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Reversing Hermon: Enoch, the Watchers, and the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ
Reversing Hermon is a groundbreaking work. It unveils what most in the modern Church have never heard regarding how the story of the sin of the Watchers in 1 Enoch 6-16 helped frame the mission of Jesus, the messiah. Jews of the first century expected the messiah to reverse the impact of the Watchers transgression. For Jews of Jesus' day, the Watchers were part of the explanation for why the world was so profoundly depraved. The messiah would not just revoke the claim of Satan on human souls and estrangement from God, solving the predicament of the Fall. He would also not only bring the nations back into relationship with the true God by defeating the principalities and powers that governed them. Jews also believed that the messiah would rescue humanity from self-destruction, the catalyst for which was the sin of the Watchers and the influence of what they had taught humankind.
The role of Enoch's retelling of Genesis 6:1-4 in how New Testament writers wrote of Jesus and the cross has been largely lost to a modern audience. Reversing Hermon rectifies that situation.
Topics include: understanding Genesis 6:1-4 and the Sin of the Watchers in Their Original Context;
how the ancient Mesopotamian story of the apkallu aligns with Gen 6:1-4, was preserved in 1 Enoch, and sets the stage for the theme of reversing the evil of the Watchers;
how the theme of reversing the transgression of the Watchers colors the gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus, his genealogy, and his ministry;
how the writings of Peter and Paul allude to the sin of the Watchers and present Jesus as overturning the disastrous effects of their sins against humanity;
and how the descriptions of the antichrist, the end-times Day of the Lord, and the final judgment connect to Genesis 6 and the nephilim.
The role of Enoch's retelling of Genesis 6:1-4 in how New Testament writers wrote of Jesus and the cross has been largely lost to a modern audience. Reversing Hermon rectifies that situation.
Topics include: understanding Genesis 6:1-4 and the Sin of the Watchers in Their Original Context;
how the ancient Mesopotamian story of the apkallu aligns with Gen 6:1-4, was preserved in 1 Enoch, and sets the stage for the theme of reversing the evil of the Watchers;
how the theme of reversing the transgression of the Watchers colors the gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus, his genealogy, and his ministry;
how the writings of Peter and Paul allude to the sin of the Watchers and present Jesus as overturning the disastrous effects of their sins against humanity;
and how the descriptions of the antichrist, the end-times Day of the Lord, and the final judgment connect to Genesis 6 and the nephilim.
326 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2017
934 people are currently reading
1,330 people want to read
About the author
Michael S. Heiser
62books886followersMike Heiser is a scholar in the fields of biblical studies and the ancient Near East. He is the Academic Editor of . Mike earned the M.A. and Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible and Semitic Languages at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004. He has also earned an M.A. in Ancient History from the University of Pennsylvania (major fields: Ancient Israel and Egyptology). His main research interests are Israelite religion (especially Israel’s ), biblical theology, ancient Near Eastern religion, biblical & ancient Semitic languages, and ancient .
Mike blogs about biblical studies at , and fringe beliefs about the ancient world at . He offers courses to the public in Old Testament, biblical theology, Israelite religion, ancient languages, the Book of Enoch through his online institute, .
Mike's other academic interests include the paranormal and the occult. His blog discusses how the pop cultural belief in aliens shape religious worldviews. Mike has been a frequent guest on a number of radio programs such as Coast to Coast AM. He is best known for his critique of the ancient astronaut of Zecharia Sitchin and his paranormal thriller, , which intertwines many of his interests.
Mike blogs about biblical studies at , and fringe beliefs about the ancient world at . He offers courses to the public in Old Testament, biblical theology, Israelite religion, ancient languages, the Book of Enoch through his online institute, .
Mike's other academic interests include the paranormal and the occult. His blog discusses how the pop cultural belief in aliens shape religious worldviews. Mike has been a frequent guest on a number of radio programs such as Coast to Coast AM. He is best known for his critique of the ancient astronaut of Zecharia Sitchin and his paranormal thriller, , which intertwines many of his interests.
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April 25, 2017
Read on my blog.
