Podcast Summary: Gilbert House Fellowship

Episode: Prepare to Meet Your God, O Israel
Hosts: Derek & Sharon Gilbert
Date: March 22, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Gilbert House Fellowship delves into the biblical Book of Amos, specifically chapters 4 and 5. Derek and Sharon Gilbert explore Amos's prophecies, focusing on God’s call for Israel to repent, the spiritual and supernatural context of biblical references (such as Bashan and the divine council), and modern misunderstandings about Israel and biblical symbols. Blending personal anecdotes, archaeological insights, and theological scholarship, the Gilberts also address related topics like donations, app updates, end-times prophecy, and listener questions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Podcast Updates and App Information

• The Gilberts discussed technical improvements to their podcasting and upcoming plans for live broadcasts on YouTube and other platforms.
• They addressed a mix-up with their podcast app regarding donations—some listeners were able to donate despite the Gilberts not being a 501(c)(3); those donations have been (per Subsplash’s policy) refunded.
• [06:00] Sharon: “If you have been one of those wonderful people to donate directly through the Subsplash app... understand... we appreciate every penny.”
• The hosts confirm they only accept donations via their main site and express gratitude for listener support.

2. Study of Amos 4 and 5: Themes & Exegesis

a. Context and Background

• Amos’s role as a prophet: delivering divine warnings to Israel, especially the Northern Kingdom, due to social injustice, idolatry, and neglect of the poor.
• The Lord’s use of other nations to chastise Israel—and His subsequent judgment of those nations ([11:57] Sharon: “He uses other nations to chastise, but at the same time, He also judges the other nations”).

b. Supernatural References: Bashan and Divine Council

• Cows of Bashan ([13:36]–[23:20]):
  • The phrase is unpacked as a reference to supernatural beings, not just literal livestock.
  • Derek: “Anytime you see reference to Bashan... think supernatural. Bashan... was known to be... the entrance to the netherworld.”
  • Sharon and Derek discuss archaeological finds at the Sea of Galilee, mentioning Dr. Michael Heiser and newly discovered ancient sites linked to the Rephaim and cult of the dead.
  • Academic sources (Robert Miller, Dr. Mike Friedman) are cited: “These are not bovine, they are divine.”

c. Idolatry and False Worship Practices

• Amos 4:4–5: Israel is condemned for ritual hypocrisy—performing sacrifices without genuine repentance.
• Division over rituals at Bethel, Gilgal, Beersheba: [30:10] “Northern Kingdom had their own rituals... ‘Don’t go to Jerusalem, come here to Bethel or Dan…’”
• Discussion on ancient religious enclosures (“Gilgal”), their shapes, and archaeological significance.

d. God’s Judgments and Calls for Repentance

• Repeated phrase: “Yet you did not return to me” (Amos 4:6–11).
• [33:36] Money Quote: “Prepare to meet your God, O Israel.”
• Sharon highlights textual differences in translation, pointing out that the Septuagint translates “his anointed one/Messiah” where the Masoretic does not ([34:20]–[34:52]).

e. Prophetic Warnings, Day of the Lord, and Messianic Hints

• The “Day of Yahweh” (the LORD) is not simply vindication for Israel, but a time of widespread judgment ([48:27]–[51:18]).
• The famous justice verse: [52:28] “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
• The dangers of presuming God’s favor while perpetuating injustice and idolatry.

f. Ancient Astral Deities: Sikkuth, Kiwan, and Misunderstandings About the Star of David

• In-depth exploration (citing the Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary and Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible) of terms in Amos 5:26: Sikkut (Sakkuth), Kaiwan/Kiwan (Saturn), and their links to Babylonian religion.
• Sharon and Derek clarify the misunderstanding that the modern Star of David is the “star of your god Rephan/Kaiwan” ([69:55]–[73:33]):
  • “No inscription, no carving, no statue, no idol has ever been found of Refan... nobody knows what it looked like. The Star of David is not an occult symbol.”
  • Discussion of Kabbalah and the Star of David’s much older origins.

