Genesis 4-6:8
There are a lot of questions when we read the description
of live on earth before the Flood. Who are the Sons of God and Daughters of
Men? (Male believers and female unbelievers.) How did they live so long? (Good
genetics?) And people will often ask, “Who were the Nephilim?”
There are all kinds of strange answers that are put forth
to answer that. One of the most popular (and impossible) answers is that they
were human/angelic hybrids – like the Greek/Roman demigods. There is a simpler,
much more plausible, answer; one that is rooted in the name itself.
Nephilim is a participle form of a Hebrew verb that means
to fall, or to lie. Taken in straight translation, it means something like, “the
falling ones.” Figuratively, it means, “those who fall upon others,” to do
violence to them. These were thugs, tyrants, and early kings who ruled and
oppressed others by the power of violence. They were people who dominated
others.
It is fitting that these people are first named in this
time. It says that they were on the earth in those days, and also afterward. Despite
the Flood, those who oppress others are still on earth. As Cain fell upon (i.e.
attacked) Abel, and Lamech fell upon a young man (who had first fallen upon
him), the Nephilim fell upon others, and they still do.
God is showing us our human brokenness. Our sin leads us
to use others, instead of loving them. The wealthy are clothed by children who
work in sweatshops. Racial tension leads to violence, intimidation, and
exertion of power to control others. The unborn fall victim to their own
parents, to societal pressures, and to injustice. We are all – to some degree –
Nephilim.
This is what makes Jesus’ forgiveness so important and
transformational. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. He, Almighty God, came
to lay down his life so we could live. He was the powerful one who emptied Himself
to save us who are powerless. His love and sacrifice change us to make us more
like Him. As we cling to His salvation His love and mercy start to show in our
lives as we deal with others – including, “the least of these.”
God, You are
powerful but made yourself weak. When I am powerful in this life, help me use
my strength for the least of these in this world. Amen.
Comments