Genesis 6:1–8
Find a quiet place, alone and apart from distractions. Be comfortably alert, still and at peace. Say the Lord’s Prayer. Sing or cant the Jesus Prayer. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself. Slowly and carefully read the passage of Scripture.
1. Genesis 6 is one of the most debated passages in all the Bible, and there are any number of interpretations. The following attempt at gathering the chief points are presented by my favorite commentators.
2. Point in time is some years, maybe 120, prior to the flood of Noah. Long years following the time of Adam and Eve now and an untold number of people populate the planet.
3. The meaning of “the sons of God” is variously understood, but it likely refers to the line of Seth, the 3rd born of Adam and Eve. These began interbreeding with those of the line of Cain, which grieved the Creator God, Yahweh, who declared judgment on these via the flood of Noah.
4. The “Nephilim” of verse 4 is also variously understood. The name likely means “the fallen ones,” again probably those of the line of Cain, the murderer of his brother Abel, and are thought to be mighty murderous warriors. The author is making the case that violence was filling the earth.
5. Indeed, corruption was great in the earth, even the thoughts and intents of the inner human core was focused on evil continually. And Yahweh, grieved and sorrowful for this, would bring devastation upon all with the exception of Noah who had found favor, or given grace by the LORD.
6. Here now is the introduction of that
means by which God will blot out our sin. This section is indeed prophetic.