The Seven Spirits of God

September 11, 2023

The Orthodox Christian understanding of God is confessed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: the Trinity one in essence and undivided. One God, yet three distinct persons, co-equal and co-eternal. Evidence of this mystery is first found in the beginning of the Bible. For in the opening verses of the book of Genesis it reads that, “…God said, let US make man in OUR image…” (Genesis 1:26). So, here we see that ever since the beginning of time the person-hood of God is revealed as having a plural identity, and not just as a singular reference point. The mystery of the Trinity was further revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the incarnate Son and Word of God. For as it is written, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Later on in the New Testament the properties of God are even further revealed. For in the book of Revelation (the final book of the Bible) are we introduced to the seven Spirits of God which are before His throne (Revelation 1:4). The attempt of this work will be to reveal the mystery of the seven Spirits of God as taken directly from both the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible. So now, let us open the scriptures and may the mystery of the seven Spirits be revealed.

As previously touched upon, the seven Spirits of God stand before the throne of God as described in the book of Revelation. However, even though the seven Spirits of God are not mentioned in any other book of the New Testament, they are found in at least one book of the Old Testament, where they are even individually described and identified. Speaking on the future Messiah, the prophet Isaiah foretells that, “the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:2). This Old Testament revelation concerning the seven Spirits of God expresses how the Old and New Testaments complement one another and also showcases their continuity. For what is prophesied in the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament. Themes common to the Old also find their way into the teachings of the New. So, it can be understood that the Bible is one book broken into two distinct parts, while at the same time remaining inseparable from each other.

The seven Spirits of God may also be compared with the seven capital virtues, which stand in direct opposition to the seven deadly sins. These seven virtues are categorized as chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility. While inversely speaking, the seven deadly sins (contrary to the seven capital virtues) are listed as lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. So the seven fold nature of virtue and vice is quite interesting when compared with the seven fold nature of the Spirits of God. Going further in St. Paul’s letter to the Romans 12:6-8, do we come across the seven graces or “charisma” which also reflects the character of the seven Spirits of God. These seven graces are as follows: 1. insight (prophecy); 2. helpfulness (service or ministry); 3. instruction (teaching); 4. encouragement; 5. generosity (giving); 6. guidance (leadership); and 7. compassion. This list of the seven spiritual graces in Romans is indeed a striking parallel when compared to the seven Spirits of God as identified in Isaiah 11:2. Yet again, another link in the chain uniting both the Old and New Testaments together as one.

Returning to the book of Revelation, are we faced with a most mysterious vision relating to the seven Spirits of God. For drawing close to the presence of the Almighty, into His very throne room it is written that, “…in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth” (Revelation 5:6). So from this verse it is evident that the seven Spirits of God are not static in nature, but are engaged in perpetual motion. This conclusion is supported by what Christ Himself utters in Revelation 2:23 where the Lord declares, “I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” Again this verse of the New Testament is paralleled with a portion of the Old Testament, where the Lord speaking through Jeremiah says, “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings (Jeremiah 17:10). So from these passages do we come to the understanding that the seven Spirits of God see everything which transpires upon the earth, and that they are sent into all of creation, just as Christ Himself searches the inner most intentions of man’s free will while also providing rewards to a life lived well. For as the eyes of the seven Spirits are continuously upon us, no one can hide from God.

In addition to the seven Spirits of God recorded in Revelation, are we also faced with seven churches of which the Lord has a certain message for each, and signifies it by his angel unto his servant John. John also sees a vision of seven golden candlesticks along with the risen Christ walking in the midst. John describes his vision of Christ as, “…one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength” (Revelation 1:13-16). Christ goes on to reveal unto John the mysteries of the seven stars and the seven golden candlesticks, by informing him that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and that the seven candlesticks are the seven churches (Revelation 1:20). This recurrence of the number seven in Revelation and elsewhere in the Bible, must mean that seven is a special number. For the number seven is held by scholars to be symbolic of “fullness” or “completion” or as a number representing perfection.

