The Book of Giants

1. The Watchers' Forbidden Union and Its Monstrous Offspring

And the angels, the sons of heaven, saw and lusted after them, and said to one another: 'Come, let us choose us wives from among the children of men and have children with them.'

Angelic transgression. The Book of Enoch details how the Watchers, celestial beings tasked with observing humanity, succumbed to lust and descended to Earth to mate with human women. This act defied divine law and blurred the boundaries between the heavenly and earthly realms.

Nephilim's reign of terror. The offspring of these unions were the Nephilim, monstrous giants who wreaked havoc on Earth. These giants consumed resources, turned against humanity, and engaged in violence, leading to widespread corruption and suffering. The Book of Giants expands on this, depicting the giants as bloodthirsty and insatiable, devouring animals, plants, and even humans.

Consequences of disobedience. The Watchers' transgression and the Nephilim's reign of terror served as a stark warning against defying divine order. Their actions brought about a cascade of negative consequences, including the corruption of humanity, the lament of the Earth, and the eventual intervention of divine judgment.

2. Enoch's Role as Messenger and Intercessor

Enoch, you scribe of righteousness, go, tell the Watchers of heaven who have left the high heaven, the holy eternal place, and have defiled themselves with women, and have done as the children of earth do, and have taken to themselves wives.

Enoch, the righteous scribe. Enoch, a figure of great righteousness and wisdom, is chosen by God to serve as a messenger and intercessor. He is tasked with delivering divine judgment to the fallen Watchers and conveying their pleas for forgiveness to the heavens.

A bridge between worlds. Enoch's unique position allows him to traverse the boundaries between the earthly and heavenly realms. He witnesses the consequences of the Watchers' actions and experiences visions of divine judgment, making him a crucial link between God and humanity.

Unwavering faith. Despite the gravity of his task and the potential dangers involved, Enoch remains steadfast in his faith and obedience to God. He faithfully delivers the divine message, even when it is met with fear and resistance from the fallen Watchers.

3. Divine Judgment and the Binding of the Wicked

Bind Azazel hand and foot, and cast him into the darkness and split open the desert, which is in Dudael, and cast him in.

Justice from above. The Book of Enoch emphasizes the inevitability of divine judgment for those who defy God's law. The fallen Watchers, responsible for corrupting humanity and revealing forbidden knowledge, face severe consequences for their actions.

Azazel's eternal imprisonment. Azazel, one of the leaders of the fallen Watchers, is singled out for particularly harsh punishment. He is bound hand and foot and cast into a dark abyss, where he will remain until the day of final judgment.

A warning to all. The judgment of the Watchers serves as a warning to all beings, both human and celestial, against defying God's will. It underscores the importance of righteousness, obedience, and accountability for one's actions.

4. The Corruption of Humanity and the Earth's Lament

The giants consumed all the work and toil of men. And when men could no longer sustain them, the giants turned against them and devoured mankind.

Humanity's moral decline. The influence of the fallen Watchers and their monstrous offspring leads to a significant decline in human morality. Violence, unrighteousness, and sin become rampant, corrupting the very fabric of society.

Earth's suffering. The Earth itself suffers as a result of human wickedness. The land is defiled, resources are depleted, and the cries of the oppressed rise up to heaven, lamenting the state of the world.

A call for divine intervention. The corruption of humanity and the Earth's suffering create a desperate need for divine intervention. The righteous cry out for justice, and the heavens respond with a promise of judgment and restoration.

5. The Coming of the Messiah and the Kingdom of Righteousness

On that day My Elect One shall sit on the throne of glory and shall try the works of the righteous, and their places of rest shall be innumerable.

Hope for the future. Amidst the darkness and despair, the Book of Enoch offers a glimmer of hope in the form of the Messiah, the Elect One who will usher in a new era of righteousness and peace.

Messianic judgment. The Messiah will sit on the throne of glory and judge the works of the righteous, rewarding them with eternal rest and blessings. He will also condemn the wicked, banishing them from the face of the Earth.

A transformed world. The coming of the Messiah will bring about a complete transformation of the world. The Earth will be cleansed of all unrighteousness, and the righteous will dwell in peace and harmony, enjoying eternal life in the presence of God.

6. The Book of Giants: A Chronicle of Destruction and Doom

[ . . . ] this vision] is for cursing and sorrow. I am the one who confessed [ . . . ] the whole group of the castaways that I shall go to [ . . . ] [ . . . the spirits of the slain complaining about their killers and crying out [ . . . ] that we shall die together and be made an end of [ . . . ]

Giants' premonitions. The Book of Giants, a companion text to the Book of Enoch, delves deeper into the giants' perspective, revealing their nightmares and visions of a coming flood that will destroy them. These dreams foreshadow their impending doom and the futility of resisting divine judgment.

