The prophet's dictionary guide to the supernatural

merchandiser, trafficker—further divulges their exceptional uniqueness in the ancient world. Their fetishes, rituals, and diverse pantheon eventually displaced Yahweh’s worship with His people. Human sacrifices, orgiastic rituals, fertility rights, and astrology were all Canaanite idolatrous practices, ultimately disseminated throughout the known world and subscribed to by every succeeding generation. 240. Canaan Worship—The way this nation worshipped was attractive to the Israelites. It was actually more than attractive; it was addictive. They were fascinated with its highly sensual and sexually charged rituals. Baal worship was its primary religion. Animal sacrifices, licentious dances, and sacred prostitution dominated it. Male prostitutes (qedeshem) and ritual harlots (qedeshot) served their worshippers in temple chambers (religious brothels) built for just that purpose. 1 Kings 14:23–24; 2 Kings 23:7. 241. Candle—Biblically symbolic of the spirit of a person according to Proverbs 20:27. In the book of Revelation the candle symbolizes a congregation among Christ’s seven church dispensations. The candle speaks to illumination, revelation, guidance, and a spiritual pathway. Refer to Psalm 18:28; Luke 11:36. In addition, the candle witnesses the quick, but short-lived, fiery flames of the human soul. It signifies inner illumination, the glory of the Lord about the head (Job 29:3), human productivity, and industry (Proverbs 31:18), and Christ’s message as the light that shines in the darkness of this world. Matthew 5:15. 242. Candlestick—A New Testament symbol of the New Creation church. Its flame refers to its output, a light in darkness. Revelation 1:20. 243. Captain—Head of fifty to one thousand. Head of a troop. 244. Captives—Taken ones. 245. Cardinals—Ancient term used for church leaders. The term to them meant “princes of the church.” 246. Casting Out Devils—The act of evicting a demonic spirit from the soul of a human being. The practice predates Christ as witnessed in His question about whose power He used to cast out demons. He said, “If I cast out demons by the power of God by whose power do your sons cast them out?” (See Matthew 12:27–28.) This statement indicates that exorcism, another word for casting out demons, was a common and flourishing practice. It progressed from the early times and hardly any religion excludes the concept from its rites to this day.