In conclusion, from studying both the Old and New Testaments we can easily discern that God is a perfect God, and a complete and whole Being: The Almighty. God is filled with wisdom and strength and is the source of all life within His creation. Nothing escapes the eyes of the Lord and in addition to being omnipotent, God is also omnipresent. Though man is created in the image of God, man can do nothing without the spirit of God fueling man’s accomplishments. For it is the spirit which gives life, while the flesh alone can do nothing in and of itself. Since God is holy, then there can be no unrighteousness in Him. However, through Adam and Eve’s disobedience in Eden their one poor decision plunged the world into sin and death, something completely foreign to the very nature of God. So if we human beings are to acquire the gift of the Holy Spirit, then we must serve the Lord by repenting of our sins and by following God’s commandments. For God is like a benevolent supervisor managing His business by sending forth His servants to take care of certain responsibilities. And like a good employer, the kind hearted Lord grants abundant rewards unto His employees for all of their labors. So the choice is ours if we want to inherit life or death. For as it is written in Galatians 6:8, “…he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”

The Vow of the Nazarite and Jesus the Nazarene

August 28, 2023

The vow of the Nazarite is an ancient Israelite religious practice which orders that all those taking the vow must let the locks of their hair grow, to abstain from wine and all produce taken from the grape vine, and to keep oneself from touching a dead body which would make the Nazarite ritually unclean and thus in turn bringing the days of his or her consecration to an end (Numbers 6). For the purpose of the Nazarite vow was to separate the devotee from the rest of the people by taking a strict oath, promising to totally dedicate oneself to the Lord God for a certain amount of time. Afterwards when the time of their separation was complete the Nazarite would be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation and offer one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings. The Nazarite would also shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings. The vow of the Nazarite could be taken by both men and women and, if so desired, one could totally dedicate themselves to the Lord by choosing to remain a Nazarite for their entire life.

Now the term “Nazarite” can be broken down from the root word in Hebrew “naziyr” or “nazar” which has the meanings of “to separate”, “to consecrate” or “to set apart.” This word “nazar” would most appropriately describe the Nazarite as someone who was separated from the rest of society as they were set apart or made holy unto the Lord. To further expand on this austere rule of spiritual dedication, the Holy Bible provides a couple examples of prominent people in sacred history who were known Nazarites. In the Old Testament, scripture records two specific persons who were Nazarites: namely Samson and the prophet Samuel. In the New Testament, it is apparent that John the Baptist (the forerunner of Christ) also followed the path of the Nazarite. Not only are these three men all linked to one another by being Nazarites, but they were also life-long Nazarites who were all born from previously barren wombs. For instance, in the 13th chapter of the book of Judges, an angel appears to the barren wife of a man from the family of the Danites telling her that she will indeed conceive and bear a son, and that he will be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and that he would deliver Israel out of the hands of the Philistines. The Bible goes on to say how this previously barren woman gave birth to a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him. Interestingly, in Judges 16:13 it is written that Samson had seven woven locks upon his head, which has led many Rastafarians to conclude that not only was Samson a Nazarite, but that he also sported dreadlocks.

Now concerning the prophet Samuel his mother Hannah was also barren, yet she made a vow unto the Lord saying, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD. (1 Samuel 1). In the New Testament we see a similar occurrence with Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. For not only was St. Elizabeth barren, but she was also well advanced in years far past the age of fertility. Similar to the story of Samson an angel reveals to Elizabeth’s husband Zacharias that his wife will bear a son, and that his name shall be called John. The angel Gabriel goes on to inform Zacharias that his son shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. So from what we find written in both the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible, it is clearly revealed that to be a Nazarite truly meant to be set apart as holy: someone special.

Additionally, although scripture does not come right out and say it, the prophet Elijah may also have been a Nazarite. For in 2 Kings 1:8 Elijah is described as being a hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins, very similar to the way the Nazarite John the Baptist was dressed (Matthew 3:4). Even Christ Himself compared John the Baptist with Elijah, a similitude which may support the theory of Elijah being a Nazarite. Also, no where in the Old Testament is it recorded that Elijah drank wine, but in 1 Kings 19:6 it states that Elijah drank water. Another parallel between Elijah and John the Baptist is that neither of them was married. Going further, again Christ compared the preaching of John with that of Elijah, something which has led many to suggest that John the Baptist was the reincarnation of prophet Elijah. However, at the Transfiguration of Christ the Gospels tell us that Moses and Elijah appeared, not Moses and John the Baptist. For prior to the Transfiguration, John had been beheaded. So if John the Baptist was the reincarnation of Elijah then Elijah should have appeared on mount Tabor decapitated. Either that or there would have been the two incarnations of Elijah and John who showed up along with Moses. This analysis reveals that the belief in reincarnation is indeed bogus and against the teachings of God, the prophets, and the Church.

