The history lesson that isn't in your books:
Ten generations after Adam, the first man created by God, a significant turning point in human history occurred with the birth of Noah. In his time, the world was plagued by an abundance of wickedness and impurity, which had spread through the ends of the Earth. According to Genesis detestable acts and behaviors were prevalent on the Earth, tarnishing God's once perfect creation and leading to its corruption.
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However, amidst this darkness and despair, Noah, a man of unwavering righteousness and faith, emerged as a beacon of hope. Despite living in a world consumed by wickedness and corruption, he found favor in the divine eyes of God. Noah was chosen to carry out one of the most important tasks for all of humanity - the construction of an ark to save himself, his family, and a remnant of the animal kingdom from the impending flood that would cleanse the Earth. This event wiped all life from the face of the earth, and all that remained was aboard Noah’s ark.
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“All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark. And the waters prevailed upon the earth n hundred and fifty days.”
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This great deluge is one of the most significant events that has shaped the history of mankind. However, if we use the genealogies listed in the book of Genesis, we can see that this flood would have taken place roughly 1,656 years after the creation of Adam and Eve. Given the relatively brief period humanity had existed on Earth, what circumstances could have justified God's decision to cleanse the Earth?
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If there was a historical account from that time period, it might be able to shed a light on the events that transpired.
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And in fact, a possible explanation exists in the form of the Book of Enoch. However, before delving into the contents of this writing, it's crucial to first understand who Enoch was and the reasons why this text is not included in the modern versions of the Bible.
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Noah’s Grandfather, Enoch, was a deeply revered man who had a close and special relationship with God. Enoch was held in high esteem not only by his family but also by the community and was considered to be a righteous and virtuous individual. He lived during a significant period in history, approximately seven generations after Adam.
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Enoch's life was devoted to God, and he is one of the two people in the Bible who never died (the second is the prophet Elijah).
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“And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
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Genesis chapter 5 gives an in-depth analysis of the 10 generations that proceeded from Adam, leading up to Noah and his sons. However, this verse regarding Enoch differs greatly from the rest. This showcases the profound love and favor that God had for Enoch due to his unwavering commitment and obedience. This divine affection for Enoch was so extraordinary that he was taken to heaven prematurely. This supernatural event serves as a testament to the unique bond between Enoch and God, highlighting the remarkable nature of their relationship and the profound significance of Enoch's faithfulness.
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But here’s where things get even more interesting.
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There has been much debate over a work of writing that has been given the name The Book of Enoch. It is believed by some to come from the hand of Enoch himself, giving us a deeper insight into the revelation that God showed him in his lifetime. However, our current versions of the Bible do not include this writing, and most today regard this book as a work of fiction, and not a writing that was inspired by God.
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The problem with this verdict, however, is that there is substantial evidence that suggests this writing is an authentic, divinely inspired work:
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A portion of The Book of Enoch was recovered in the Dead Sea Scrolls.
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The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the mid-20th century was a monumental event in the field of biblical studies. These ancient Jewish manuscripts, dating back to around the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD, provided scholars with a wealth of valuable information about Jewish religious beliefs, practices, and historical context during the time of Jesus and the Second Temple period. The scrolls included various texts, such as biblical books, sectarian writings, prayers, hymns, and legal documents.
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One of the significant aspects of the Dead Sea Scrolls is that they contain the oldest known surviving copies of the Hebrew Bible, including portions of every book in the Old Testament except for the book of Esther. This allowed scholars to compare these ancient manuscripts with later versions of the biblical text and gain insights into the transmission and preservation of the Scriptures over time. The remarkable textual accuracy and consistency between the Dead Sea Scrolls and later biblical manuscripts attested to the careful copying and transmission of the Hebrew Bible throughout the centuries.
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However, upon discovery of these scrolls, historians quickly realized that The Book of Enoch was included in these writings. This simple fact helps to dismantle the claims that this book wasn’t divinely inspired. The Book of Enoch was included in the Dead Sea Scrolls, alongside other texts that eventually became part of our Bibles today, which provides significant evidence that it held considerable importance in ancient Israel.
