Edward D. Andrews is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over ninety-two books and commits himself to unraveling the mysteries within ancient texts.
This includes the passage about the Nephilim, often referred to as the ‘sons of God’.
In his exploration, Andrews believes that the Nephilim were born of the union between rebel angels and human women. He supports this stance with a thorough examination of biblical passages, which he elaborates on in his article titled “Genesis 6:4 BDC: Who were the Nephilim?“
The Identity of the Nephilim
According to Andrews, the phrase “sons of God” often refers to angels in the Bible. For instance, in 1 Peter 3:19-20, it mentions that Jesus preached to “spirits in prison” who had disobeyed in the days of Noah.
Andrews explains, “In verse 4, we see that the Nephilim were on the earth ‘in those days.’ ‘In those days’ was obviously referring to when God made the statement in conjunction with the context of 6:3, which reads ‘his [man’s] days shall be one hundred and twenty years.’”
This understanding places the Nephilim’s presence just before the great flood, highlighting their destruction along with other wicked beings during the flood (Genesis 7).
The Cause of the Flood
The existence of the Nephilim played a significant role in the divine decision to bring forth the flood. Andrews posits that these beings were a disruptive force to humanity.
He states, “God brought about a global flood to destroy that violent ancient world that had been inundated with materialized rebel angels (demons) and the Nephilim, half-angel, half-human. The materialized rebel angels dematerialized and went back to heaven. The Nephilim were destroyed along with all wicked people.”
According to Andrews, the flood was a means to eradicate the Nephilim and reset the course of humanity, eliminating the hybrid beings who had significantly contributed to the corruption and violence of that era.
The Sons of God Were NOT Sethites
Andrews disputes the interpretation that the “sons of God” were descendants of Seth, a view held by some modern scholars.
He argues, “If they were just men, why would their marriage to ‘the daughters of men’ result in increased wickedness on Earth? Furthermore, if these ‘sons of the true God’ were mere men, why were their offspring described as ‘men of fame,’ notably different from either the wicked or even the righteous like Noah?”
The Sethite view suggests that the ‘sons of God’ were godly men from Seth’s lineage. However, Andrews points out that marriage and child-rearing had been occurring for over 1,500 years by this time, making it implausible that human men suddenly became the root of increased evil.
Additionally, the offspring of these unions were noted for their exceptional size and strength, indicating a supernatural element.
Additional Insights from Ancient Texts and Scholars
Ancient Context and Scriptural References
The story of the Nephilim and the “sons of God” in Genesis 6 is deeply rooted in ancient beliefs and texts.
According to the Book of Enoch, the “Watchers” were a group of angels who descended to Earth and took human wives, leading to the birth of the Nephilim, who were described as giants and men of great strength and wickedness.
This interpretation supports Andrews’ view and provides additional context on the rebellious nature of these angels and their offspring.
Josephus’ Account
The Jewish historian Josephus also provides an account of the Nephilim. He describes them as giants who were known for their extraordinary strength and their role in the increase of wickedness on Earth.
Josephus’ writings affirm the view that the ‘sons of God’ were more than just human and had a significant impact on the moral decline of humanity leading up to the flood.
Modern Interpretations
In contemporary discussions, scholars like John MacArthur argue that the “sons of God” in Genesis 6 were indeed angels, not human descendants of Seth. MacArthur emphasizes that the term “sons of God” consistently refers to angels in other parts of the Old Testament, and the unnatural union between these beings and human women resulted in the birth of the Nephilim, who were notorious for their violence and corruption.
Jude’s Reference
The New Testament book of Jude references the sin of the angels who abandoned their proper dwelling and were bound in darkness for their disobedience (Jude 1:6). This passage aligns with the interpretation that the “sons of God” were angels who defied divine order, further supporting the idea that the Nephilim were their offspring and contributed to the corruption that necessitated the flood.
Conclusion: Expanded Perspective
Andrews’ interpretation is reinforced by a variety of ancient and modern sources. The consistent depiction of the “sons of God” as angels in ancient texts, the writings of Josephus, and references in the New Testament all point to the supernatural origin of the Nephilim. This perspective provides a cohesive understanding of the events leading up to the flood and the divine response to the corruption brought about by these beings.
For a comprehensive examination of this topic, readers are encouraged to delve into the wealth of information provided by Andrews and other scholars. Understanding the Nephilim in Genesis 6 involves exploring a rich tapestry of historical, biblical, and cultural insights that continue to fascinate and provoke thought.