It all started a few months ago. A pastor friend of mine told me about someone in his congregation who believes the earth is flat. Then he sent me a link to a video by Rob Skiva defending his view by quoting Dr. Michael Heiser. I looked Michael Heiser up and realized that he worked for Logos Bible Software. So I started reading some of his stuff. And I was intrigued.
Now, to be clear, Heiser doesn't believe the earth is flat but he does believe that the ancient Israelites believed the earth was flat. But that wasn't the intriguing part. The intriguing part was what he said about angels, demons, and the supernatural world in general. He explained passages of scripture that I'd heard explained away all my life. And he did it in a way that was biblical and consistent. He also opened my eyes to the fact that there are verses and even whole chapters of Scripture that have been misunderstood - and dare I say it, mistranslated - for generations (I'm looking at you, Psalm 82).
And though I had disagreements with Heiser's interpretations here and there, I've come to believe that he's largely on the right track. Too many Christians have downplayed and explained away the really difficult passages in Scripture to make them more palatable. We've removed all of the supernatural elements that aren't absolutely necessary.
And that is unacceptable if we're going to be faithful to God's revelation.
In The Unseen Realm, Heiser upends nearly all of the traditional ideas about the supernatural world. In Heiser's understanding of scripture, God has a council of lesser divine beings that rule alongside of him. At first glance you may think, 'That's crazy! And certainly not in the Bible!' but I'd encourage you to read The Unseen Realm for yourself. Heiser isn't pulling stuff out of thin air or arbitrarily making arguments. Everything he claims is backed up by scripture. And once you see it, it's hard to unsee it.
It requires a paradigm shift; but once your paradigm is shifted, everything falls into place. Even passages that always seemed like they'd never fit anywhere (I'm looking at you, 1 Cor 11:11-15).
And though I still want to do a proper review of The Unseen Realm, I got Heiser's new book Reversing Hermon yesterday and figured I'd go ahead and write about it since it's fresh on my mind.
Reversing Hermon: Enoch, the Watchers & the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ is a book that deals extensively (and not surprisingly) with 1 Enoch. In case you're unaware, 1 Enoch is a book written a couple of centuries before Jesus was born that was quite popular among many Jews of Jesus' day and is quoted in Jude 14-15. It's part of a collections of writings known today as Pseudepigrapha. Several early church fathers considered it canonical and the Ethiopian Orthodox church included it in their Bibles.
In short, it's a collection of stories, sayings, parables, and apocalypses that were supposedly recorded by Enoch, Noah's great-grandfather. Though no serious scholar believes Enoch actually wrote these things - Heiser included - there's no doubt that it gives valuable background to the way Jews of Jesus' day understood things. The quotation in Jude - as well as allusions elsewhere in the New Testament - testify to this fact. None of this means that 1 Enoch is scripture or that it should be included in our Bibles. But it does mean that 1 Enoch might shed some light on the worldview of the New Testament authors.
Heiser's main argument in the book can be boiled down to this: the Pseudepigrapha in general, and 1 Enoch in particular, serve as a valuable backdrop to the New Testament world and writings. He isn't saying that scripture isn't sufficient for salvation. Neither is he arguing - like some kind of modern gnostic - that if we're going to be really spiritual, then we'll have to consult certain 'hidden' writings. He's simply pointing out the fact that if we're going to understand the New Testament properly, we need to understand the culture in which it was written. This should be pretty basic stuff.
So, how does using 1 Enoch as a backdrop for the New Testament affect our understanding?
To answer that question, I probably ought to summarize the most important parts (for our purposes) of the book.
1 Enoch retells the story of Genesis 6:1-4. This is a passage of scripture that has puzzled interpreters for generations and which has been understood in a variety of rather creative ways. Here it is in its entirety:
Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose. Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one 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. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.
Heiser briefly examines the ways this passage has been understood throughout Christian history and then begins laying a foundation for his own view by referencing 2 Peter 2:1-10 and Jude 5-7. And this leads to his discussion of 1 Enoch.
1 Enoch's account of Genesis 6:1-4 isn't vague at all. It's incredibly descriptive. And it's also hard for most modern people to swallow.
