This reference page will be central to all references in all Zoom meeting study notes. I will try to include enough context to facilitate reading these notes in a comprehensible way even without the material from which they are linked and referenced.
Note that many of the references will have text that has been generated by Bing using ChatGPT-4. I may or may not be able to go through the material and ensure it is worded correctly or in decent alignment with what we know from the Unseen Realm and Reversing Hermon.
References
KEY 01-1.1: Enoch is the back story to Genesis 6 and a host of other scriptures unsystematically scattered over the Old Testament.
Jude 1:14-15, which quotes 1 Enoch 1:9 verbatim and attributes it to Enoch, the seventh from Adam.
2 Peter 2:4-5, which mentions that God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, and also refers to the flood that destroyed the ungodly world of Noah’s time.
Job 4:18, which says that God charges even his angels with error.
Psalm 82:1-7, which depicts a scene of divine judgment against the gods (or elohim) who have failed to uphold justice and righteousness on the earth, and who are told that they will die like men.
Isaiah 14:12-15, which describes the fall of a heavenly being called Lucifer (or Helel), who wanted to exalt himself above the stars of God and ascend to the throne of the Most High, but was cast down to Sheol.
Ezekiel 28:11-19, which portrays the king of Tyre as a cherub who was in Eden, the garden of God, and was perfect in beauty and wisdom until iniquity was found in him, and who was cast out of the mountain of God and consumed by fire.
Daniel 4:13-17, which mentions a watcher, a holy one, who comes down from heaven and decrees that King Nebuchadnezzar will be humbled and live like a beast for seven years until he acknowledges that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of men.
Numbers 13:33, which reports that the spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan saw the Nephilim there, and felt like grasshoppers in their sight.
Deuteronomy 3:11, which states that King Og of Bashan was the last of the remnant of the Rephaim (a term often associated with the giants or Nephilim), and that his bedstead was made of iron and measured nine cubits in length and four cubits in width.
Genesis 5:18-24, which records the genealogy of Enoch, the seventh from Adam, and says that he walked with God and was not, for God took him.
Genesis 14:5-6, which narrates that four kings defeated the Rephaim, the Zuzim, the Emim and the Horites in their respective territories before they waged war against the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. These names are often interpreted as referring to different clans or races of giants or Nephilim.
Genesis 6:9-22, which describes how Noah found favor in the eyes of God and was instructed to build an ark to save himself and his family from the flood that God was going to send to destroy the corrupt and violent world.
1 Samuel 17:4-7, which introduces Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, who was six cubits and a span tall and wore a bronze helmet, a coat of mail, bronze greaves and a bronze javelin. He was later killed by David with a sling and a stone.
2 Chronicles 32:21, which recounts how the Lord sent an angel who cut off all the mighty warriors and commanders and officers in the camp of the king of Assyria, who then returned in shame to his own land.
Job 1:6-12, which depicts a scene in heaven where the sons of God (or angels) present themselves before the Lord, and Satan (or the adversary) accuses Job of being righteous only because God has blessed him. The Lord then allows Satan to test Job by taking away his possessions, his children and his health.
Genesis 6:9-22, which describes how Noah found favor in the eyes of God and was instructed to build an ark to save himself and his family from the flood that God was going to send to destroy the corrupt and violent world.
1 Samuel 17:4-7, which introduces Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, who was six cubits and a span tall and wore a bronze helmet, a coat of mail, bronze greaves and a bronze javelin. He was later killed by David with a sling and a stone.
Amos 2:9-10, which recalls how God destroyed the Amorites before the Israelites, who were as tall as cedars and as strong as oaks, and brought the Israelites out of Egypt and led them in the wilderness for forty years.
2 Chronicles 32:21, which recounts how the Lord sent an angel who cut off all the mighty warriors and commanders and officers in the camp of the king of Assyria, who then returned in shame to his own land.