When it comes to our sweetest Lord Jesus Christ, the Gospel describes the incarnate Word as a Nazarene and not a Nazarite. Though these words sound similar, there is indeed a difference between the two. For example, Jesus hailed from the city of Nazareth which by default made Him a Nazarene, someone originating from Nazareth. For in the Gospel of St. Matthew 2:23, it reads that Jesus, “…came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.” This fulfillment of the prophets can be traced back to at least two different places in the Old Testament where the Hebrew root word of Nazarene can be found. For in the book of the prophet Isaiah 11:1 a Messianic prophecy reads, “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” The word “Branch” in this passage of Isaiah points to the coming of the Messiah, and translated from the original Hebrew means “Netser.” Also, in the book of the prophet Daniel the same word for branch (netser) is also used in a prophetic utterance concerning the Messiah (Daniel 11:7). So the fact that the root word “netser” for the term Nazarene is found in two different prophetic books gives reliability to the Gospel of St. Matthew, since it is written that Jesus being called a Nazarene was spoken of by the prophets plural, and not singularly.

Due to the similarities between the terms Nazarite and Nazarene, this likeness has led many to conclude that Jesus was a Nazarite. Additionally, since ancient Christian icons depict Christ as having long hair, this has also provided the “evidence” to support the belief that Jesus Christ was indeed a Nazarite. However, we know from the Gospels that Jesus drank wine, something forbidden for Nazarites. So, this one fact eliminates the speculation which suggests that Jesus Christ was a Nazarite. But even though Christ was not a Nazarite, it is widely accepted that the Lord had long hair. Yet this would seem to contradict what St. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:14, where it is written that if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him. But as faithful Christians know, the Lord cannot be wrong. So, if Christ was not a Nazarite but had long hair, then there must be a reason why the Lord decided not to cut His hair. The fact that the Nazarites grew their hair long in order to reflect an external sign of their inner sanctity, may be why the Lord chose not to cut His hair. Remember to be a Nazarite was to fully dedicate oneself to God, just as Jesus the Son of God is completely dedicated to God the Father. So, even though Christ drank wine, yet at the same time had long hair, this apparent breaking of the Nazarite vow may be overlooked by the total dedication and perfect obedience which Jesus Christ demonstrated towards God.

 

References:

Strong, J. The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2010).

Zondervan. The Holy Bible, King James Version. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2009).

The Brazen Serpent: Nehushtan

August 14, 2023

During their forty-year sojourn in the wilderness, the children of Israel murmured and complained unto God and Moses numerous times. On one such occasion the Israelites spoke against God and Moses due to a lack of bread and water. They even went as far as to loathe the heavenly manna, or light bread, which God freely and faithfully provided for them and their needs each and every day. Because of the audacity that they displayed towards their creator and benefactor, the Bible tells us that the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people which bit them and even killed many of them (Numbers 21:6). Coming to their senses the people repented and asked Moses to pray unto the Lord, so that He would take the serpents away from them. Moses did pray, and the Lord in turn commanded Moses to make a serpent out of brass and place it upon a pole, so that anyone bitten who looked upon the brazen serpent would live and be cured of their affliction. As we shall see, this event concerning the brazen serpent as recorded in the Old Testament is symbolic of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as found written in the New Testament. For when the Jewish leader and Pharisee Nicodemus spoke with Jesus one night, the Lord told him, “…as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up” (John 3:14). The attempt of this study will be to compare the healing and life saving elements of the brazen serpent, with the soul saving and sanctifying properties of the cross of Jesus Christ. So, let us turn now and look into these subjects a little deeper, and with God’s help may we be enlightened.

Now desert terrain is known to be inhabited by many cold-blooded reptiles including snakes. However, in all the years that the children of Israel wandered in the desert, at no other time was any Israelite ever bitten by a snake until we come to what happened in the 21st chapter of Numbers. So, it would appear that through Israel’s disobedience God lifted His holy protection and allowed His people to suffer. But in His mercy and loving kindness God provided a remedy for the people’s affliction. The remedy for ancient Israel’s venomous snake bite was to look upon a brazen serpent upon a pole, and for all of humanity today the remedy for our deadly sins is to look upon Christ crucified. Just as Israel of old had to look at the brazen serpent in order to be healed, so too must all men look to Christ for healing and salvation. Conversely speaking, the Israelites who would not look at the brazen serpent died, so too he who rejects or denies Christ will not see life, but the wrath of God abides upon him (John 3:36).