According to Enoch, this story is about supernatural beings - Watchers - who leave their proper abode and bring secret knowledge to humankind. They also have sexual relations with human women. The offspring of these unions are giants known as Nephilim (among other names). God punishes the Watchers by sealing them away in Tartarus (see 2 Peter 2:4). When the Nephilim - giants - died, their spirits were released and became what we would call demons. This is the basic story of Genesis 6:1-4 as 1 Enoch understands it. And for most people today, it understandably raises a lot of questions. And I'm among those people. There are a lot of things about this description that seem strange to me. And yet, most of my objections are logical, cultural, or emotional...not scriptural.
I'm not going to lie. This whole thing makes me uncomfortable. But the explanation of the text makes far more sense than any other explanation I've heard. In other words, if this wasn't the Bible - if someone handed me a storybook and it had Genesis 6:1-4 in it, I'd probably understand it the same way 1 Enoch does. What makes me feel uncomfortable with this explanation is not that it doesn't match the text. It's that I have a hard time wrapping my mind around the possibility that it could be true. And yet, I believe Jesus was born of a virgin. I believe he performed miracles. I believe he was raised from the dead.
Yes. I feel myself succumbing to the same temptation almost all Christians do. Let's sweep all of the unnecessary supernatural elements of scripture under the rug and only display the ones that are acceptable to most people - and absolutely necessary to the faith.
Heiser spends the first part of Reversing Hermon describing the connections between Genesis 6, 1 Enoch, and the Mesopotamian versions of the same story. He lays an important foundation in these chapters for understanding the rest of the book - especially for those who are unacquainted with the story told in 1 Enoch. Everything he mentions here will come up in later chapters - sometimes in unexpected ways.
I ought to note two important things at this point. First, Heiser isn't pulling stuff out of thin air. Everything he writes is based on scripture and backed up by solid scholarship. The notes at the end of the book are evidence of that, taking up nearly 60 pages. Second, Heiser isn't the first person who has said this stuff. Many of the earliest church fathers claimed the exact same things Heiser claims. And he's not afraid to note that fact. Irenaeus is mentioned frequently, with good reason. He's well-respected, he wrote early, and he taught along similar lines to Heiser regarding 1 Enoch's understanding of Genesis 6.
In Part two, Heiser discusses how 1 Enoch's version of events underlies some of the sayings and events of Jesus' life.
Let me just say that chapter 4 is phenomenal. In it, he argues that Revelation 12 is a piece of astral prophecy (in this chapter, he draws heavily from Malina's commentary on Revelation. I read it last year and, like Heiser, found it to be a stretch at times but it did include some fascinating insights). If read this way, Revelation 12 is giving us the birthday of Jesus. This may sound outlandish or crazy but again, I'd encourage you to read what he writes before you pass judgment. It left me with my mouth hanging open.
Chapter 5 is a little less monumental. It relies heavily on the scholarly work of Amy Richter to argue that the women included in Jesus' genealogy are there because they are all connected to the sins of the Watchers (see Matthew 1:1-17). I found this chapter less convincing than most of the rest of the book but it's worth reading and considering. And it's also worth noting that I haven't heard any better explanations for why those particular women are mentioned and none others.
Chapter 6 focuses on Jesus' ministry and, in particular, the events of Jesus' life that take place near Mount Hermon/Bashan/Caesarea Philippi. This chapter is the reason the book received the subtitle it did. It's really the only chapter in the book that discusses - at any length - the "forgotten mission of Jesus Christ." And what is that forgotten mission, you ask? "When Jesus chose to go to Mount Hermon to be transfigured, He was claiming it for the Kingdom of God." According to Heiser's reading, Jesus was reversing the damage done by the Watchers when they came to the same mountain and made a pact to sin against God together.
In the third part, Heiser hones in on three problematic passages/ideas in the New Testament epistles and explains how having the Enochic background helps understand what's going on there. First, he deals with the issue of human sinfulness. He argues that for first century Jews, the ubiquity of human sinfulness is not only owing to Adam's sin but also to the Watchers' sin in Genesis 6:1-4. Then, he discusses Paul's exhortation regarding women and head-coverings in 1 Corinthians 11. This chapter is important because it makes sense of an otherwise incredibly confusing passage. Finally, he discusses Peter's summary of baptism in 1 Peter 3:18-22. In my opinion, this section of the book is the strongest and best argued. It makes sense of verses that I've seen fumbled and mishandled all of my life. To put it bluntly, it just makes more sense of what the text says.