Genesis 10 is the table of nations, which lists the descendants of Noah’s sons and the nations that they founded after the flood. Some of these nations, such as the Canaanites, the Philistines and the Amorites, are later associated with the presence of giants or Nephilim in the land of Canaan. Some scholars have suggested that these nations were influenced by the corrupted teachings of the Watchers and their offspring, and that they practiced idolatry, immorality and violence.
Genesis 11 is the story of the tower of Babel, where the people tried to build a city and a tower that would reach to heaven. God then confused their language and scattered them over the face of the earth. Some scholars have seen a parallel between this story and the rebellion of the Watchers, who also tried to ascend to heaven and challenge God’s authority. Some have also proposed that the tower of Babel was an attempt to contact or worship the fallen angels or their offspring.
Deuteronomy 17 is a chapter that contains various laws and instructions for Israel, including the regulations for appointing a king. Verses 2-7 deal with the punishment for anyone who worships other gods or serves the sun, moon or stars. This could be seen as a warning against following the example of the Watchers, who taught humans how to observe and worship the heavenly bodies (1 Enoch 8:3).
Deuteronomy 32 is the song of Moses, which praises God for his faithfulness and justice, and rebukes Israel for their unfaithfulness and idolatry. Verses 8-9 say that when God divided mankind and fixed the borders of the peoples, he set them according to the number of the sons of God (or angels), but he chose Israel as his own portion. Some scholars have interpreted this as implying that God assigned different nations to different angels, but some of these angels became corrupt and led their nations astray. This could be related to the idea of the Watchers as fallen angels who rebelled against God and corrupted humanity.
KEY 01-3.1: The first key thought is that Genesis 6:1-4 has been largely marginalized over the last 1,700 years since material like 1 Enoch was removed from the scripture canon.
NOTE: Bing ChatGPT-4 is trying to strike a balanced approach to answering the question posed.
The discovery and study of the contents of the Dead Sea Scrolls have impacted the marginalization of Genesis 6:1-4 in various ways. Here are some possible impacts:
- The discovery and study of the Dead Sea Scrolls have reduced the marginalization of Genesis 6:1-4 by providing more evidence and support for the traditional view that the sons of God were spirit beings or angels who married human women and produced the Nephilim. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain several copies and fragments of 1 Enoch, a Jewish apocryphal text that expands on Genesis 6:1-4 and gives more details about the fallen angels, their offspring, their sins, their punishment, etc. The Dead Sea Scrolls also contain other texts that refer to or echo Genesis 6:1-4 or 1 Enoch, such as the Book of Giants, the Book of Jubilees, the Genesis Apocryphon, the Damascus Document, etc. These texts show that Genesis 6:1-4 and 1 Enoch were part of the common knowledge and worldview of many Jews in the Second Temple period, especially those associated with the Qumran community. They also show that these texts were regarded as authoritative, inspired, or canonical by some Jewish groups. The discovery and study of these texts have challenged or confirmed some scholarly views on the origin, date, transmission, interpretation, and influence of Genesis 6:1-4 and 1 Enoch.
- The discovery and study of the Dead Sea Scrolls have increased the marginalization of Genesis 6:1-4 by providing more evidence and support for alternative views that the sons of God were not spirit beings or angels but human beings of a certain status or lineage who married human women and produced the Nephilim. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain several texts that use the term "sons of God" (bene elohim) or similar terms to refer to human beings who are righteous, faithful, chosen, or covenantal. For example, the Community Rule (1QS) uses the term "sons of light" (bene or) to refer to the members of the Qumran community who follow God's law and oppose the "sons of darkness" (bene hoshek), who are their enemies. The War Scroll (1QM) uses the term "sons of truth" (bene emet) to refer to the Qumran community who will fight against the "sons of wickedness" (bene beliyaal), who are their adversaries. The Hymns Scroll (1QH) uses the term "sons of his [God's] truth" (bene emet[o]) to refer to those who praise God and seek his favor. The Thanksgiving Hymns (Hodayot) use the term "sons of his [God's] covenant" (bene berit[o]) to refer to those who belong to God and obey his will. These texts show that some Jews in the Second Temple period used the term "sons of God" or similar terms to refer to human beings who had a special relationship with God based on their faithfulness or obedience. They also show that these texts did not regard Genesis 6:1-4 or 1 Enoch as authoritative, inspired, or canonical, but rather ignored or rejected them. The discovery and study of these texts have challenged or confirmed some scholarly views on the origin, date, transmission, interpretation, and influence of Genesis 6:1-4 and 1 Enoch.