Continuing with the theme of God sending His people afflictions in order to bring them to repentance, we also find in the book of Revelation where the Lord sends forth plagues upon the sinful people living in the end times in the hopes that they too might also repent. Unfortunately, even though their torments are severe and the pain intense, the Bible informs us that these future inhabitants of the earth will not repent, “…of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts” (Revelation 9:21). Just as the heart-hardened and stiff-necked Israelites rejected the Lord’s means for their healing, so too will sinful men in the future refuse God’s plan of salvation, even-though they are sorely vexed with excruciating pain and plagued by unbearable sufferings (Revelation 16:9-11).

When analyzing the properties of the brazen serpent, we see that it was made out of brass: a metal which is a symbol for judgment, and that this piece of metal was forged in the shape or image of a snake: a symbol of evil or even that of the devil. It is interesting to note that it was a serpent which deceived Eve into eating the forbidden fruit and thus plunged the world and all of mankind into a fallen state. Yet God used the image of a serpent as an instrument to heal and to save, the very opposite of what the serpent did in the Garden of Eden. Going further, the Lord prophesied to the serpent telling this creature that God would put enmity between it and the woman, and between the serpent’s seed and the woman’s seed, and that the woman’s seed would bruise the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). Now the seed of the woman, which would bruise the head of the serpent, is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. What is even more revealing, concerning this passage from Genesis, is the description of Christ’s physical characteristics as found in the book of Revelation where it is written that Christ’s feet were, “…like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace” (Revelation 1:15). The fact that brass is a symbol of judgment and that Christ’s feet have the appearance of brass, then this means that the Lord Jesus has truly trampled upon the head of the serpent and has judged the prince of this world, keeping at bay all the machinations of the evil one firmly under His feet of brass.

After all the events surrounding the brazen serpent during the children of Israel’s wandering in the wilderness, further mention of this brass snake in all of the Torah (or five books of Moses) is nowhere to be found. However, several centuries later in Israel’s history, the brazen serpent is once again identified. For during the reign of Hezekiah king of Judah, the Bible relates how he did right in the sight if the Lord, by removing the high places and breaking in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made (II Kings 18:4). The purpose behind king Hezekiah destroying the brazen serpent was due to the children on Israel who burned incense to it, thus turning this object of healing into an idol. In addition to destroying the brazen serpent, the Bible also states that king Hezekiah called it Nehushtan. Though the direct meaning of the name Nehushtan is elusive, it is implied in the scriptures that this name for the brazen serpent was in fact derogatory, making the Nehushtan an object of scandal for Israel and not a symbol of honor for the nation.

Now several centuries have passed since the days of prophet Moses and king Hezekiah, but the image of a snake on a pole is a symbol used today in the modern world of health care, representing both healing and medicine. For the symbol of a snake on a rod, as found on the back of ambulances and EMS vehicles, represents the staff of Asclepius, who was an ancient Greek physician and who is also associated as the Greek god of medicine. Though the staff of Asclepius and the Nehushtan are nearly identical in appearance, the “Star of Life” symbol created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) adapted their insignia to officially represent the rod of Asclepius as taken from Greek mythology and not the brazen serpent, or the Nehushtan from the Holy Bible.

In closing I would like to say that it is very interesting and also very ironic that the image of a snake has been used throughout the ages to represent health, when it was through a serpent that death entered into the world in the first place. And even if one doesn’t believe in Bible stories or Greek mythology the fact that an animal that can cause death is associated with healing, life, and even salvation is indeed a paradox. Maybe by pondering on things not quite so easily understood can we gradually bring ourselves into a life filled with mysteries and parables, just as Christ Himself taught the people by using parables. Both the events concerning the brazen serpent and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ are indeed mysteries, and life saving mysteries at that. For in both cases it is by faith that salvation was and is achieved.

On The Two Enochs In The Bible

July 31, 2023

Ever since the beginning of human existence on this earth, mankind has been divided into two separate genealogies or bloodlines. One bloodline which steamed from Cain, who killed his brother Abel, is regarded as cursed and wicked. While the other bloodline descending from Seth is acknowledged as righteous, from which the promised Messiah would ultimately descend from. Though there were two different people groups who lived during the period before the Great Flood, two individuals (one from each bloodline) would share the same name. And this name, which both the righteous and evil bloodlines shared, is none other than Enoch. The first Enoch mentioned in the Scriptures is the eldest son of Cain, and the second Enoch recorded is known as the seventh from Adam, who was also one of the ten righteous antediluvian patriarchs. In this work we will look into the significance of each of these two Biblical characters, and at the same time examine their differences. So now, let us take a journey back to the beginning of human civilization and get ourselves a little more acquainted with the two Enochs in the Bible.