3. Cross-References in Scripture & Early Christian Interpretation

a. Stephen’s Speech in Acts 7

• Stephen quotes Amos 5 in Acts 7:41–43 ([60:03]–[62:08]), connecting Israel’s ancient disobedience and idolatry with the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus.
• Sharon: “[Stephen says] you stiff-necked people... you always resist the Holy Spirit...”

b. Jesus’ Use of Psalm 82 in John 10

• Derek explains how Jesus, referencing Psalm 82 (“you are gods”), affirms both his divinity and the reality of the divine council, distinguishing between God and spiritual beings ([65:30]–[66:47]).
• “Jesus is not saying, hey, we can all be gods... The word of God came to angels and it was angels who delivered it to Moses.”

c. The Divine Council & Revelation Symbolism

• Sharon connects the divine council and elders from Exodus and Revelation ([67:25]–[68:13]).

4. Listener Q&A: Priestly Qualifications and Perfection

• Topic: Why were priests with physical defects excluded from service? (Leviticus 21:16–24)
• Derek and Sharon discuss practical and theological reasons ([81:25]–[85:41]):
  • Practical: Physical limitations could hinder ritual duties.
  • Theological: Symbolic of approaching God’s perfection.
  • “[It] was a reminder to the Israelites that when you came near to God, since He is perfect, God being holy is set apart and represents wholeness... not intended as a ‘you’re not good enough.’”
  • 1 Corinthians 15 cited—resurrected believers will be perfected.

5. Personal Updates & Community Life

• Derek gives a medical update about his recovery, shares prayer requests, and explains the family’s housing situation and future plans ([79:03]–[88:29]).
• Sharon updates on her writing (“The Redwing Saga”), emphasizing Derek’s health as her priority.
• The Gilberts express deep gratitude for their listeners, ongoing prayer, and God's provision (“it is humbling to know that these efforts... the Lord has used them to reach you”).

6. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bashan & the Supernatural:
  “[Bashan]... was known to be, or I was going to say believed to be, but... I would say known to be is correct. The entrance to the netherworld.” (Derek, [14:06])
• On Justice & Repentance:
  “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream.” ([52:28])
• On Biblical Translation:
  “In the Septuagint... [it] proclaims to men his Christ. The Lexham [translates] ‘his anointed one’ but that’s what that means—Messiah.” (Sharon, [34:20]–[34:52])
• On Idolatry & the Star of David:
  “No representation of the star Refan... has ever been found... So to say the Star of David is this is impossible because we don’t know what the Star of Remphan looked like.” (Derek, [69:55])
• On Modern Application:
  “What’s in our hearts that matters, not ritual, rote routine, performances... The lesson for us is… what’s in our hearts that matters.” (Derek, [88:53])
• On Endurance:
  “When I was in the hospital and would try to lay flat so I could try to get some sleep, I could not breathe... But we’re past that. You got through it.” (Derek & Sharon, [80:07]–[80:12])
• On Fellowship:
  “Every donation... we pray for you and your family. And so you’re not buying our prayers. We pray for all of you anyway.” (Sharon, [08:13])
• On Melchizedek Preview:
  “We discussed that tonight, and I think we reached the conclusion that Melchizedek was more than just a man.” (Derek, [93:12])

7. Timestamps of Key Segments

• [09:42] Study begins: Introduction to Amos & context
• [13:36] Cows of Bashan explained—supernatural context
• [24:29] Judgment of Israel: metaphors and their meanings
• [33:36] “Prepare to meet your God”—the weight of this phrase
• [34:20] Septuagint variation: “proclaims to men his Christ”
• [42:41] Justice, righteousness, and distortion of worship
• [52:28] Let justice roll down... (notable quote)
• [60:03] Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 and connection to Amos
• [65:30] Jesus, Psalm 82, and the divine council
• [81:25] Listener Q&A: priestly defects and symbolism

Additional Resources & Recommendations

• Books/Authors Mentioned:
  • Rebooting the Bible by Doug Woodward
  • The Great Inception, The Second Coming of Saturn by Derek Gilbert
  • The Redwing Saga (Sharon)
  • Doug Van Dorn’s Battle for the Bible
  • Dr. Michael Heiser (various works and influence)
• Archaeological Sites:
  • Gilgal Rephaim, Sea of Galilee, Bet Yerah, Bethsaida, ancient synagogues at Capernaum and Sidon

Conclusion

This episode weaves together ancient prophecy, biblical scholarship, personal experience, and challenges facing both ancient and modern Israel. The Gilberts emphasize that God’s call for justice, genuine faith, and repentance is timeless. They caution listeners about attributing occult meaning to the Star of David and urge discernment using historical and scholarly insight. The message is rich, layered, and encourages deeper study of scripture and Christian living amid challenging times.

For archives, upcoming live streams, and resources, visit: gilberthouse.org