The lack of ancient Near Eastern texts has also impacted the marginalization of Genesis 6:1-4 in various ways. Here are some possible impacts:
- The lack of ancient Near Eastern texts has reduced the marginalization of Genesis 6:1-4 by making it more difficult or impossible to compare or contrast it with other ancient Near Eastern stories or myths that may have similar or different themes or motifs. For example, some scholars have suggested that Genesis 6:1-4 may be influenced by or related to Mesopotamian stories about gods or demigods who married human women and produced heroes or monsters, such as the apkallu, the Anunnaki, or Gilgamesh. However, without access to these stories or myths in their original languages and contexts, it is hard to verify or falsify these suggestions. The lack of ancient Near Eastern texts may have made some scholars and interpreters more cautious or conservative in their approach to Genesis 6:1-4, avoiding speculation or conjecture based on insufficient or unreliable evidence.
- The lack of ancient Near Eastern texts has increased the marginalization of Genesis 6:1-4 by making it more easy or tempting to ignore or dismiss it as irrelevant or insignificant for understanding the biblical narrative or message. For example, some scholars and interpreters may have assumed that Genesis 6:1-4 is an isolated or unique passage that has no connection or relation to other biblical texts or ancient Near Eastern texts. They may have also assumed that Genesis 6:1-4 is a secondary or later addition to the biblical text that does not reflect the original or intended meaning of the author or editor. The lack of ancient Near Eastern texts may have made some scholars and interpreters more skeptical or critical in their approach to Genesis 6:1-4, rejecting it as a myth or legend that has no historical or theological value.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/16/2023
(1)
Biblical Dead Sea Scrolls - Genesis 6.
(2) Dead Sea Scrolls - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Sea_Scrolls.
(3) The Book of Giants from the Dead Sea Scrolls - Patheos. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/inchrist/2023/04/what-your-religion-never-taught-you-the-book-of-giants-from-the-dead-sea-scrolls/.
(4) The Dead Sea Scrolls - Featured Scrolls. https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/featured-scrolls?locale=en_US.
(5) Sons of God - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sons_of_God.
KEY 03-7: Further references (unchecked) for the euphemism of "feet" for sexual genitalia in the Old Testament.
One of the most common and intriguing euphemisms in the OT is the use of the word "feet" (often in the dual, *raglayim*), to stand for the genitals of either sex. This euphemism is based on a conceptual metaphor that associates the lower part of the body with sexuality and impurity, while the upper part represents spirituality and holiness. The word "feet" can also be used as part of a euphemistic expression, such as "cover the feet", which means to relieve oneself (Judg. 3:24; 1 Sam. 24:4).
There are several examples of this euphemism in the OT, involving both divine and human beings. Here are some of them:
- In Exod. 4:25, Zipporah circumcises her son and touches Moses' "feet" with the foreskin. This is a very obscure and controversial passage, but some scholars suggest that Zipporah was trying to appease Yahweh by symbolically transferring the blood of circumcision to Moses' genitals¹.
- In Ruth 3:4-7, Ruth uncovers Boaz's "feet" and lies down beside him on the threshing floor. This is a delicate and respectful way of proposing marriage to Boaz, who is her kinsman-redeemer. Ruth does not engage in any sexual activity with Boaz, but rather waits for him to tell her what to do².
- In Isa. 6:2, the seraphim cover their "feet" with two wings in the presence of Yahweh. This is a sign of reverence and modesty, as they hide their sexual organs from the holy God³.