After Cain murdered his brother Abel, the Bible informs us that, “…Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden” (Genesis 4:16). Now it is interesting to note that even before Cain and Abel were ever born, both Adam and Eve had been driven out of Eden through their disobedience. So the fact that the Bible makes an emphasis on Cain moving ever farther away from Eden, then this must mean that the more we sin the further we drift away from Paradise and away from the presence of God. It is also crucial to comprehend the fact that God cursed Cain and severely punished him due to his sin. So when the Bible says that Cain dwelt in the land of Nod, this could not only infer that Nod was indeed a physical location found somewhere on the planet, but this could also imply that spiritually speaking no matter where Cain dwelt on the earth he was living in the land of Nod, due to the curse that God had placed upon him. Thus the land of Nod where Cain dwelt was in the confines of his own inescapable guilty conscience.

Now when Cain was driven away from the presence of the LORD, he became a builder. For it is written, “…Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch” (Genesis 4:17). From this Biblical passage it is revealed that the name of the first city in the history of human civilization was called Enoch, named after Cain’s eldest son Enoch. This Enoch is not to be confused with the Enoch who walked with God and was then translated that he should not see death. However, though the Enoch of the wicked bloodline did not share in the blessings of long life as did the Enoch of the holy bloodline, the fact that a city was built which bore the name Enoch in a way granted Enoch the son of Cain immortality. As we see in other ancient literature such as the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, the quest of everlasting life has always been a struggle for the human race. Though he strives for immortality, Gilgamesh is not granted it. Yet in the end Gilgamesh achieves a form of immortality through the city which he built, whose foundations would remain his lasting legacy long after he had died. So too could Cain have named the city he built after his son, in the attempt of making both his city and his son’s memory be eternal.

The name Enoch in the original Hebrew is pronounced Hanoch and means, “dedicated.” It also shares a linguistic relationship to the Hebrew word “Hanukkah”, the name of the Jewish holiday which commemorates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem (I Maccabees 4:52-59). In Arabic the name Enoch is known as Idris, and has the meanings of “studious”, “smart”, and “to learn or understand.” These titles are very appropriate when applied to the righteous Enoch, for one of the many legends that have come down to us concerning prophet Enoch is that he was the first among men who learned writing. Being the first prophet after Adam it is believed that Enoch wrote a book of prophecy which is known as the Book of Enoch. Many Bible scholars today doubt that it was Enoch himself who wrote this book, and thus they attribute authorship of the book of Enoch to ancient Jewish scribes. While the Greek Orthodox Church does not believe the book of Enoch to be inspired, it is included within the Canon of Scriptures held to be inspired by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Returning to Enoch the son of Cain, there seems to be no other record of him in the Bible apart from the city which his father built and named after him. Similarly, not much of the life of righteous Enoch is recorded in the Bible either. However, even though prophet Enoch is only given a brief mention in the Scriptures, he is widely spoken of in religious circles. Many believe Enoch to be one of the Two Witnesses mentioned in the book of Revelation who preach during the Great Tribulation in the era of the Antichrist. Along with the prophet Elijah, Enoch is the only other person in history who has not died, and thus their martyrdom at the hands of the Antichrist will fulfill the Scriptures which state that all must die (Hebrews 9:27). Though the wicked bloodline of Cain was destroyed by the Flood in the days of Noah, the disobedient spirit of Cain has survived even to this day. For when Christ returns he will separate the sheep from the goats (the good from the bad). The sheep will abide with the Lord forever in Paradise, while the goats will suffer for all of eternity in hell. So when it all comes down to it there are truly only two types of people in this world: the righteous Enochs and the wicked Enochs.

 

References:

Burns, R.I. The Book of Enoch: Messianic Prophecy Edition. (San Francisco, CA: SagesWorks Press, 2017).

Brown, R.K. The Book of Enoch. (Nashville, Tennessee: James C. Winston Publishing Company, Inc., 1997).

Cambridge University Press. The Apocrypha, Authorized King James Version. (Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 1992).

Holy Bible: Ethiopic Version. (Saderingrad Productions, 2007).

Kush, I.K. Enoch the Ethiopian. (Buffalo, New York: Eworld Inc., 2000).

Zondervan. The Holy Bible, King James Version. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2009).

