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Chapter 5: Cosmic Geography

Supernatural

October 11, 2020 • Chris Reighley

Supernatural:
What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World—And Why It Matters

by Dr. Michael S. Heiser

Uncover the Supernatural in the Bible

Introduction: A World Divided, a Battle Assigned

Most believers know the story of the Tower of Babel as a moment of human pride and scattered languages. But what if that event also marked the spiritual division of the world?

In Chapter 5, Dr. Michael Heiser pulls back the curtain on a lesser-known but crucial biblical teaching: after Babel, God disinherited the nations and assigned them to other divine beings—lesser “gods” who would later rebel. This worldview, rooted in Deuteronomy 32:8–9, is what Heiser calls cosmic geography. It’s a divine map of territory—some holy, some hostile.

Israel was God’s chosen portion. But the rest of the nations were placed under the authority of divine “sons of God,” who quickly became corrupt. What follows is a biblical and theological narrative where Yahweh begins a rescue mission to reclaim the nations, starting with Abraham in Genesis 12.

This framework explains the rise of spiritual warfare, why Paul references cosmic rulers and authorities, and why the gospel isn’t just about saving souls—it’s about reclaiming territory. Understanding cosmic geography changes the way we read Scripture, see the mission of the church, and interpret global conflict.

Chapter Outline: Cosmic Geography

I. Rebellion at Babel – Genesis 11

  • Human rebellion unites at Babel, seeking a name and a tower.
  • God confuses the languages and scatters the people.
  • Key Result: God gives up the nations to be governed by lesser elohim.

II. The Nations Divided Among the Gods – Deuteronomy 32:8–9

  • “When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance… he fixed the borders… according to the number of the sons of God.”
  • Israel is Yahweh’s portion; the other nations are placed under lesser divine beings.
A. Spiritual Fragmentation of the Earth
  • God’s disinheriting act was both judicial and missional.
  • Sets the stage for Abraham’s call in Genesis 12.

III. Preview: The Gospel Mission Begins – Genesis 12

  • God calls Abraham to begin reclaiming the nations.
  • The promise to Abraham: “In you all the nations will be blessed” (Gen. 12:3).

IV. Paul’s Theology of Geography and Powers

  • Acts 17:26–27 – Paul affirms God set the times and boundaries of nations so people might seek Him.
  • Ephesians 1:20–21; 3:10; 6:12 – Language of cosmic rulers, authorities, and spiritual warfare.
  • Colossians 1:16; 2:15 – Christ’s authority over all dominions and powers.

V. The Deuteronomy 32 Worldview in the Old Testament

A. Divine “Princes” Over Nations
  • Daniel 10:13, 20–21 – Spiritual beings resist God’s messengers and rule specific territories.
B. Spiritual Significance of Land
  • 1 Samuel 26:19 – David laments being driven from “Yahweh’s inheritance.”
  • 2 Kings 5:17 – Naaman takes dirt from Israel to worship Yahweh in his homeland.
C. God’s Presence as Defining Holy Ground
  • Temple made the Promised Land holy.
  • Now, God’s people are His temple:
    • 1 Corinthians 6:19
    • 2 Corinthians 6:16
    • Romans 8:9

VI. Results of the Rebellious “Sons of God”

  • Psalm 82 – God judges the corrupt elohim for injustice and oppression.
  • Isaiah 34:1–2 – Judgment on the nations and their heavenly hosts.
  • The stage is set for the coming conflict between Yahweh and the powers of darkness.

VII. Why This Matters

  1. This is the backdrop of Israel’s spiritual and political battles.
    • Every conquest, every prophet’s message, every idolatrous war involves cosmic geography.
  2. The gospel is a rescue mission for territory and people.
    • From Babel’s division to Pentecost’s reversal (Acts 2), God reclaims the world.
  3. Spiritual warfare is rooted in geography.
    • We live in a world still permeated by darkness, but God is reclaiming it through the church.
  4. Believers are now Yahweh’s holy ground.
    • The church is not just a people; it is sacred space in hostile territory.

Reflection & Discussion Questions

  • How does the Deuteronomy 32 worldview change your understanding of missions?
  • What does it mean to see your church or home as “holy ground” in enemy territory?
  • How do you think the “gods of the nations” still influence culture today?

Key Takeaway

  • God disinherited the nations at Babel—but He didn’t abandon them.
  • The gospel is not just about personal salvation. It’s about cosmic reclamation.
  • We live on a contested map. But the King is coming to take it all back.

This study was taught by Chris Reighley to the Sunday Night Bible Study at Rolling Hills Community Church in Lago Vista, Texas in 2020

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