The final part of Reversing Hermon focuses on the book of Revelation. In particular, he addresses the issue of the Antichrist, the identification of Gog, and the origins of the lake of fire. My views on Revelation are different from Heiser's so I found myself disagreeing the most in these chapters - though even here, there's much to glean. I especially appreciated the discussion on Gog.
After the meat of the book is over, you get five appendices for dessert. Though these range in value. First up is a good - albeit short - summary of the early church's views on 1 Enoch. Second, there's a quick summary of the dating/manuscript evidence for the book. Third is a list of scholarly works on 1 Enoch. Fifth is a quick essay that I didn't particularly care for entitled The Ancient Antichrist Profile: Jew or Gentile? And fourth (yes, I know I didn't order those correctly), he includes a list of allusions to the Pseudepigrapha. This was - in my opinion - something of a mixed bag.
Heiser opens this appendix by noting that "what constitutes an allusion varies in the opinions of scholars." It's obvious from this statement that Heiser recognizes the tenuous nature of some of the connections made in this list. For example, Luke 21:18 is said to be a possible allusion to 1 Enoch 51:2. But look at them:
1 Enoch 51:2 - "And he shall choose the righteous and the holy ones from among the risen dead, for the day when they shall be selected and saved has arrived."
Luke 21:28 - "Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Personally, I don't see even a slight allusion here. Naturally, when you have two people talking about similar things, there may be a little overlap but it seems to me that many of the allusions included in this list are a stretch. Likewise, some may not be an example of New Testament authors alluding to the Pseudepigrapha but rather of both the NT authors and the Pseudepigrapha alluding to the Old Testament (1 Enoch 5:7 and Matthew 5:5 could both be alluding to Psalm 37:11). With that said, the New Testament definitely includes some genuine allusions to the Pseudepigrapha that are worth noting. These allusions take up a huge amount of space too. The list is a full 54 pages (out of a 326 page book).
What else can I say? Heiser will challenge everything you think you know about the way the world works. His is a call to stretch ourselves beyond what we're used to. It's paradigm shifting at its finest. This was true of The Unseen Realm and it's true of Reversing Hermon.
And though I can't say that I'm fully onboard with everything Heiser argues, I do believe that he takes the text of scripture - especially the 'problematic' verses - more seriously than just about anyone I've read. And even if he doesn't change your mind, he will challenge you to think through your own interpretations and beliefs. And that's always a good thing.
May we seek to be ever more faithful to the text of scripture - and thus, to its Author.
It all started a few months ago. A pastor friend of mine told me about someone in his congregation who believes the earth is flat. Then he sent me a link to a video by Rob Skiva defending his view by quoting Dr. Michael Heiser. I looked Michael Heiser up and realized that he worked for Logos Bible Software. So I started reading some of his stuff. And I was intrigued.
Now, to be clear, Heiser doesn't believe the earth is flat but he does believe that the ancient Israelites believed the earth was flat. But that wasn't the intriguing part. The intriguing part was what he said about angels, demons, and the supernatural world in general. He explained passages of scripture that I'd heard explained away all my life. And he did it in a way that was biblical and consistent. He also opened my eyes to the fact that there are verses and even whole chapters of Scripture that have been misunderstood - and dare I say it, mistranslated - for generations (I'm looking at you, Psalm 82).
And though I had disagreements with Heiser's interpretations here and there, I've come to believe that he's largely on the right track. Too many Christians have downplayed and explained away the really difficult passages in Scripture to make them more palatable. We've removed all of the supernatural elements that aren't absolutely necessary.
And that is unacceptable if we're going to be faithful to God's revelation.
In The Unseen Realm, Heiser upends nearly all of the traditional ideas about the supernatural world. In Heiser's understanding of scripture, God has a council of lesser divine beings that rule alongside of him. At first glance you may think, 'That's crazy! And certainly not in the Bible!' but I'd encourage you to read The Unseen Realm for yourself. Heiser isn't pulling stuff out of thin air or arbitrarily making arguments. Everything he claims is backed up by scripture. And once you see it, it's hard to unsee it.
