In this episode, Rob leads a study of Gen 5-6 and a discussion of the sons of God (the divine council). We will wrestle with perhaps what is the most confusing/difficult passage in the Bible (Gen 6:1-4).
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Notes:
Genesis 5 and 6 are leading us to the flood narrative. In Genesis 5 we have 10 generations from Adam to Noah—the genealogy ends with Noah’s sons. Later we will learn of the 10 generations from Noah to Abraham. The focus of the genealogy in Gen 5 is on the firstborn son and the carrying forth of the divine image (5:1, 3)—until we reach Noah, and all 3 sons are listed.
Note the explicit references to the creation account: “In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them Man in the day when they were created” (Gen 5:1-2).
The 10 generations of Seth’s genealogy in Gen 5 are in contrast to the 7 generations of Cain’s genealogy in Gen 4. In Seth’s genealogy there are records of deaths but not murders. And each of the descendants are blessed with very long lives: Adam 930; Methuselah 969.
Interestingly, when the genealogy of Gen 5 is compared to an ancient Sumerian king list (dated to 2000 BC), we see that the long lives of the biblical n arrative were actually short. The Sumerian king list has 8 kings who ruled 5 cities for a total 241,200 years (one king reigned for over 43,000 years). This Sumerian king list then describes a flood, after which another list of 39 kings ruled for 26,997 years.
Genesis 6 then sets the stage for the flood narrative. There is no question that the Creation account of Gen 1-3 is in the authors purview. Of course, Gen 6 has caused many a scholar to offer up all sorts of fanciful interpretations. We might do well to recall that the NT has an instance of a woman (Mary) being impregnated by God—the virgin birth.
Perhaps we are to read Genesis 3 and 6 in light of one another. In Gen 3, we see the story of Adam and Eve trying to become like God by taking the privilege to discern and evil into their own hands. In Gen 6, we learn of spiritual beings (members of the heavenly council) trying to become like people. In both accounts, there is an effort to grant humans eternal life. God responds to these failed efforts by noting that they have 120 years (Gen 6:3)—which quite likely refers to the number of years until the flood.
It is important to note that God is portrayed in these accounts as merciful and loving. His response to Cain’s murder to the banish and protect him. If Cain were not sent away would others have sought revenge? Now, in the flood narrative, God’s response to the increasing wickedness and violence is sorrow.[1]
Finally, whatever is happening in Gen 6:1-4, it appears that the audience to whom it was written knew. Thus, what is obscure for us, was perhaps clear to them.
Genesis 5
Genesis 6:1-8 Setting for the flood
6:5-9:29 Flood
Toledoth in 6:9 marks the beginning of a new section
6:5-8 Reason for the Flood
NB: If we are sorry for doing something then we refrain from doing it again!
Sons of God?
[1] See: Hawk, L. Daniel. The Violence of the Biblical God (p. 31). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.. Kindle Edition.
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