Biblical Mountains and the Divine Council (Ft. Doug Van Dorn)
Throughout history, mountains have held deep spiritual significance—serving as meeting places between heaven and earth, battlegrounds of supernatural warfare, and stages for divine encounters. From the Garden of Eden to Mount Sinai, from the transfiguration of Christ to the crucifixion, the Bible is filled with moments where mountains play a pivotal role in God’s plan for humanity. But why? What is the deeper connection between these sacred heights and the cosmic battle between good and evil?In this episode of the Revelations Podcast, host Reagan Kramer welcomes pastor, author, and theologian Doug Van Dorn for an eye-opening discussion on biblical mountains, the divine council, and the supernatural forces that have shaped human history. Together, they explore how God uses mountains as places of revelation, how fallen entities have sought to corrupt them, and how Jesus’ ministry strategically reversed the destruction caused by the enemy.Whether you’re a seasoned Bible scholar or just beginning to explore the deeper spiritual dimensions of scripture, this episode will leave you with a greater understanding of God’s plan and the victory we have in Christ.Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:Gain a deeper understanding of the biblical significance of mountains and their connection to the supernatural realm.Learn about the concept of the divine council and how it relates to mythological entities like Zeus and Baal, and their connection to Satan.Reflect on the practical implications of understanding the supernatural worldview, particularly in terms of overcoming worry and trusting in God's control.Become Part of Our Mission! Support The Revelations Podcast:Your support fuels our mission to share transformative messages of hope and faith. Click here to learn how you can contribute and be part of this growing community!ResourcesMore from the Revelations Podcast hosted by Reagan Kramer: Website | Instagram | Apple Podcast | Youtube"Rings of Revelation" by Doug Van Dorn"Giant Sons of God" by Doug Van Dorn"The Unseen Real" — by Dr. Michael HeiserDoug Van Dorn: Website | Instagram | https://www.facebook.com/dvd.vandorn.3Giant Steps Podcast - Apple Podcast | Spotify PodcastIron and Myth Podcast - YouTubeKingdoms Unveiled Podcast - YouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify PodcastBible VersesPsalm 82:1Isaiah 14:12-14Ezekiel 28Genesis 3:1Ezekiel 31Psalm 91Psalm 24Psalm 68Daniel 42 Peter 2:4Jude 1:6This Episode is brought to you by Advanced Medicine AlternativesGet back to the active life you love through natural & regenerative musculoskeletal healing: https://www.georgekramermd.com/Episode Highlights[0:44] Introduction to Doug Van Doren and his WorkA journey from Minneapolis to Denver shaped Doug Van Dorn’s path as a pastor, author, and theologian dedicated to biblical mysteries and the supernatural.His extensive background includes roles as a scholar, radio host, CEO, mountain climber, and fellow at the Institute for Biblical Anthropology.Books like Rings of Revelation and Giant Sons of God, along with the Giant Steps podcast, dive deep into theological and supernatural themes.This episode unpacks key topics such as biblical mountains, divine encounters, and the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil.[3:20] Significance of Mountains in the BibleBiblical events unfold on mountains, from Noah’s Ark resting on Mount Ararat to the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.[4:46] Doug: “"Mountains are all over the place. And the question becomes, why would that be? And that's where you need to understand first of all, that God is meeting with people on all of these mountains.”The "axis mundi," a concept describing mountains as divine meeting points, reveals their role as a bridge between heaven and earth.Mountains hold significance not only in the Bible but also in global mythologies, including Mount Olympus and sacred Native American sites.Isaiah 14 introduces the “mount of assembly,” linking biblical mountains to divine councils where heavenly beings gather.[5:10] Divine Council and Mythological ConnectionsMountains serve as the setting for the divine council, where God meets with angels and heavenly beings to rule over creation.Ancient mythologies mirror biblical narratives, with figures like Zeus and Baal representing the same rebellious entity—Satan.Mount Zaphon, recognized as Baal’s sacred mountain, connects directly to the divine council and the spiritual battle against false gods.The fall of Lucifer in Isaiah 14 echoes the rebellion of spiritual beings, linking the serpent in Eden to later deceptions throughout history.[17:42] Eden and the Divine CouncilThe Garden of Eden is depicted as a mountain, a place where heaven and earth intersect.Adam and Eve’s use of fig leaves for covering may symbolize an early attempt to seek refuge in fallen supernatural beings.Satan’s jealousy over humanity’s God-given authority fueled his deception in Eden, setting the stage for spiritual warfare.The Edenic narrative connects to a larger biblical pattern of rebellion, redemption, and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.