It requires a paradigm shift; but once your paradigm is shifted, everything falls into place. Even passages that always seemed like they'd never fit anywhere (I'm looking at you, 1 Cor 11:11-15).
And though I still want to do a proper review of The Unseen Realm, I got Heiser's new book Reversing Hermon yesterday and figured I'd go ahead and write about it since it's fresh on my mind.
Reversing Hermon: Enoch, the Watchers & the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ is a book that deals extensively (and not surprisingly) with 1 Enoch. In case you're unaware, 1 Enoch is a book written a couple of centuries before Jesus was born that was quite popular among many Jews of Jesus' day and is quoted in Jude 14-15. It's part of a collections of writings known today as Pseudepigrapha. Several early church fathers considered it canonical and the Ethiopian Orthodox church included it in their Bibles.
In short, it's a collection of stories, sayings, parables, and apocalypses that were supposedly recorded by Enoch, Noah's great-grandfather. Though no serious scholar believes Enoch actually wrote these things - Heiser included - there's no doubt that it gives valuable background to the way Jews of Jesus' day understood things. The quotation in Jude - as well as allusions elsewhere in the New Testament - testify to this fact. None of this means that 1 Enoch is scripture or that it should be included in our Bibles. But it does mean that 1 Enoch might shed some light on the worldview of the New Testament authors.
Heiser's main argument in the book can be boiled down to this: the Pseudepigrapha in general, and 1 Enoch in particular, serve as a valuable backdrop to the New Testament world and writings. He isn't saying that scripture isn't sufficient for salvation. Neither is he arguing - like some kind of modern gnostic - that if we're going to be really spiritual, then we'll have to consult certain 'hidden' writings. He's simply pointing out the fact that if we're going to understand the New Testament properly, we need to understand the culture in which it was written. This should be pretty basic stuff.
So, how does using 1 Enoch as a backdrop for the New Testament affect our understanding?
To answer that question, I probably ought to summarize the most important parts (for our purposes) of the book.
1 Enoch retells the story of Genesis 6:1-4. This is a passage of scripture that has puzzled interpreters for generations and which has been understood in a variety of rather creative ways. Here it is in its entirety:
Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose. Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one 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. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.
Heiser briefly examines the ways this passage has been understood throughout Christian history and then begins laying a foundation for his own view by referencing 2 Peter 2:1-10 and Jude 5-7. And this leads to his discussion of 1 Enoch.
1 Enoch's account of Genesis 6:1-4 isn't vague at all. It's incredibly descriptive. And it's also hard for most modern people to swallow.
According to Enoch, this story is about supernatural beings - Watchers - who leave their proper abode and bring secret knowledge to humankind. They also have sexual relations with human women. The offspring of these unions are giants known as Nephilim (among other names). God punishes the Watchers by sealing them away in Tartarus (see 2 Peter 2:4). When the Nephilim - giants - died, their spirits were released and became what we would call demons. This is the basic story of Genesis 6:1-4 as 1 Enoch understands it. And for most people today, it understandably raises a lot of questions. And I'm among those people. There are a lot of things about this description that seem strange to me. And yet, most of my objections are logical, cultural, or emotional...not scriptural.
I'm not going to lie. This whole thing makes me uncomfortable. But the explanation of the text makes far more sense than any other explanation I've heard. In other words, if this wasn't the Bible - if someone handed me a storybook and it had Genesis 6:1-4 in it, I'd probably understand it the same way 1 Enoch does. What makes me feel uncomfortable with this explanation is not that it doesn't match the text. It's that I have a hard time wrapping my mind around the possibility that it could be true. And yet, I believe Jesus was born of a virgin. I believe he performed miracles. I believe he was raised from the dead.
Yes. I feel myself succumbing to the same temptation almost all Christians do. Let's sweep all of the unnecessary supernatural elements of scripture under the rug and only display the ones that are acceptable to most people - and absolutely necessary to the faith.