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Its presence among these ancient manuscripts suggests that this writing was not merely regarded as a work of fiction, but rather as a valuable and revered piece of literature. This acknowledgment and inclusion reinforce the notion that The Book of Enoch played a significant role in the religious and cultural landscape of ancient Israel, offering insights into the beliefs, practices, and historical context of that time period.
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However, the Dead Sea Scrolls aren’t the only ancient text that contained The Book of Enoch:
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The Garima Gospels, the oldest and most complete illuminated bible on earth, contains The Book of Enoch.
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For nearly 1600 years, the Garima Gospels have managed to survive in remarkably pristine condition. These two precious books, situated in Ethiopia, have been diligently protected by countless generations of devoted monks. Throughout the centuries, these brave monks have successfully defended the holy texts against various threats, including Muslim invaders, colonizers, and even a devastating fire that nearly consumed the sacred temple.
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The Garima Gospels themselves are of immense value and significance. They are not only meticulously handwritten copies of the scriptures but also serve as a testament to the preservation of ancient wisdom and teachings. Among these valuable texts is The Book of Enoch, which further exemplifies its authenticity. It is clear to see that The Book of Enoch was revered as a sacred text until the development of our modern-day bibles.
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This is a monastery in Northern Ethiopia, built during the same time period the Garima Gospels were written.
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If that isn't convincing enough, there's one more noteworthy piece of evidence.
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There are direct references to The Book of Enoch in the Bible.
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A significant piece of evidence supporting the Book of Enoch is found directly within our Bibles. On multiple occasions, different writers of the Bible quote from and make specific references to content in The Book of Enoch. This simple yet important fact only helps to bolster the credibility and significance of this work of writing.
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And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him
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In this verse, The Apostle Jude is quoting directly from Enoch Chapter 2, which is a noteworthy indication of the high regard in which The Book of Enoch was held. This reference further reinforces the notion that The Book of Enoch was considered as canonical scripture, and it was studied and taught alongside the other texts that were eventually included in our modern-day Bibles.
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Upon closer examination, it becomes abundantly clear that the credibility of this text was never a subject of doubt in the past. This writing was unquestionably held in the highest regard as a revered and invaluable source of wisdom and deep understanding of the events that took place prior to the flood.
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So once again we land at this question: what was taking place on the Earth at this time?
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Well according to Enoch, some remarkable yet disastrous events unfolded.
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The first chapter of Enoch starts with a stern warning of the coming judgment that was about to overtake the earth.
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The earth shall be immerged, and all things which are in it perish; while judgment shall come upon all, even upon all the righteous: But to them shall he give peace: he shall preserve the elect, and towards them exercise clemency
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This is a direct reference to the catastrophic flood that would engulf the entire Earth. Enoch, however, promptly delves into a detailed explanation of the series of events that unfolded, events so grave and reprehensible that they necessitated God's decision to cleanse the Earth entirely of all living beings (with the exception of the righteous man Noah and his family).
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Enoch recounts a captivating story about a group of 200 Angel's known as the Watchers. These Watchers were specifically appointed by God to serve as guardians over humanity, entrusted with the task of imparting valuable knowledge that would contribute to their growth and progress. Their primary mission was to guide and support humanity in their pursuit of righteousness and moral conduct, ensuring that they stayed on the right path towards a virtuous and fulfilling life.
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However, these celestial beings, who were once pure and obedient to God, began to develop an intense desire for the women of earth. They couldn't resist the temptation and chose to engage in intimate relationships with these mortal women. This act of defiance and rebellion against the divine order had profound consequences not only for the Angels themselves but also for the entire human race. It marked a pivotal moment in history, forever altering the course of mankind and shaping our destiny.
