Remembering Michael Heiser

Bellingham, Wash.—February 20, 2023—Lexham Press mourns the passing of Dr. Michael Heiser on February 20 after a years-long battle with cancer.

Dr. Heiser, an influential scholar and author of the bestselling The Unseen Realm, wrote ten books with Lexham Press, including Angels, Demons, and Supernatural. He also was an academic editor for the Lexham Bible Dictionary, Faithlife Study Bible, and Bible Study Magazine. Much of his work was translated into multiple languages, allowing a global audience to engage with his important scholarship.

“Mike had a unique ability to connect and communicate in such a way that ideas which might have seemed arcane or opaque in someone else’s voice came alive,” said Jesse Myers, president and CEO of Baker Publishing and former publisher of Lexham Press. “He fused legitimate academic prowess with a clarity and relevance that made his message compelling to readers, viewers, and listeners.”

“Mike’s work has contributed to a lot of what we do at Lexham Press,” said Ben Amundgaard, publisher of Lexham Press. “We were always delighted to partner with Mike on a new project. His curiosity and willingness to ask the hard questions has helped him touch the lives of many people across the globe. We will miss him dearly and will keep his family in our prayers.”

Dr. Heiser received an MA in ancient history from the University of Pennsylvania as well as an MA and PhD in Hebrew Bible and Semitic studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His published work extends beyond his titles with Lexham Press, as he wrote extensively for scholarly journals and contributed to works such as IVP’s Dictionary of the Old Testament: Prophets. He also received scholarly awards from the Society of Biblical Literature and his alma maters. 

Dr. Heiser taught or contributed to more than thirteen Logos Mobile Education courses, and appeared in several Faithlife Original films. He hosted the Naked Bible Podcast and launched Miqlat, his non-profit teaching ministry. In 2020, Dr. Heiser started the AWKNG School of Theology at Celebration Church, where he served as executive director.

Dr. Heiser is survived by his wife, Drenna, and his children, Amy, Molly, Simcha, and Calvin.