Heiser spends the first part of Reversing Hermon describing the connections between Genesis 6, 1 Enoch, and the Mesopotamian versions of the same story. He lays an important foundation in these chapters for understanding the rest of the book - especially for those who are unacquainted with the story told in 1 Enoch. Everything he mentions here will come up in later chapters - sometimes in unexpected ways.
I ought to note two important things at this point. First, Heiser isn't pulling stuff out of thin air. Everything he writes is based on scripture and backed up by solid scholarship. The notes at the end of the book are evidence of that, taking up nearly 60 pages. Second, Heiser isn't the first person who has said this stuff. Many of the earliest church fathers claimed the exact same things Heiser claims. And he's not afraid to note that fact. Irenaeus is mentioned frequently, with good reason. He's well-respected, he wrote early, and he taught along similar lines to Heiser regarding 1 Enoch's understanding of Genesis 6.
In Part two, Heiser discusses how 1 Enoch's version of events underlies some of the sayings and events of Jesus' life.
Let me just say that chapter 4 is phenomenal. In it, he argues that Revelation 12 is a piece of astral prophecy (in this chapter, he draws heavily from Malina's commentary on Revelation. I read it last year and, like Heiser, found it to be a stretch at times but it did include some fascinating insights). If read this way, Revelation 12 is giving us the birthday of Jesus. This may sound outlandish or crazy but again, I'd encourage you to read what he writes before you pass judgment. It left me with my mouth hanging open.
Chapter 5 is a little less monumental. It relies heavily on the scholarly work of Amy Richter to argue that the women included in Jesus' genealogy are there because they are all connected to the sins of the Watchers (see Matthew 1:1-17). I found this chapter less convincing than most of the rest of the book but it's worth reading and considering. And it's also worth noting that I haven't heard any better explanations for why those particular women are mentioned and none others.
Chapter 6 focuses on Jesus' ministry and, in particular, the events of Jesus' life that take place near Mount Hermon/Bashan/Caesarea Philippi. This chapter is the reason the book received the subtitle it did. It's really the only chapter in the book that discusses - at any length - the "forgotten mission of Jesus Christ." And what is that forgotten mission, you ask? "When Jesus chose to go to Mount Hermon to be transfigured, He was claiming it for the Kingdom of God." According to Heiser's reading, Jesus was reversing the damage done by the Watchers when they came to the same mountain and made a pact to sin against God together.
In the third part, Heiser hones in on three problematic passages/ideas in the New Testament epistles and explains how having the Enochic background helps understand what's going on there. First, he deals with the issue of human sinfulness. He argues that for first century Jews, the ubiquity of human sinfulness is not only owing to Adam's sin but also to the Watchers' sin in Genesis 6:1-4. Then, he discusses Paul's exhortation regarding women and head-coverings in 1 Corinthians 11. This chapter is important because it makes sense of an otherwise incredibly confusing passage. Finally, he discusses Peter's summary of baptism in 1 Peter 3:18-22. In my opinion, this section of the book is the strongest and best argued. It makes sense of verses that I've seen fumbled and mishandled all of my life. To put it bluntly, it just makes more sense of what the text says.
The final part of Reversing Hermon focuses on the book of Revelation. In particular, he addresses the issue of the Antichrist, the identification of Gog, and the origins of the lake of fire. My views on Revelation are different from Heiser's so I found myself disagreeing the most in these chapters - though even here, there's much to glean. I especially appreciated the discussion on Gog.
After the meat of the book is over, you get five appendices for dessert. Though these range in value. First up is a good - albeit short - summary of the early church's views on 1 Enoch. Second, there's a quick summary of the dating/manuscript evidence for the book. Third is a list of scholarly works on 1 Enoch. Fifth is a quick essay that I didn't particularly care for entitled The Ancient Antichrist Profile: Jew or Gentile? And fourth (yes, I know I didn't order those correctly), he includes a list of allusions to the Pseudepigrapha. This was - in my opinion - something of a mixed bag.
Heiser opens this appendix by noting that "what constitutes an allusion varies in the opinions of scholars." It's obvious from this statement that Heiser recognizes the tenuous nature of some of the connections made in this list. For example, Luke 21:18 is said to be a possible allusion to 1 Enoch 51:2. But look at them:
1 Enoch 51:2 - "And he shall choose the righteous and the holy ones from among the risen dead, for the day when they shall be selected and saved has arrived."