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These were the prefects of the two hundred angels, and the remainder were all with them. Then they took wives, each choosing for himself; whom they began to approach, and with whom they cohabited; teaching them sorcery, incantations, and the dividing of roots and trees.Â
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 And the women conceiving brought forth giants, Whose stature was each three hundred cubits. These devoured all which the labour of men produced; until it became impossible to feed them; When they turned themselves against men, in order to devour them;
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The rebellion of the Watchers was not only morally wrong due to their complete disregard for God's instructions, but it also demonstrated a profound disrespect for God's sacred creation. These Angels not only defied the divine commands they were issued, but also corrupted the genetics of mankind through their inappropriate cohabitation. This led to the emergence of beings, notably giants, that deviated from God's intended creation and can be considered abominations against Him.
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This event isn’t only discussed in the Book of Enoch; there is a direct reference to this time period in the Bible.
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Genesis chapter six gives a brief account of the state of mankind prior to the flood. It explains how mankind began to increase in violence, degeneracy, and became completely corrupted. However, chapter six also explains this story regarding the angels, and even gives a specific name to these giants that were conceived.
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The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.
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Genesis 6:4 specifically refers to a unique group of beings known as the Nephilim, who were believed to be a hybrid race of giants. The term "Nephilim" is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "to fall", which suggests a connection to their origin or nature. Notably, the usage of this word is limited, appearing only two more times in the Bible (Ezekiel 32:27 and Numbers 13:33), and in both instances, it is used in reference to extraordinary beings of immense size.
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This verse in Genesis however has been a great subject of debate. Many theologians would argue that the title “sons of God” isn't a reference to Angelic beings, but rather it is a name given to the Men of earth who were righteous. Those who subscribe to this idea reject the possibility of Angels creating a hybrid race of humans and believe that the book of Enoch is a complete contradiction of the Bible and a work of fiction.
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However, we can easily dismantle this claim, seeing as there is no theological basis that confirms this argument. In fact, every other use of the term “sons of God” in the Old Testament of the Bible specifically refers to Angels. The book of Job uses this phrase multiple times, each of which is a reference to Angels, not men.
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We can also see, through repeated examples given in the Bible, that even though Angels are heavenly beings that are separate from the physical world, they still have the ability to become a part of it if they chose to do so. This is displayed clearly in the Garden of Eden, when Satan appears to Eve as a serpent. Another great example of this concept takes place in Genesis chapter 32 when Jacob wrestles with an Angel. This just further shows that Angels have the ability to materialize in the physical realm, which is exactly what would've had to have taken place in order for them to produce children with the women of Earth.
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And these children, the Nephilim, played an extremely important role at the time they existed. Genesis clearly states these beings were “mighty men who were of old, the men of renown”, so if this is the case, we should be able to locate some of these men in history.
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And of course, we can.
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Throughout history, a plethora of tales depicting giants has emerged across diverse cultures. Whether rooted in Greek mythology or woven into the fabric of African folklore, narratives detailing the existence of colossal beings have been a recurrent theme in ancient stories. Yet, among various civilizations, there is one in particular whose narratives hold the utmost significance:
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Ancient Sumer.
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Sumer was an advanced civilization located in Mesopotamia, often referred to as the "cradle of civilization." It is considered the oldest known civilization, dating back to around 4500 BC. The significance of Sumer lies in its many achievements and contributions to human history. Sumerian city-states, such as Uruk, Ur, and Nippur, developed complex political and social structures. They had sophisticated irrigation systems, monumental architecture, and a form of writing known as cuneiform. The Sumerians also made advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and literature.
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The historical significance of Sumer extends beyond its individual accomplishments. It laid the foundation for future civilizations in Mesopotamia and influenced neighboring cultures, such as the Akkadians and Babylonians. The Sumerian cuneiform script, for example, became the basis for later writing systems in the region.
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Sumer is also home to the oldest work of writing known to man: The Epic of Gilgamesh.
