The prophet's dictionary guide to the supernatural

of revelry in Romans 13:13. 179. Behemoth—Water ox. Can mean hippo. An Egyptian word for a large mammal often associated with or seen as the dragon. Job 40:15–18. The behemoth of old was seen as a land version of leviathan. 180. Bel—The god of Babylon that corresponds to Baal. He is also called Marduk and Merodach and was the chief of the pantheon. This sun god was celebrated in the spring of the year to venerate the awakening and conception of nature. The medieval Druids, who saw his name as meaning “the shining one,” adopted his worship. Bel earned his high rank in the Babylon pantheon in antiquity by killing the goddess of chaos Tiamet. Isaiah 46:1; Jeremiah 50:2 and 51:44. 181. Bell—An object of announcement, warning, or a call. A bell was worn by high priest in the Holy of Holies where its continued sound told people that his work and their offerings were accepted by God. Silencing the bell signified the high priest’s activities or what the congregation offered was not accepted, so he died in the presence of the Lord. 182. Belly—The seat of thought and life, especially that which generates prosperity. Refer to Psalm 17:14; Proverbs 18:20. Because of this, the belly is presented in Scripture as the wellspring of life. The belly was historically seen spiritually as the source of death and resurrection after trial and/or judgment. The heart functions in spiritual contexts as the core source of spirituality, courage, and confidence. Refer to Job 20:15 and 32:19. The prophetic word is felt in the belly as bubbling and the source of inner strength is experienced there. (See Intestines.) The belly was thought to be the center of the heart through which its issues and sentiments flowed. Thus feeding the belly was the means of making spiritual deposits within the heart and soul of the person. It is through this means that the word of the Lord bubbles up out of the belly like rivers of living water. Our Lord Jesus drew on this metaphor when He taught about the coming of the Holy Spirit and how it felt like rivers of living waters bubbling up inside (John 7:38). It also symbolizes the place of spiritual appetite, which is why spiritual deprivation translates to food cravings in those the Lord is drawing to Himself. Romans 16:18; Philippians 3:19. 183. Belt—A spiritual symbol of official power, potential, and authority. Reflects the foundation and support that governs ones life. Also called a girdle.