I’ve read a lot of interesting interpretations of the first part of Genesis 6 regarding who the sons of God and daughters of man are. One of the most creative is that the sons were angels and the daughters human women, and they had children who were half-breed giants. (Kind of like the demi-gods of Greek mythology.) A simpler understanding is that the sons of God were believers who held on to God’s promises, and the daughters of men were unconcerned about God’s promise and lived by their own designs. Much like today, the men were attracted by the looks of these women with little interest in the content of their character. (And, yes, this can be said the opposite way around, it’s just that men tend to be much more crass about being attracted by looks. For instance: Do you really think Victoria’s Secret commercials are directed toward women? And might we not say that “the sons of God saw the daughters of men were attractive” in this case as well?) To me, this highlights the importance of finding a Christian spouse.
The Nephilim were the first “nobility” of the world. They were violent people who ruled by violence. The word nephilim in Hebrew may mean “those who fall upon”, in other words, plunderers. And as it was then, even today, those who are powerful and violent are admired and find places of leadership. (Don’t believe me? Watch a few movies. Who does your teen age boy look up to? The brainiac or the guy with all the muscles who can handle a gun or sword?)
As God looked upon the world and saw all that was happening, He observed wickedness. That’s a strong word. And that wickedness was not just in a group of people, it was in all of them! In fact, v.5 says, “every intention of the thoughts of [man’s] heart was only evil continually.” Only and continually evil. Ouch!
So, in judgment, God decided to destroy every living thing with a flood. He started over. He didn’t go back to nothing this time, but He did preserve one family – Noah’s. He preserved some of each kind of animal. He instructed Noah to preserve food, and that probably included seed. He took the world down to next to nothing. It was a new beginning.
I always wonder what Noah’s response was to God’s calling. It says that Noah walked with God, so maybe he recognized God’s voice (which undoubtedly sounded a lot like James Earl Jones’ voice. . . except speaking Hebrew). I wonder if he was confused by the instructions he received. They were not the kind of thing we’d expect. Yet, Noah obeyed them. And through Noah and his family, God preserved not only mankind, but also the Promise He had made.
Don’t overlook the significance of God’s Promise in Genesis 3 for understanding why God did not destroy even Noah. Noah was a sinner, too, and deserved God’s wrath. (Wait until we read of his scandalous behavior in chapter 9!) But God ALWAYS keeps his promises. Always. Even when it is extremely difficult; like saving one family in all the world from a raging flood. . . or even giving His Son to die a cross to save us.
Father, you are the great promise keeper. I don’t always think about those promises. Help me to trust You and live by faith. Then let me walk with You every day and follow Your call for my life. Amen.
The Nephilim were the first “nobility” of the world. They were violent people who ruled by violence. The word nephilim in Hebrew may mean “those who fall upon”, in other words, plunderers. And as it was then, even today, those who are powerful and violent are admired and find places of leadership. (Don’t believe me? Watch a few movies. Who does your teen age boy look up to? The brainiac or the guy with all the muscles who can handle a gun or sword?)
As God looked upon the world and saw all that was happening, He observed wickedness. That’s a strong word. And that wickedness was not just in a group of people, it was in all of them! In fact, v.5 says, “every intention of the thoughts of [man’s] heart was only evil continually.” Only and continually evil. Ouch!
So, in judgment, God decided to destroy every living thing with a flood. He started over. He didn’t go back to nothing this time, but He did preserve one family – Noah’s. He preserved some of each kind of animal. He instructed Noah to preserve food, and that probably included seed. He took the world down to next to nothing. It was a new beginning.
I always wonder what Noah’s response was to God’s calling. It says that Noah walked with God, so maybe he recognized God’s voice (which undoubtedly sounded a lot like James Earl Jones’ voice. . . except speaking Hebrew). I wonder if he was confused by the instructions he received. They were not the kind of thing we’d expect. Yet, Noah obeyed them. And through Noah and his family, God preserved not only mankind, but also the Promise He had made.
Don’t overlook the significance of God’s Promise in Genesis 3 for understanding why God did not destroy even Noah. Noah was a sinner, too, and deserved God’s wrath. (Wait until we read of his scandalous behavior in chapter 9!) But God ALWAYS keeps his promises. Always. Even when it is extremely difficult; like saving one family in all the world from a raging flood. . . or even giving His Son to die a cross to save us.
Father, you are the great promise keeper. I don’t always think about those promises. Help me to trust You and live by faith. Then let me walk with You every day and follow Your call for my life. Amen.
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