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The Epic of Gilgamesh is an ancient literary masterpiece that originated in Sumeria around 2100 BC and is considered one of the earliest surviving works of literature in human history. The epic is written in the Akkadian language and is preserved on cuneiform tablets. It revolves around the legendary king of Uruk, Gilgamesh, who is believed to have ruled around 2700 BC. Using the genealogies listed in Genesis, Gilgamesh would’ve been king approximately 400 years before the Earth was flooded.
(In the future, we will discuss in depth the timeline of creation laid out by the Bible, along with facts that are able to justify it)
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Gilgamesh himself is portrayed as a demigod, being two-thirds divine and one-third human. He is described as being 16 feet tall, was known for his superhuman strength, and was a master of combat. The Epic of Gilgamesh details his quest for immortality, which ultimately results in failure, as he realizes death is guaranteed and unavoidable for all mortal life.
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Gilgamesh is commonly depicted holding a snake in his right hand and a lion in his left. It's important to keep in mind that only adult lions possess a mane, which can clearly be seen in all depictions of him. This further highlights his sheer size and strength, meaning he clearly fit the exact description of the Nephilim described in Genesis 6:4.
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As stated before, this is one of the oldest works of writing that has been discovered so far. No other story predates this one, and it is a tale of a giant, demigod king of renowned status,. However, this isn't the only legend that emerged from Ancient Sumer that aligns with the biblical portrayal of humanity’s early days.
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Their “gods” are exactly what the Bible and Book of Enoch describes.
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They are called the Anunnaki, which translates to “offspring of An”. An, (also known as Anu) was the personification of the sky. Anu was regarded as the father of the Anunnaki, who were the “gods” that came down from the sky to the Earth to decide the fate of humanity. These beings were worshiped in Sumer and were believed to have bestowed knowledge to humanity.
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This once again is a clear reference to the same event of the same time period that the Bible and Book of Enoch speak of. These “gods” were not truly gods at all, they were angels. But we must understand that the men of Earth at that time (who were not walking in true relationship with the creator) would have been easily misled by these wicked angels.
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If we analyze many ancient cultures and societies from all parts of the Earth, it is clear to see that this is a reoccurring theme. This same story of divine beings from “the sky” that came down to the early inhabitants of Earth.
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- The Dogon tribe located in modern day Mali depict stories of the “Nommos” who were a race of beings that visited the Earth from a star.
- The Native American Blackfoot tribe told stories of Morningstar, the son of the sun god, who had conceived a child with a human woman.
- Ancient Vedic texts from India have been discovered, telling stories of gods who descend to Earth from heaven.
- Japanese Mythology describes the Takamagahara, or “High Plane of Heaven”, that was located in the sky, and believed to be connected to the Earth by a bridge.
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Understand that though these cultures were right to consider these beings as divine, they mistakenly attributed these angels as being gods. It is important to note that while these beings possessed extraordinary qualities, they were not actual deities. However, their divine nature allowed them to manipulate humanity with the belief that they were worthy of worship.
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These beings, who we understand to be angels, came to Earth and revealed knowledge to mankind that was previously unknown to them. The Book of Enoch describes this in detail, and even attributes the specific practices taught by specific angels.
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Moreover Azazyel taught men to make swords, knives, shields, breastplates... the beautifying of the eyebrows... so that the world became altered. Impiety increased; fornication multiplied; and they transgressed and corrupted all their ways.
Amazarak taught all the sorcerers, and dividers of roots. Armers taught the solution of sorcery; Barkayal taught the observers of the stars... And Asaradel taught the motion of the moon,  And men, being destroyed, cried out; and their voice reached to heaven.
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This verse once again highlights the corruption that came as a result of the angels’ rebellion. With the knowledge they disposed onto humanity also came an increase in evil. Mankind was now able to rebel against God and each other in a way they were previously unable to. This knowledge of weaponry resulted in an increase in violence, and knowledge of the occult caused them to become even more wicked in their ways.
