This chapter contains the prelude to the Flood, and right before it an interesting reference to "the heroes of old". They are given the name of Nephilim here, and while the name doesn't really bring much with it the description does. The idea of "sons of God" marrying daughters of men could be a simple reference to humans, but if that was the case then why the special name? And what would have set them apart as men of renown compared to others? No - there must be something else here. I think that these were angels who left their proper station and because of their actions brought forth quite powerful men. It is actually mirrored in the Greek account of Hercules, and would go a long way to explaining many of the myths of the ancient world. Goliath, the giant who David slays, may have been descended from such a bloodline; after all, this passage said that they were on earth in those days (before the Flood, presumably) and also afterward.
The main focus of this chapter is on Noah, though, and the preparations God instructed him to make for the impending judgement. It is noteworthy that Noah "walked with God" - the same phrase that is used of Enoch in Genesis 5. It must have taken a lot of faith in order to go building a boat like the ark, presumably a long distance from any major body of water. I suspect that Noah went through a lot of ridicule from his contemporaries for that, and I don't know how well I'd have stood up to something like that... but "thus Noah did".
This chapter in:
New America Standard, New King James, New International
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15 years ago
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Hey brother,
"Heroes of old", "men of renown" & Nephilim. These phrases have interested me since I was a child. I remember reading some books by Madeleine L'Engle, particularly "Many Waters". A very interesting take on this time in history. I guess, though, we can chalk it up as another question for God in heaven.
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