Was the Persian Overthrow of Babylon an Inside Job?

July 3, 2023

As most students of history and Biblical studies will tell you, the Persian Empire overthrew the Babylonian Empire way back in the mid-6th century BC. However, a certain theory which explains how the Persians accomplished their victory over the Babylonians is not as commonly discussed. For the city of Babylon was protected by massive walls and secured by two large leaved gates of brass that were submerged deep into the Euphrates River, which also aided the city against foreign invasion. Additionally these gates were shut at night and reinforced by huge iron bars. So, since the Persians were so easily able to march into Babylon and take the entire city in just one night, then they must have had help from within the walls of Babylon in order to penetrate the two thick gates of brass which made the city virtually impregnable. The following presentation will attempt to briefly summarize the theory of how Babylon fell by taking a deeper look into the historical records which pertain to the ancient city of Babylon and her ultimate overthrow by the Persians, who were lead by that legendary figure of history: Cyrus the Great.

Ancient Babylon was home to the pagan priesthood of the god Marduk. But the Babylonia ruler Nabonidus was despised by the priests of his realm, due to the king’s introduction of foreign gods into the empire which threatened the supremacy of the Babylonian god Marduk. Because of the adoption of new deities into the territories of Babylonia the power of the Babylonian priesthood, which administered the rights of worship and sacrifices to Marduk, found itself in great peril. Though the priests of Marduk were in danger of losing their control over politics, an opportunity arose which would secure their power and position. For when the news traveled to Babylon, concerning the threatening approach of king Cyrus’ army into the great city, a revolt broke out and Nabonidus quickly collected all the various idols of his gods and fled out from amongst the borders of Babylon.

For it was in the year 539 BC, that king Cyrus of Persia managed to enter Babylon along with the assistance of a couple of Babylonian traitors who (it can be argued) made the Persian overthrow of Babylon an inside job. For according to the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, these turncoats were able to divert the Euphrates River into a new channel allowing the Persian army to march over the dry riverbed and into the city, while the Babylonians were preoccupied in the revelry and drunkenness of a party dedicated to their gods. And this story, taken directly from the historical record of ancient Babylon, is also recorded in the 5th chapter of the book of Daniel as found within the pages of the Holy Bible. For it was the proverbial “writing on the wall” that the prophet Daniel was able to decipher which proclaimed God’s judgment upon the kingdom of Babylon, and her ultimate demise as an ancient world power.

Now the two Babylonian traitors, who helped the Persian king enter the city, may in fact have been employed by the priests of Marduk. For these priests found themselves with no other choice but to tolerate the worship of the other gods brought into Babylon by Nabonidus. And even after Nabonidus had left the country, his son Belshazzar reigned in his place and he also continued in the worship of and the service to his father’s gods. This in turn only bred resentment in the hearts of the priests of Marduk against prince Belshazzar. Biblically speaking, the plot to divert the river by unlocking the gates of the city was prophesied by Jeremiah. For the prophet wrote of how the men of Babylon would not fight and that the bars of Babylon would be broken (Jeremiah 51:30). The prophet Isaiah also foretold of how God would use the king of the Persians, “..to subdue the nations…and…to open…the two leaved gates” (Isaiah 45:1). Thus through a conspiracy plotted and executed by it’s very own priesthood, was the Babylonian Empire conquered by the Persian Empire.

From what has been presented in this treatise of ancient revisionist history, it can be strongly argued that there is indeed a power which lurks behind the throne. Though the king of Babylon possessed material power over the empire, he was not all powerful. For the priesthood also held a political monopoly when it came to the religious practices and other administrative duties involving the king and the people. For in all civilizations throughout history do we see monarchy’s ultimately answering and bowing down to religious leadership. As we have seen, if the king rebels and the priests don’t get their way, then these religious conspirators put their magic to work by toppling the disobedient ruler and craftily install a figurehead (or puppet) who is keen on dancing to any tune the masters play. And ancient Babylon was a prime example of this gross abuse of power. As there is no new thing under the sun this ruling class struggle for power will continue until the end of history. For as prophesied in the Bible, the final world religious/political system is appropriately titled: MYSTERY BABYLON.

 

References:

Daniel, E. The History of Iran. (Westport, Connecticut: The Greenwood Histories of the Modern Nations, 2001).

Daniel, J. Scarlet and the Beast Vol. II. (Tyler, TX: JKI Publishing, 1994).

Zondervan. The Holy Bible, King James Version. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2009).