IN THE ANCIENT Near East, the dead never really went away. And if you didn’t care for them properly, they could make your life hell.

With us to discuss the cult of the dead in the lands around ancient Israel is our Iron and Myth crew: Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview with the Giant; Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods; and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the theological thriller Cruel Logic, and a new novel based on the period of the Maccabees in Judea. 

We explore the cult of the dead in ancient Israel, examining its practices, rituals, and the influence of ancestor worship. The discussion delves into archaeological findings, biblical references, and comparative analysis with other cultures, particularly focusing on the Rephaim and the significance of rituals like the Marzeah feast.  

The pervasive nature of these beliefs and practices in ancient societies is evident in biblical references to the Rephaim and the cult of the dead, and we discuss how these concepts have influenced modern spiritual practices. We also discuss how Jesus' ministry and the Last Supper serve were spiritual warfare against the cult of the dead, drawing parallels to contemporary practices that echo these ancient beliefs.

Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible!

Derek’s new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible!

Follow us!

• X: @viewfrombunker | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert
• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse
• Substack: gilberthouse.substack.com
• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation
• Facebook.com/viewfromthebunker

Sharon’s novels Winds of Evil and The Armageddon Strain are available now in paperback, ebook (Kindle), and audiobook (Audible) formats! Get signed copies of the first two books of The Laodicea Chronicles now at GilbertHouse.org/store!

Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! The building has HVAC, a new floor, windows, insulation, ceiling fans, and an upgraded electrical system! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at www.GilbertHouse.org/donate.

——

Download our free app! This brings all of our content directly to your smartphone or tablet. Best of all, we’ll never get canceled from our own app! Links to the app stores for iOS, iPadOS, Android, and Amazon Kindle Fire devices are at www.GilbertHouse.org/app.

Please join us each Sunday for the Gilbert House Fellowship, our weekly Bible study podcast. Log on to www.GilbertHouse.org for more details.

Check out our weekly video program Unraveling Revelation (unravelingrevelation.tv), and subscribe to the YouTube channel: YouTube.com/UnravelingRevelation.

——

Special offers on our books and DVDs: www.gilberthouse.org/store.

——

JOIN US IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025 with an optional three-day extension to Jordan. For the latest information, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel.

Discuss these topics at the VFTB Facebook page (facebook.com/viewfromthebunker) and check out the great podcasters at the Fringe Radio Network (Spreaker.com/show/fringe-radio-network)!