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If we examine the state of the Earth at this time, we can see clearly that God’s once sacred creation had become completely tarnished by sin and impurity. Wicked Nephilim inhabited the lands, the rebellious angels were teaching humanity all sorts of detestable acts, and not only had the hearts of men had become corrupted, but even their genetics had been tainted. Because of this, God needed to bring his holy hand of wrath upon the Earth to bring justice.
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So first, he dealt with the Watchers.
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The sin that these angels committed is more severe than any human could commit. We must understand that angelic beings don't receive any mercy when they rebel against God. Angels have free will like man, but they have no forgiveness as they have no faith. They were created in the presence of God, they know the will of God intimately, and have seen His face. For this reason they have no excuses before God, because nothing has been veiled from them.
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Because of this, God poured out his wrath upon the rebellious angels.
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Angels who are in obedient to God have the ability to travel between the physical realm and the heavenly realm. The Bible shows this clearly in Genesis 28 when Jacob’s dream contained angels performing this very act.
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And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!
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However, due to the sin of the Watchers, God cast them out of Heaven onto the Earth, revoking their access to his habitation. This is shown clearly in chapter 14 of the Book of Enoch.
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From this time forward, never shall you ascend into heaven; He has said, that on the earth He will bind you, as long as the world endures.
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Not only were these angels barred from entering heaven, but they were also bound in the Earth. These angels are forced to remain prisoners until the Day of Judgment, when they will receive their final sentence. The Bible makes mention of these bound angels in multiple passages of the Bible.
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And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day
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The book of Revelation specifically speaks of four of these fallen angels who are bound under the Euphrates river. These angels will be released as one of the judgments God will bring upon the Earth in the end times.
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saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind.
(We will cover the significance of this topic in a future post. Stay tuned!)
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God restrained the Watchers to prevent them from corrupting the Earth again with their wickedness, but that was not enough. Their Nephilim offspring needed to be eliminated. These beings were not only corrupt in their actions, but also in their genetic makeup. They were a combination of angelic and human traits, and as long as they continued to reproduce, the human gene pool would remain tainted.
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Due to their impurity and tendency towards violence, the Nephilim frequently engaged in internal conflicts. The Book of Enoch illustrates how the angels witnessed their own sons perish by the sword.
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But before these things you shall behold the destruction of your beloved sons; you shall not possess them, but they shall fall before you by the sword.
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The Book of Enoch also describes how the impact of the Nephilim goes beyond just the lives they lived:
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Now the giants, who have been born of spirit and of flesh, shall be called upon earth evil spirits, and on earth shall be their habitation. Evil spirits shall proceed from their flesh, because they were created from above; from the holy Watchers was their beginning and primary foundation.Â
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Evil spirits shall they be upon earth, and the spirits of the wicked shall they be called. The habitation of the spirits of heaven shall be in heaven; but upon earth shall be the habitation of terrestrial spirits, who are born on earth.
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This provides insight into the origins of the malevolent demons that continue to afflict the planet in the present day. These entities are the lingering spirits of ancient beings who have resided on Earth for thousands of years. It is imperative, therefore, that those who profess their faith in Jesus Christ remain unwaveringly watchful and alert in the face of these spiritual adversaries.
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Throughout history, these demons have played a significant role in the affairs of humanity. They have influenced the course of nations, sowed discord among communities, and instigated wars and conflicts. Their insidious presence can be felt in the darkest corners of human society, where their influence spreads like a poison, tainting hearts and minds with their malevolence.
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These wicked spirits are masters of deception and manipulation. They often masquerade as beings of light, luring unsuspecting individuals into their web of lies and deceit. They prey on the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of human nature, exploiting them for their own nefarious purposes. They whisper temptations and false promises, leading astray those who are unaware of their true nature.
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But despite their cunning and power, these demons are not invincible.
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There is hope in the face of their evil. God has given us the strength to resist their influence, to reject their temptations, and to stand firm in the face of their wickedness. Through discipline, perseverance, and faith in Jesus, mankind can triumph over these malevolent forces, until they receive the full weight of God’s holy hand on judgment day.
