes uses our enemies (from other countries in this case) to take down a sinful country, in order to humble them and get them to turn back to HIM....so, even if my dad did get a group together to protest an issue, if it was Gods'will that this country does not prosper, then all his protesting will do no good in the end! ;)

Beloved:
Good answer Susan

Mankind is always trying to take "ownership" of things outside their own sphere. It gives them a sense of power and control. The thing on their throne is looking in every crevise for a way to escape the sovergnity of God.

The powers and principalities are there and we should be thankful that God revealed this to mankind. Our finite state limits what we can understand. The Good that come out of Evil is uncomprehensible because we can't see or know all that is going on.   

From the passage you quoted in Daniel  I can only imagine that the battles must be increasing because of the increase in evil in the world today. Right now we are to study and show ourselves approved....there is enough righteous and tru information to contemplate.  The next age will bring judgement to the wicked and put evil underfoot.

As far as the gods being named from these pricipalities...sure but remember man can make "anything" a god. If a martian came to tennesee and looked Batman Building down town they would think we worshipped electric towers...it looks just like one. The silly world thinks it is in control of everything and therefore is kept busy naming and explaining and worshiping their idols. .Divine Council ::)  :P

Ecc 12:12 
And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Mat 6:34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Beloved

Deborah-Leigh:
Wise posts Hebrewroots 98 and Beloved.

God who is Sovereign is working all things to good for those who love HIM.

Peace be to you

Arcturus :)
 

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