appreciate the apocrypha books of the bible

​The Nephilim are intriguing figures within both pre- and post-Flood narratives. In the pre-Flood world, they are introduced in Genesis 6:1-4, where they are described as the offspring of "the sons of God" and "the daughters of men." These beings are often interpreted as giants or mighty men of renown. Their existence, along with widespread corruption and violence, is one of the reasons for the divine decision to bring about the Flood as a means of cleansing the earth.

Pre-Flood Role:

1. Symbol of Corruption: The Nephilim symbolize the corruption and moral decay that had spread across the earth, as they are linked to the forbidden unions between heavenly beings and human women.

2. Giants or Warriors: They are described as "mighty men" and "men of renown," suggesting their physical stature and possible role as warriors or rulers during this epoch.

3. Consequences of the Watchers' Actions: In some interpretations, especially in texts like the Book of Enoch, the Nephilim are tied to the actions of the Watchers, angels who descended to earth and took human wives, leading to a lineage that contributed to the world's destruction.

Post-Flood Role:

While the Genesis account implies that the Flood was meant to eradicate these beings along with other forms of wickedness, the text in Numbers 13:33 mentions the Nephilim again. This raises questions about their persistence or reappearance after the Flood.

1. Persistent Threat: Their mention in Numbers when the Israelite spies report seeing giants in Canaan suggests that the Nephilim are perceived as an ongoing threat or challenge to God's people, symbolizing obstacles to divine promises.

2. Reinterpretation and Mythology: Their post-Flood presence can also be viewed through mythological or symbolic lenses, representing enduring evil or chaotic forces despite divine intervention.

Interpretations and Commentary:

• Continuity vs. Annihilation: Some scholars, like Nahum Sarna, argue against their survival of the Flood, seeing them as a narrative device to underscore the totality of the Flood's destruction.

• Symbolic Presence: The continued mention of giant-like figures serves as a narrative tool to emphasize the persistent nature of evil and the challenges faced by humanity even after divine renewal.

Historical and Textual Context:

The Nephilim's role in these narratives highlights the ancient Near East's fascination with giants and semi-divine beings, which appears in various cultures' mythologies. Their presence in biblical texts serves both as a bridge to these broader mythic traditions and as a distinctive theological point about God's judgment and mercy.

To further explore these themes, consider reading "The Book of Enoch," which provides additional context on the Watchers and their progeny, or reviewing "Genesis: World of​ Myths and Patriarchs" by Nahum Sarna for a deeper understanding of these complex narratives.

What are your thoughts on the symbolic interpretations of the Nephilim's role in these texts?