[24:01] The Post-Flood Rebellion and the Return of the NephilimFollowing the flood, fallen angels were imprisoned in "gloomy chains of darkness," as described in 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6.Despite this judgment, the Nephilim reappear after the flood, indicating a renewed rebellion by supernatural forces.Ancient texts, including the Book of Enoch, describe how 200 fallen angels conspired to corrupt humanity.The struggle between God’s people and these rebellious beings continues throughout Scripture, reinforcing the need for spiritual vigilance.[36:29] Moses, Mount Sinai, and the Law as a Divine RevelationMount Sinai is a sacred site where God revealed His law to Moses, establishing a covenant with Israel.Patterns in Scripture link Sinai to Eden and the future Temple, each acting as a central place of divine presence and instruction.The tabernacle mirrors the structure of the mountain, symbolizing levels of access to God’s holiness.The law delivered at Sinai not only governed Israel but also foreshadowed Christ’s fulfillment of righteousness.[40:16] The Golden Calf and IdolatryThe Israelites, fearing God’s presence, attempted to worship Him through an idol, reshaping Him into something they could control.[41:02] Doug: “Idolatry is we're going to make that God that's up there come and be in this calf, so that we can somehow manipulate him because that's too terrifying for us.”The golden calf represented a common struggle—seeking to domesticate God rather than submitting to His true nature.Idolatry in all forms distorts faith, leading people to trust in tangible symbols rather than divine truth.Understanding this historical moment sheds light on the continuous human tendency to replace God with lesser things.[43:58] Jesus' Ministry and Supernatural BattlesEach phase of Jesus’ ministry strategically dismantles Satan’s authority over the world.[48:27] Doug: “Jesus's ministry is a multiple phased attack on Satan, and you have to understand some cosmic geography, and some of the motifs we've been talking about here are also very helpful.”The region of Bashan, known as "the land of the serpent," becomes the battleground where Christ begins His campaign against darkness.Key moments—including His temptation in the wilderness, His healing miracles, and His transfiguration—symbolize a reclaiming of territory from the enemy.Through these events, Jesus openly declares war on the forces of darkness, establishing His dominion over both heaven and earth.[52:48] Jesus' Death, Resurrection, and AscensionCalvary stands as the cosmic mountain where Jesus’ sacrifice defeats sin and death.Descending into Hades, Christ proclaims victory and liberates those who awaited redemption.His resurrection seals His triumph, securing authority over all spiritual forces.By ascending to the right hand of God, Jesus asserts His role as the ultimate conqueror over evil.[57:10] Practical Implications of a Supernatural WorldviewThe desire for control, often expressed through worry and fear, stems from spiritual forces working against faith.Trusting in God’s sovereignty dismantles the illusion of control and realigns believers with divine truth.Spiritual warfare manifests not only in extraordinary events but in daily battles over faith, trust, and obedience.Understanding Christ’s victory allows believers to walk in peace, embracing their role in God’s kingdom rather than being consumed by speculation about the future. About Doug Van Dorn Doug Van Dorn is a pastor, author, and theologian known for his deep exploration of biblical mysteries and the supernatural realm. With over two decades of pastoral experience, he has dedicated his work to uncovering the spiritual battles woven throughout Scripture, from the Nephilim and the Divine Council to the cosmic significance of mountains in biblical history. As the author of Giant Sons of God and Rings of Revelation, Doug bridges ancient texts, historical research, and theological insight to reveal the hidden layers of God’s plan and the forces at work against it.Beyond writing, Doug is the host of the Giant Steps podcast and co-host of Iron and Myth, where he collaborates with other scholars to discuss the supernatural foundations of the Bible. A fellow at the Institute for Biblical Anthropology, he is also a speaker and researcher who challenges believers to embrace a biblical worldview that acknowledges the unseen realm. Whether teaching in his church or uncovering historical and theological connections, Doug’s passion lies in equipping believers to discern truth, stand firm in faith, and understand how Jesus’ ministry actively overcomes the darkness.Connect with Doug Van Dorn and explore his books, podcasts, and resources on his website.Enjoyed this Episode?If you did, subscribe and share it with your friends!Post a review and share it! If you found our deep dive into the spiritual influences on mental health insightful, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a review and share this episode with friends and family. Uncover the hidden layers of biblical history and step into a deeper understanding of the supernatural realm. Strengthen your faith by recognizing the spiritual battles at play and discern truth from deception. Embrace victory that Christ has already won.Have any questions? You can connect with me on Instagram.Thank you for tuning in! For more updates, tune in on Apple Podcasts.