In the book of Daniel an unknown god is mentioned – the god of fortifications or forces, Ala Mahozim. None of the ancient gods naturally assume this title, but there is a goddess who does.
Cybele is represented wearing a fortress in place of a crown, and Ovid says it is because she first erected fortifications in cities. Babylon was the first city to erect fortified and turreted walls and Ovid claims it was Semiramis who built them. Semiramis then, was the first queen of fortifications, and others assumed her title.
In general, Diana was portrayed as a virgin and patron of virginity, but in Ephesus she was the Mother of the gods and also wore a crown of turrets. Under this persona, she directs the follower back to Babylon and Babel’s Tower identifying herself with both Cybele and, ultimately, Semiramis. If Nimrod was the Father of the gods, his wife, Semiramis, was the Mother.
Obviously, the queen of Babylon did not literally erect Babylon’s fortifications. Megasthenes, an ancient historian, expressly says that Belus surrounded the city with walls. As Bel, the Confounder, (Cush) left the building of Babylon unfinished, it was his son Nimrod/Ninus, the first King of Babylon, who brought the job to completion. Perhaps it was at the prompting of Semiramis that fortifications were established, but certainly she was worshipped under the different characteristics of her husband.
Layard states that Rhea or Cybele, the goddess with the turreted crown, was worshipped as the female counterpart of the deity presiding over the bulwarks or fortresses. This deity, as we will establish in a future blog, is Kronos or Saturn.
Ala Mahozim, the god of Fortifications, or Forces may, however, be a modern god – one that the prophet Daniel foresaw. Ala Mahozim could be interpreted “god of Forces” or, “god of Fortifications/Munitions”. The god of Forces is one we all recognise today. We know this god under a new guise – and many already acknowledge the Force, or the Power, as replacing the God of the Bible. The Force has been brought to public attention through the media – Star Wars and multitudes of other movies or sci-fi books.
Daniel 11:36 onward, describes a man of enormous will-power who will exalt himself above the God of gods and blaspheme His name. Until the time appointed for him is up, this man of force will prosper, magnifying himself above all others, including God Himself.
He will also honour the god of Forces, Ala Mahozim – a god unknown to his fathers – with gold, silver and precious stones. This he will do in “the most strongholds with a strange god”, (Daniel 11:39). Again the same word, Ala Mahozim, is used for strongholds.
This is the leader to come, a leader I have featured in my novel, Opus Dei. The E book is available on this site.
Leave a Reply