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However, even though these beings’ physical presence that plagued the Earth was eliminated, it was still necessary for God to address the issue of the corrupt men who roamed the Earth. If left unchecked, their presence would only serve to perpetuate their wickedness and corrupt the world further. Therefore, it was imperative for God to take action and ensure that these individuals did not continue to live and spread their evil ways.
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And the course of action that he chose to take was a devastating flood, one that would wipe all human life from the face of the Earth. All life except for the lives of Enoch’s grandson, Noah, and his family.
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Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.Â
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And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood.
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God explicitly instructed Noah to construct a massive ark. This monumental task demanded significant effort, dedication, and an immense amount of faith from Noah. It would have likely taken Noah decades to complete the ark. He had to stay committed to the task, continuing to build it, despite the lack of evidence that what God said would happen would actually come true. However, because of his trust in the Lord, he didn’t waiver, and completed the task.
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When the day of reckoning arrived, and the floodgates of heaven were opened, The waters surged forth, engulfing everything in their path. The world was swallowed by an immense deluge, as the wickedness of mankind was washed away in a torrent of divine judgment. Only Noah, his family, and the animals safely aboard the ark were spared from the cataclysmic destruction.
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For forty days and nights, they floated upon the vast expanse of water, sustained by God's providence. The Earth, once teeming with corruption and violence, was now a desolate and submerged wasteland. But amidst the devastation, a glimmer of hope emerged. The waters gradually receded, and the ark came to rest upon the mountains of Ararat.
(There is evidence that suggest that the ark has been discovered on these mountains. Stay tuned for more on this subject)
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As the floodwaters subsided, Noah and his family emerged from the ark, stepping onto a new world. They were the chosen survivors, entrusted with the monumental task of repopulating the Earth and rebuilding society. With gratitude and reverence, they offered sacrifices to God, acknowledging His divine deliverance and pledging their devotion.
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For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly… then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment
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Noah's descendants would go on to become the ancestors of all future generations, spreading across the Earth and establishing diverse civilizations. They carried with them the knowledge of God's judgment and the importance of righteousness, striving to avoid the mistakes of their forebears.
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The knowledge of this deluge, as described in ancient texts and legends, has been passed down from generation to generation, ensuring its preservation throughout human history. This has resulted in a significant amount of cultural evidence that supports the occurrence of this catastrophic event.
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According to the accounts of numerous ancient cultures, such as the Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Mayans, and many more, there are widespread narratives that recount a cataclysmic and monumental flood event that engulfed the entire earth. These narratives, passed down through generations, depict a global deluge that left a lasting impression on the collective memory of humanity, serving as a testament to the enduring significance of this event, as well as the shared experiences of our ancestors.
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The Atrahasis, Eridu Genesis, and Epic of Gilgamesh are ancient texts that describe a worldwide flood, similar to the account found in the Bible. These texts, originating from Mesopotamian civilizations, contain narratives that share common elements with the biblical story of Noah's flood.
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The Atrahasis, also known as the "Babylonian Flood Story," is an Akkadian epic that dates back to the 18th century BC. It recounts how the gods decided to destroy humanity because of its noise and overpopulation. However, one god, Ea, warned Atrahasis, a wise man, about the impending flood and instructed him to build a large boat to save himself, his family, and various animals. When the flood receded, Atrahasis and his group emerged from the boat to repopulate the Earth.
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The Eridu Genesis is another Mesopotamian text that predates the Epic of Gilgamesh. It narrates how the god Enki warned Ziusudra, a righteous man, about the gods' plan to send a flood to destroy mankind. Enki instructed Ziusudra to build a boat and take aboard his family, craftsmen, and various animals. The flood lasted for seven days, and afterward, Ziusudra made sacrifices to the gods.