Luke 21:28 - "Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Personally, I don't see even a slight allusion here. Naturally, when you have two people talking about similar things, there may be a little overlap but it seems to me that many of the allusions included in this list are a stretch. Likewise, some may not be an example of New Testament authors alluding to the Pseudepigrapha but rather of both the NT authors and the Pseudepigrapha alluding to the Old Testament (1 Enoch 5:7 and Matthew 5:5 could both be alluding to Psalm 37:11). With that said, the New Testament definitely includes some genuine allusions to the Pseudepigrapha that are worth noting. These allusions take up a huge amount of space too. The list is a full 54 pages (out of a 326 page book).
What else can I say? Heiser will challenge everything you think you know about the way the world works. His is a call to stretch ourselves beyond what we're used to. It's paradigm shifting at its finest. This was true of The Unseen Realm and it's true of Reversing Hermon.
And though I can't say that I'm fully onboard with everything Heiser argues, I do believe that he takes the text of scripture - especially the 'problematic' verses - more seriously than just about anyone I've read. And even if he doesn't change your mind, he will challenge you to think through your own interpretations and beliefs. And that's always a good thing.
May we seek to be ever more faithful to the text of scripture - and thus, to its Author.
August 30, 2017
Full of good information, but it seemed less like a book than his previous unseen realm. It felt like I was reading his collection of notes for a book, and not a finished product. Still, lots of good info here.
April 2, 2017
I have to admit this is the first book I’ve read by Dr. Michael Heiser and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Frankly, I wasn’t sure I even wanted to read this book, that is, until pursuing C.C. Fenn’s review on Amazon. For sure one of the best reviews I’ve read in a long time.
In any case, I purchased Reversing Hermon: Enoch, The Watchers & the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ and really appreciated seeing the subject through Dr. Heiser’s eyes. In this book Dr. Heiser elevated the discussion of Genesis 6 from the oft sensationalist speculation to a historical and Biblical grounding which provides answers to several of the Bible’s more challenging passages.
More importantly Dr. Heiser looked at the subject in light of the Spirit of Prophecy, that is, as it relates to YHWH’s redemptive plan through Yeshua (YHWH’s Salvation). In short Dr. Heiser makes the case that Yeshua’s messianic mission included not only the rectification of Adam and Eve’s sin, but also the evil wrought by those of the angelic host who left their intended estate and sowed their rebellious evil on this earth.
In terms of scholarship Dr. Heiser did something in this book which is rather rare today. Dr. Heiser looked at this complex subject in light of its 2nd temple era context. The 2nd temple era and it influence on Biblical history and Bible prophecy (in my opinion) is far too often ignored when trying to understand some of the Bible’s most important prophetic passages.
The book is organized into four parts:
� PART I � Genesis 6:1-4 in its Original Ancient Contexts
� Chapter 1 � The Sons of God and Nephilim
� Chapter 2 � The Sin of the Watchers in 1 Enoch and Other Enochian Tests
� Chapter 3 � The Mesopotamian Apkallu, the Watchers, and the Nephilim
� PART II � Reversing Hermon in the Gospels
� Chapter 4 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Birth of Jesus
� Chapter 5 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Genealogy of Jesus
� Chapter 6 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Ministry of Jesus
� PART III � Reversing Hermon in the Epistles
� Chapter 7 � The Sin of the Watchers and Human Depravity
� Chapter 8 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Head Covering of 1 Corrintians 11
� Chapter 9 � The Sin of the Watchers and Baptism
� PART IV � Reversing Hermon in the Book of Revelation
� Chapter 10 � The Sin of the Watchers, the Nephilim, and the Antichrist
� Chapter 11 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Apocalypse
Of these chapters 2, 5, 7, 9 really stood to me. I especially appreciated learning about the congruency of the Enochian narrative in Biblical and the historical record. I frankly had no idea the subject was as well testified to in ancient history.
