In Gen. 6:2 we come across a troubling phrase. Let's look at it ...
Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose. (Gen 6:1-2)
If we let the Bible translate the Bible we find that this exact phrase is used in four different ways in the Hebrew. First, we find this Hebrew phrase in Job 1:6, 2:1, and 38:7 where it is used to describe spiritual beings, likely angels in heaven with God. Second, it is used in a slightly different format meaning all of Israel in Deut. 14:1. Third, in Psalm 82:6 the phrase is used to describe the sons of rulers or kings. And finally, according to John Currid in his Torah commentary, "A Study Commentary: Genesis," it also can mean the descendants of Seth, the godly line directly from Adam who is called the "son of God" by Luke in his gospel in Luke 3:38.
So, who are the sons of God or the sons of the gods in verse 6:2? The phrase בני האלהים Benay Eloheem is made up to two plural nouns. The first is sons, or Benay. The second in Eloheem, translated commonly as God or gods. Are these "sons of God" fallen angels? Are they the Nephileem as noted in verse 6:4? Are they some weird pagan spiritual beings?
We will again put the Bible into its historical context. We will again try and "hear" God's word like the intended audience of the Torah, the Hebrews coming out of Egypt. Dennis Prager in his commentary on Genesis, "The Rational Bible: Genesis," comments that this is an ancient divine document and when God inspires Moses to write to the Hebrews coming out of Egypt 3500 years ago all this made sense to them.
Let us put the words of the Bible into their historical context and seek the way they may have understood the phrase the "sons of God;" how the Hebrews heard it coming out of Egypt may give us an alternative view that makes sense to us in the 21st century as well. Come. Join us. Let's go see.
Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link - click here for the teacher's background
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