The prophet's dictionary guide to the supernatural

824. Mantle—A loose-fitting garment worn by prophets and other officials in authority to signify their position and power to exercise dominion. Mantles reflect latitude, stature, prestige, and provisions of the wearer, as well as the license to act. 825. Mantle Treatment—What is learned, practiced, supplied to, and provided for the mantle of ministers to equip and empower them for service to the Lord. These are beyond normal church attendance and believer’s Bible studies. Mentorship, schools of ministry (especially for the prophet and the apostle), and ministry apprenticeship are needed for effectively treating one’s mantle. These preparations are usually above what the typical Christian gets or is exposed to in church services. Their distinction is that they help ministers perform more competently and confidently in their posts. 826. Marduk—A) Name of an ancient Akkadian and Babylonian deity credited with creation by both peoples. B) Also, Assyrian and Babylonian sun god. With Ishtar, Marduk was symbolized by leonine images. The association sprung from the belief that the two deities were feared as guardians among the gods. C) Also called Merodach, a deific name for Nimrod of ancient Babylon. 827. Mari—A) An ancient city of Mesopotamia on the banks of the Euphrates. The center of the Amorite kingdom during the 1800 B.C. era. Its most renowned king was Zimri-Lim and excavations reveal an elaborate palace and impressive temple ziggurat dedicated to Ishtar. Mari, like the Amorites, excelled in astrology, divination, and witchcraft in all forms. The chief deity was Ishtar. One of the few ancient civilizations that upheld equal rights for women. B) An old weather or storm goddess. She was a queen spirit who inhabited female rulers. Synonymous with Iris, this lunar goddess is depicted with a rainbow as a halo. See the previous definition of Mari. 828. Marriage—A) Symbolic in visions of covenant, union, collaboration, and joint ventures. B) Signifies intimate relationship and secret alliances. 829. Mars—In addition to being a planet, it is the name of the war god of ancient Rome to whom the nation gave thanks for fathering Romulus, who was the father of the Roman people. 830. Martyr—The New Testament word for this is witness. The idea is that the person so designated was an eyewitness to a vitally persuasive truth for which they were willing to give their lives as a testimony. In the New Testament, Stephen was the first gospel martyr in Acts 22:20. In Revelation 2:13 Jesus talks