Beyond Eden: Giants, Towers, and the Roots of Evil

Beyond Eden: Giants, Towers, and the Roots of Evil
Last week, we explored the Garden of Eden and the fall of humanity. Today, we'll venture beyond Eden's borders, examining how sin and corruption spread throughout the world, leading to divine intervention and shaping the course of human history.
Genesis 6 and the Nephilim: A Controversial Chapter
Genesis 6 introduces a perplexing narrative involving the "sons of God" and the Nephilim. This passage has sparked numerous interpretations, but a literal reading suggests a disturbing reality.

• "Sons of God": Ancient traditions often identify these beings as lesser deities or "watchers" from the divine council. They were tasked with observing humanity but instead disobeyed God by forming unions with human women.
• Nephilim: The offspring of these unions, described as giants or mighty warriors. These hybrid beings are seen as corrupting influences on humanity.
• Divine Judgment: God's decision to flood the earth is attributed to the escalating wickedness caused by these transgressions.

This interpretation aligns with ancient Near Eastern literature and apocryphal texts like the Book of Enoch, which provide further context for these events. It also helps explain the presence of giants and the need for Israelite conquests that demanded the complete destruction of certain groups.
After the Flood: Repopulation and Rebellion
Following the Flood, humanity repopulated the earth through Noah's sons. Genesis 10 provides a genealogical record, tracing the development of diverse people groups and nations.
However, a pattern of corruption quickly emerged.

• Natural Sin: Humanity's inherent inclination to disobey God, as demonstrated by Noah's own failings.
• Nimrod's Rebellion: The rise of powerful leaders like Nimrod, who sought to establish themselves as supreme rulers, defying God's authority.

The Tower of Babel: A Cosmic Defiance
The Tower of Babel narrative goes beyond a simple construction project. It represents a profound act of rebellion against God.

• "Making a Name": The builders sought to establish their own authority, challenging God's sovereignty.
• Divine Council: The narrative hints at a cosmic dimension, involving the divine council and God's response to humanity's defiance.
• Disinheritance: Deuteronomy 32:8-9 suggests that God apportioned the nations to the "sons of God," effectively disinheriting humanity.
• God's plan of redemption: Even after disinheriting the nations, God created a plan of redemption that started with Abraham, and was fulfilled by Jesus.

Prolific Depravity and the Roots of Evil
Dr. Michael Heiser proposes that evil stems from three primary sources:

• Humanity's expulsion from Eden.
• The corrupt influence of the watchers.
• The rise of ruling powers following God's separation from humanity at Babel.

Jesus' life and ministry are seen as a direct response to these sources of evil, particularly the sin of the watchers. This perspective highlights the importance of understanding the Jewish context of the New Testament and the Bible's overarching themes of redemption and spiritual warfare.
Conclusion: Redemption and Ongoing Struggle
Through Jesus, God established His kingdom and reversed the disinheritance of humanity. Pentecost, with its reversal of Babel, symbolizes the gathering of nations under Christ.
However, evil still persists in the world. While Christ redeemed humanity, the human heart remains susceptible to disobedience. We strive for holiness and actively participate in Christ's kingdom, awaiting the final eradication of evil.