MARRIAGE
BETWEEN THE “SONS OF GOD” AND THE “DAUGHTERS OF MEN”
Genesis 6:1-4 is a challenging and intriguing passage that has sparked much debate among biblical scholars and theologians. This text describes a mysterious union between “sons of God” and “daughters of men,” resulting in offspring called the Nephilim. Here’s an analysis of its meaning and message for Christians:
Biblical References
The primary reference is Genesis 6:1-4: “When men began to multiply on the face of the ground, and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair; and they took to wife such of them as they chose. Then the LORD said, ‘My spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh, but his days shall be a hundred and twenty years.’ The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men that were of old, the men of renown.
Several other passages provide context or are related:
– Job 1:6, 2:1, 38:7 – These verses use the phrase “sons of God” to refer to angelic beings.
– Jude 6-7 – Mentions angels who left their proper dwelling, possibly alluding to Genesis 6.
– 2 Peter 2:4-5 – Refers to angels who sinned before the flood.
– Matthew 22:30 – Jesus states that angels do not marry.
Meaning and Interpretation
The interpretation of this passage has been debated for centuries. There are three main views:
1. Angelic View: The “sons of God” were fallen angels who took human wives. This was the predominant view among early Jewish and Christian interpreters.
2. Sethite View: The “sons of God” were godly men from Seth’s line who intermarried with ungodly women from Cain’s line.
3. Ruler View: The “sons of God” were powerful human rulers or kings who took multiple wives.
Each view has its strengths and challenges. The angelic view aligns with the use of “sons of God” elsewhere in the Old Testament to refer to angels, but it raises questions about the nature of angels and their ability to procreate. The Sethite and ruler views avoid these issues but may not fully explain the extraordinary nature of the Nephilim offspring. The Sethite view is more likely because Cain had to live apart from others as part of his punishment. Perhaps it was meant to prevent the union of Seth’s righteous descendants with Cain’s wicked descendants.
MESSAGE
Regardless of the specific interpretation, this passage conveys several important messages for Christians:
1. God’s Sovereignty: Despite the mysterious and potentially supernatural events described, God remains in control, setting limits on human lifespan (v.3) and ultimately judging wickedness through the flood.
2. The Danger of Ungodly Influences: The Sethite view emphasizes the importance of maintaining godly lineages and avoiding unequal yoking with unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14).
3. Human Sinfulness: Regardless of who the “sons of God” were, this passage is part of a larger narrative describing increasing human wickedness that led to the flood.
4. God’s Judgment and Mercy: While the passage foreshadows God’s judgment through the flood, it also demonstrates His mercy in preserving Noah and his family.
REFLECTION
Christians are encouraged to reflect on their own lives in light of this passage. How do we maintain our faith in a world that often promotes values contrary to God’s teachings? Are there areas in our lives where we need to seek greater purity and obedience to God’s will?
By reflecting on this passage and its implications, Christians can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of faithfulness to God’s commandments and the necessity of maintaining moral integrity in a world filled with challenges.