In this sweeping synthesis episode, Carey zooms out from Mesopotamian exorcism texts to contrast ancient magic/technique with the Bible’s holiness/presence frame. We explore how Scripture attributes sickness and calamity to God’s covenant governance (not a sprawling demonology), why ritual ≠ incantation, and how protection language (Psalm 91) differs when it’s used as prayerful trust rather than magical leverage. We also trace Passover’s blood as sign of covenant loyalty (protection for presence) versus pagan apotropaic rites (protection from volatile powers), and we re-situate baptism as incorporation into a purified people indwelt by the Spirit. Along the way: John Walton on conflict theology, Heiser’s take on Psalm 91 and the “evil eye,” Egypt’s maat, Hittite purity, and the danger of the sacred. We finish by reframing discipleship around holiness first, not death first—so that ethics flow from presence, not technique.
Resources & references mentioned
- Psalm 91 and Jesus’ temptation (Matt 4); Heiser’s Naked Bible episodes on Psalm 91 & “evil eye” (ep. 162 and 321 referenced).
- Udug-hul Tablet 12; Shurpu confessional series; Egypt’s maat; Hittite rituals and kings.
Community note
In November 2025 the On This Rock community is discussing the church—join the conversation; link in show notes.
On This Rock Biblical Theology Community: https://on-this-rock.com/
Website: [genesismarksthespot.com](http://genesismarksthespot.com/)
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot
Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan
Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/
Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergatan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1Q&ab_channel=Wintergatan
00:00:00 Agency & sickness
00:05:36 Ritual vs technique
00:07:21 Psalm 91 & the “evil eye”
00:09:07 Guarding against “magical drift”
00:15:25 Holiness-first ethics
00:18:49 Baptism in the holiness frame
00:22:37 Plague & providence
00:25:30 Priest vs healer roles
00:27:12 Shurpu confessions & fire
00:32:49 Incantation vs prayer
00:36:22 Divination & technique creep
00:41:02 Jesus’ temptation and amulets
00:44:43 Comparing Egypt and Israel
00:50:31 The danger of the sacred
00:59:32 Holiness that transforms
