The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible

by Michael S. Heiser

The Torah was clear that possession of the promised land was linked to obedience, particularly in regard to rejecting the worship of other gods and idolatry (e.g., Lev 26; Deut 4:25–27, 39–40; 11:18–24). The preaching of the prophets, the destruction of the temple, and expulsion from the land itself jolted the exiled Israelites to the realization that their exile was due to disobedience. Consequently, the Torah became the central focus of the surviving community. In exile, the teaching of the law in the new institution of the synagogue replaced temple ritual in the religious life of the community. Synagogues and the focus on the law were retained even after the return to the land and the building of a new temple. With Israel determined to never be driven from the land again, the law became the orientation point for Judaism. The focus on obedience to the law became a way for the Jewish community to express commitment to God’s election of Israel and remain in the land. With