Supernatural
October 25, 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: Yahweh vs. the gods
The moment God chose Abraham and birthed Israel, the unseen realm took notice. The stage was set—not just for the redemption of humanity, but for cosmic conflict between Yahweh and the lesser elohim who had claimed dominion over the nations after Babel (Deut. 32:8–9). This chapter brings into view the divine war behind the Exodus, revealing how Israel’s deliverance was not only a clash of nations—but a supernatural showdown.
Dr. Michael Heiser describes this as spiritual warfare rooted in geography and theology. Pharaoh wasn’t just a political enemy—he was the earthly representative of hostile gods. The plagues of Egypt weren’t random miracles—they were strategic strikes against Egypt’s pantheon, culminating in Yahweh’s judgment on Pharaoh’s house and the gods themselves (Ex. 12:12; Num. 33:4).
At Sinai, this warfare transitioned to identity formation. Israel was to become God’s covenant family, a holy nation representing Him on earth. The Law was given not as a means of salvation, but as a covenant code of loyalty—a way to live distinctly and faithfully in a world ruled by rival powers.
But the rules of engagement were always clear: salvation is by believing loyalty. Whether Old Testament or New, faith in Yahweh and refusal to serve other gods marked the people of God. The battle wasn’t just fought at Sinai or in Egypt—it continues today. And now, as God’s new human council, we are called to reclaim the nations and live in light of our eternal inheritance.
Chapter Outline: Rules of Engagement
I. The Context: Cosmic Rebellion and National Disinheritance
A. The Nations Were Disinherited Deut. 32:8–9
- After Babel, God assigned the nations to other divine beings.
- Israel became Yahweh’s portion and His plan to reclaim the world.
B. The Promise to Abraham Gen. 12:3
- Through Abraham, all nations would be blessed.
- But conflict with the gods of the nations was inevitable (Ps. 82:6–8).
II. Exodus: Spiritual Warfare in the Seen and Unseen
A. Israel in Egypt
- Joseph’s story (Gen. 37–50) led Israel to Egypt by providence.
- God predicted the slavery and timed the redemption (Gen. 15:13–16).
B. Pharaoh’s Defiance and Yahweh’s Strategy
- “Who is Yahweh that I should obey Him?” (Ex. 5:2)
- God hardened Pharaoh’s heart to showcase His superiority (Ex. 4:21; Ex. 12:12).
C. The Plagues: Targeted Judgments
- Each plague was a defeat of an Egyptian deity.
- The final plague (death of the firstborn) struck Pharaoh’s divine status (Ex. 12:29).
D. Victory Echoes Across Nations
- Yahweh’s victory became known in Canaan (Josh. 2:8–10).
- Moses and Jethro declare Yahweh greater than all gods (Ex. 15:11; 18:11).
III. Sinai: The Giving of the Law and the New Covenant
A. God’s Family Reassembled
- Israel is called “my son, my firstborn” (Ex. 4:22–23).
- A new human family to replace the disinherited nations.
B. Heavenly Council Present
- Angels were witnesses and intermediaries (Acts 7:52–53; Heb. 2:1–2).
- God appeared in human form—again—on the mountain (Ex. 24:9–11).
C. The Law as Covenant Code
- Written with “the finger of God” (Deut. 9:9–10).
- Designed to distinguish Israel as God’s holy people (Lev. 19:2).
IV. Israel: A Kingdom of Priests
A. A Holy Nation
- Israel’s call: Be holy as God is holy.
- Holiness = belonging to Yahweh, not moral perfection.
B. Mission to the Nations
- Israel was to be a light to the nations (Isa. 42:6; 49:6; Ex. 19:6).
- Their identity was missional, not tribal.
V. Salvation by Believing Loyalty
A. Not Works-Based
- Faith, not law-keeping, was the basis of salvation.
- The Law was how they showed loyalty, not how they earned grace.
B. King David as Example
- Though sinful, David never turned to another god.
- Loyalty mattered more than perfect obedience (2 Sam. 11; Ps. 51).
C. New Testament Continuity
- Faith in Jesus = belief in Yahweh made flesh (Acts 4:12; John 17).
- Loyalty to Jesus is what distinguishes God’s people (Heb. 3:19; 10:38–39).
VI. Why This Matters
- The Exodus Reveals Cosmic Strategy
- God didn’t just free slaves—He declared war on the gods.
- Each act of deliverance was a spiritual blow.
- Sinai Is About Identity, Not Legalism
- The Law formed a holy people, not a merit system.
- God wanted His people to reflect His character.
- The Seventy Nations, The Seventy Elders, and Jesus’ Seventy Disciples
- God’s reclamation plan is symbolized through “seventy.”
- We are part of that mission (Luke 10:1).
- You Are the New Council
- Believers inherit Abraham’s promises (Gal. 3:26–29).
- We are called to reclaim the nations and rule with Christ (Rev. 2:26; 3:21; 1 Cor. 6:3).
- Live with Eternity in View
- We will judge angels (1 Cor. 6:3).
- We are destined to be glorified, to displace the rebel gods, and reign in the New Eden (Rev. 21–22).
Key Scriptures
- Deut. 32:8–9; Gen. 12:3; Ps. 82:6–8
- Exodus 3–24; Lev. 19:2
- Acts 7:52–53; Heb. 2:1–2
- Gal. 3:26–29; 1 Cor. 6:3; Rev. 2:26; 3:21
- John 1:12; 1 John 3:1–3
Reflection & Discussion Questions
- How does seeing the Exodus as spiritual warfare change the way you read it?
- Why is it important to separate salvation from Law-keeping in both testaments?
- What does it mean to live now as a member of God’s earthly council?
Key Takeaway
- The Law wasn’t a burden—it was a battle cry.
- God formed Israel to confront the gods and reclaim the nations.
- Now, through Christ, we are His council—holy, loyal, and sent.
This study was taught by Chris Reighley to the Sunday Night Bible Study at Rolling Hills Community Church in Lago Vista, Texas in 2020