Who Is in Control of Time, Eternity and Human History? — Part 1 | Michael Heiser

Part 2:    • Who Is in Control of Time, Eternity and Hu...  
Ezekiel's vision in the Bible, particularly the imagery of the cherubim with four faces representing the four cardinal points of the Babylonian zodiac, reflects a profound theological and cultural message. Living in Babylon, Ezekiel communicates to the Jewish exiles a view of the cosmic order, where Marduk, the Babylonian god, is seen as the supreme ruler of time, space, and history—essentially, the one who defeated Yahweh. In response, Ezekiel subverts this Babylonian theology, asserting that Yahweh, not Marduk, is ultimately in control of creation, order, and chaos. This theme connects with the ancient Israelite concept of sacred space, where God’s presence signifies peace, order, and justice—contrasting the chaos and disorder outside of sacred space, which is often symbolised by the untamable sea or chaotic forces. The Bible, drawing on ancient Near Eastern myths like the Baal cycle, uses metaphor and symbolic language to convey the idea that only Yahweh has the power to impose order on chaos, as seen in Genesis creation language and the subduing of mythical sea creatures like Leviathan and Rahab. These metaphors not only emphasise divine control over the natural world but also serve as polemics against rival deities, asserting Yahweh’s supremacy over all other gods. Ultimately, the biblical worldview teaches that creation and life itself are made possible and sustainable by God’s divine order, with the temple as the centre of this cosmic peace.

Part 2:    • Who Is in Control of Time, Eternity and Hu...  

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