Seeking Enoch's aid. Faced with their inevitable demise, the giants seek the help of Enoch, hoping that his wisdom and connection to the heavens can offer them a way out. However, Enoch's message brings no comfort, as he confirms their fate and the impossibility of escaping God's wrath.

A tale of despair. The Book of Giants paints a bleak picture of the giants' final days, filled with fear, violence, and a desperate struggle against their predetermined destiny. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of defying divine law and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil.

7. The Aramaic and Manichean Versions: Divergent Perspectives on Giants

The Aramaic Book of Giants draws on ancient Near Eastern myths and the Manichean version draws on Iranian myths.

Cultural adaptations. The Book of Giants exists in various versions, including Aramaic and Manichean texts. Each version adapts the story to fit the cultural and religious context in which it was transmitted, incorporating local myths and beliefs.

Manichean dualism. The Manichean version, influenced by the dualistic cosmology of Manichaeism, presents the giants as evil entities born from demons, rather than the offspring of fallen angels. This reflects the Manichean belief in a constant struggle between good and evil, with no possibility of redemption for the forces of darkness.

Shared themes. Despite their differences, both the Aramaic and Manichean versions of the Book of Giants share common themes, such as the giants' wickedness, their impending doom, and the importance of Enoch as a figure of righteousness and divine authority.

8. The Book of Enoch's Influence on Early Christian Thought

Jude also, in Verse 15, makes a direct reference to the Book of Enoch (2:1), where he writes, "to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly."

A respected text. The Book of Enoch was highly regarded by many early Christians, who considered it to be an inspired and authoritative text. It was quoted and referenced by numerous church fathers, including Jude, Peter, and Justin Martyr.

Understanding angels and demons. The Book of Enoch provided early Christians with a framework for understanding the nature and origin of angels and demons. It helped them to explain the existence of evil in the world and the ongoing battle between good and evil.

Lost to the West. Despite its initial popularity, the Book of Enoch eventually fell out of favor in Western Christianity, due to theological concerns and questions about its authenticity. However, it continued to be preserved by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, ensuring its survival for centuries.

9. The Apocalyptic Vision: A Cleansing Flood and a New Beginning

Say to him: 'Go to Noah and tell him in my name "Hide yourself!" and reveal to him the end that is approaching: that the whole earth will be destroyed, and a flood is about to come on the whole earth, and will destroy everything on it.’

Impending cataclysm. The Book of Enoch foretells a great flood that will cleanse the Earth of its wickedness and corruption. This cataclysmic event serves as a form of divine judgment, punishing the unrighteous and paving the way for a new beginning.

Noah's salvation. Noah, a righteous man who finds favor in God's eyes, is warned of the coming flood and instructed to build an ark to save himself and his family. This echoes the biblical story of Noah and the Ark, highlighting the importance of obedience and faith in the face of divine judgment.

A renewed Earth. After the flood subsides, the Earth is renewed, and Noah and his descendants are tasked with repopulating the world. This marks the beginning of a new era, characterized by righteousness, peace, and a closer relationship between God and humanity.

10. The Heavenly Realms and the Secrets of Creation

I saw the storehouse of all the winds: I saw how He had adorned the whole creation with them and the firm foundations of the earth.

Enoch's celestial journey. The Book of Enoch takes readers on a journey through the heavenly realms, revealing the secrets of creation and the workings of the cosmos. Enoch witnesses the storehouses of the winds, the paths of the stars, and the rivers of fire, gaining a deeper understanding of God's power and wisdom.

Angelic guides. Throughout his celestial journey, Enoch is guided by angels who explain the mysteries of the universe and the laws that govern it. These angelic guides serve as intermediaries between God and humanity, sharing divine knowledge and insights.

Awe and wonder. The descriptions of the heavenly realms evoke a sense of awe and wonder, highlighting the vastness and complexity of God's creation. They inspire a deeper appreciation for the divine order and the intricate balance of the universe.

11. The Final Judgment and the Fate of the Wicked

And on the day of the great judgment he shall be hurled into the fire.

Ultimate accountability. The Book of Enoch culminates in a vision of the final judgment, when all beings, both human and celestial, will be held accountable for their actions. The righteous will be rewarded with eternal life, while the wicked will face eternal damnation.

A fiery abyss. The fate of the wicked is depicted as a fiery abyss, a place of torment and suffering where they will be punished for their sins. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unrighteousness and the importance of choosing good over evil.

Triumph of righteousness. The final judgment marks the ultimate triumph of righteousness over wickedness. It brings closure to the conflict between good and evil, establishing a new era of peace, justice, and eternal harmony in the presence of God.

Last updated: February 27, 2025