- In Isa. 7:20, Yahweh threatens to shave off the hair of Judah's head, beard, and "feet". This is a metaphor for humiliation and disgrace, as Yahweh will expose Judah's nakedness and vulnerability before their enemies. The "hair of the feet" means pubic hair¹.
- In Ezek. 16:25, Jerusalem is compared to a prostitute who spreads her "feet" to every passer-by. This is a metaphor for idolatry and unfaithfulness, as Jerusalem has abandoned Yahweh and worshipped other gods⁴.
As you can see, the euphemism of "feet" for genitals is a rich and versatile device that conveys various meanings and nuances in different contexts. It reflects the cultural values and beliefs of the ancient Israelites, as well as their poetic and rhetorical skills.
I hope this discussion has been informative and interesting for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with me.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/17/2023
(1) Weird OT: Euphemisms (‘Uncovering the Feet’) - By Common Consent, a .... https://bycommonconsent.com/2006/01/24/weird-ot-euphemisms-uncovering-the-feet/.
(2) Did Ruth uncover Boaz' feet, or something else?. https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/1391/did-ruth-uncover-boaz-feet-or-something-else.
(3) (Ruth 3:6-12) Did Ruth have sex with Boaz? | Evidence Unseen. https://www.evidenceunseen.com/bible-difficulties-2/ot-difficulties/joshua/ruth-37-did-ruth-have-sex-with-boaz/.
(4) Sex-Related Euphemism and Dysphemism: An Analysis in Terms of ... - JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/41055329.
(5) A Pocket Guide to Vaginal Euphemisms - Feministing. http://feministing.com/2010/11/02/a-pocket-guide-to-vaginal-euphemisms/.
- In Judg. 8:30, Gideon is said to have seventy sons who came from his "feet". This is a euphemism for his loins or his sexual potency¹.
- In 2 Sam. 11:8, David tells Uriah to go home and wash his "feet". This is a euphemism for having sex with his wife, Bathsheba, whom David had impregnated².
- In 1 Kgs. 15:23, Asa is said to have a disease in his "feet". This is a euphemism for a venereal disease or a urinary infection³.
- In Ezek. 24:17, Ezekiel is commanded not to cover his "feet" when his wife dies. This is a euphemism for not mourning or lamenting.
These are some of the examples that I could find, but there may be more. As you can see, the euphemism of "feet" for genitals is used in various contexts and situations, sometimes with humorous or ironic effects. It shows the creativity and diversity of the OT language and literature.
I hope this has answered your request. If you have any other questions or comments, please let me know.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/17/2023
(1) In the Old Testament the word "feet" sometimes had a different ... - Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4irp6t/in_the_old_testament_the_word_feet_sometimes_had/.
(2) Did Ruth uncover Boaz' feet, or something else?. https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/1391/did-ruth-uncover-boaz-feet-or-something-else.
(3) Weird OT: Euphemisms (‘Uncovering the Feet’) - By Common Consent, a .... https://bycommonconsent.com/2006/01/24/weird-ot-euphemisms-uncovering-the-feet/.
KEY 05-3: Lineage of Apkallu
The tablet referenced is W.20030, 7, which is part of the "Uruk List of Kings and Sages" (ULKS)³. It was discovered in Anu's Bīt Rēš temple in Uruk by German archaeologists during the 1959/60 season and published in 1962 by J. J. A. van Dijk³. The tablet contains a list of antediluvian kings and sages who ruled before the Flood, along with their cities and reigns¹. It also includes some information about the Flood hero, who is called Ziusudra in the Sumerian tradition¹. The tablet is written in cuneiform script and dates to the Seleucid period, ca. late 1st millennium BCE². It is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York².
Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/20/2023
(1) Antediluvian Sages | Samizdat. https://therealsamizdat.com/category/antediluvian-sages/.
(2) The Flood Hero as King and Priest - JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/546300.(3) Cuneiform tablet: Utukku lemnutu, tablet 12 | Seleucid | Seleucid | The .... https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/321859