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Even the Epic of Gilgamesh contains a flood story. In this rendition, Gilgamesh tells the story of Utnapishtim, a wise man who was granted immortality. Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh about a great flood sent by the gods to destroy mankind. The gods warned Utnapishtim and instructed him to build a boat to save himself, his family, and various animals. After the flood, Utnapishtim and his group are granted immortality.
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These ancient Mesopotamian flood narratives share several similarities with the biblical account. They all involve a divine decision to destroy humanity through a worldwide flood, the construction of a large boat to save a righteous individual and his family, and the repopulation of the Earth afterward.
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However, it is important to note that while these flood narratives bear resemblances to the biblical story, there are also significant differences. The biblical account of Noah's flood emphasizes God's judgment on a corrupt and violent world, while the Mesopotamian accounts often involve the gods' response to noise or overpopulation. Additionally, the biblical account highlights Noah's righteousness and his covenant with God, which is absent in the other narratives.
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As believers in the Bible, we understand that the Bible is the inspired word of God and provides us with a true account of historical events. While other cultures may have ancient flood stories, the Bible's account is unique in its theological significance and the divine purpose behind the flood. Furthermore, the Bible places emphasis on the message of reconciliation and God's promise to never flood the Earth in the same way again.
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"I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.”
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Nevertheless, it is essential to discern the truth of God's word and not be swayed by alternative narratives that may contradict Scripture.
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Keep in mind that the chronological order of these ancient texts does not determine their accuracy or correctness. Just because some of these stories predate the writing of our the Bible, that doesn’t mean they are correct. It is important to understand, God uses that which is the least, in order to do the exceptional. Throughout the Bible, it is demonstrated that God uses those who are unqualified as a display of his divine power. This is evident in the examples of David, a simple shepherd who became king, Moses, a prophet and leader despite having a speech problem, and Israel, his chosen nation. Israel started as a small group of people with no king, no land, who were slaves. Despite this, God swore to make them a leader of all nations, and his favor rested upon them in an unprecedented way.
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However, history also shows that our enemy, Satan, has employed a different strategy than God. While God often chooses those who are considered least qualified or unremarkable to display His divine power, Satan operates the opposite. He preys on individuals who are inflated with pride and arrogance. These individuals boast about their own accomplishments and harbor a false sense of importance. Satan manipulates them, using their inflated egos as a tool to create an illusion of power, just as he did with the fallen angels.
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In the same way however this applies to the these varying stories from different ancient nations. Many try to ascribe truth to the renditions of this story that are born from ancient Mesopotamia. They use the age of these texts, as well as the footprint of these great nations in order to diminish the story of the Bible. However, this is a foolish and arrogant assumption, that clearly displays a lack of understand of the true nature of Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
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Of course Satan would use the nations such as ancient Sumer, Akkadia, and Babylon, as opposed to God using a humble man such as Enoch, Noah or Moses. He capitalized on their desire for power and recognition, using them as instruments to carry out his malevolent plans.
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The Bible, as God's revelation, provides us with the ultimate truth and understanding of the events it describes. Even though there is significant evidence that The Book of Enoch is credible, and aligns with the story told of the Bible, it is important to be guided by discernment and the Holy Spirit when interpreting that book.
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Many today consider it to be pseudepigraphal, meaning that the true author is not who is claimed to be. However, this could be due to the destruction of the original manuscript, as is common with many ancient scriptures. The persecutors of the Church during the first three hundred years of Christianity destroyed anything associated with Christianity they could find. No writing has been found that was written by Moses, but we know from history and tradition that he was indeed the author of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible).
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Nevertheless, the Book of Enoch still speaks and points to the most important piece of the Bible:
Jesus is the Son of God. And his return is imminent.
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And there is a major clue that the scriptures give us that signal what will take place before his return.
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“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man”
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This shows us that some of the events that took place in the days of Noah will happen again in the end.
How could this be?
Well, it has something to do with the Spirits of the dead Nephilim, and the knowledge they received from their Fathers.
But that’s for another Article.
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