Dr. Heisers discussion of the Mosaic law in Chapter 7 was especially interesting. It provided a new and intriguing angle from which to view the Torah and its purpose. This subject provided me with much food for future thought and reflection.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The weakest part of the book, in my opinion, were the authors speculation regarding Revelation 12 as an astronomical sign which dates the birth of Yeshua to the 1st of Tishri in 3 BC. I admit up front I don’t know enough about astronomical signs to test Dr. Heiser’s theory but Biblical and historically speaking Tishri 1 3 BC as the birth of the Messiah is problematic for several reasons. First, the prophecy of Daniel 9 dates the coming of the Messiah to 5-4 BC. A 4 BC date for the Birth of Yeshua also best fits the chronological evidence of Matthew, Luke and Josephus.
The most unsettling aspect of the book was the Dr. Heiser’s exploration of 1 Cor. 11 and the subject of a woman’s head covering and its 2nd temple historical context. Not that it couldn’t be true but it is certainly outside my comfort zone.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
By far my favorite part of the book was the Dr. Heiser’s exploration of the lineage of Jesus in Matthew 1. Dr. Heiser opens Chapter 5 with the following quote:
“Admit it. You think genealogies are boring. While I wouldn’t claim that all biblical genealogies are filled with theological insights, I can promise you that the genealogy of Jesus is different. As we’ll see, it has some amazing features that link it with the expectation of a messianic reversal of sin of the Watchers.�
You have to admit that his is a pretty bold statement. But Dr. Heiser goes on to explain, based upon the work of New Testament scholar Amy Richter, that the four women mentioned or implied in Matthew 1 are connected to Yeshua redemptive purpose as it relates to reversing the evil brought into this world by the fallen angelic host. He further explains that these women by their inclusion, would emphasis in the Jewish readers mind the events of Genesis 6, events and their implications which are only understood within the context of the 2nd temple era Jewish reader.
This Enochian angle of Yeshua lineage did indeed seem a bit farfetched to me at first glance but after some reflection I realized Dr. Heiser may have more of a point than even he may realize. This relates to a statement Dr. Heiser made earlier in chapter 4 regarding “astral prophecy�. I quote,
“In briefest terms, and with respect to a biblical perspective ( as opposed to pagan polytheism’s conception), astral theology was the idea that the One who made the celestial objects in the heavens (sun, moon, stars) to be for “signs and seasons� and to mark time (Genesis 1:14) could use those object to communicate.�
You see as Dr. Heiser notes repeatedly in this book, the New Testament must be understood with the context of the 2nd temple. No place in the Bible better illustrates this fact than the lineage of Yeshua in Matthew 1. Indeed Matthew’s genealogy of Yeshua is far from boring. I’ll get back to the four women in Yeshua lineage in a moment but to really understand their importance you must see the lineage of Yeshua from a 2nd temple perspective that the Jewish reader would have intuitively grasp.
First, if you list the names as given by Matthew you will find there are 41 generation between Abraham and Yeshua. Now arrange them into the three generation groupings described by Matthew in verse 17. What you will find is that while Matthew implied that Yeshua was the 14th generation he is actually the 13th as given. Matthew cleverly shows that Yeshua is both the 13th and 14th generation.
To a Jewish reader they would have immediately made the connection to the Bible’s calendar as described in Gen. 1:14. You see the lunar side of the Biblical calendar, which orders the divine appointment or “signs and seasons� of Genesis 1:14 as described by Dr. Heiser, are governed by two internal lunar cycles of 13 or 14 days of waxing and waning light each month. Further, during the 7 sacred Biblical festival’s each year 13 or 14 sacrifices are commanded to be offered. That the apostle Paul understood this messianic symbolism is shown in Ephesian’s 2:13-14 where he describes the middle wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles which Yeshua’s death and resurrection abolished. This wall during the 2nd temple era which prevented Gentiles from accessing the temple proper (and by implication the presence of YHWH) was accessed by 14 steps and entry to the temple granted by one of 13 gates.
What this demonstrates is that indeed Matthew had a redemptive message woven into the lineage of Yeshua in Matthew 1 which supports in a fascinating way Dr. Heiser position that the women of Matthew 1, may also fit into this redemptive “matrix�.
Further to Dr. Heiser’s point is the fact that the 41 generations between Abraham and Yeshua and the 3 generational groupings of Yeshua’s ancestors has a larger chronological context that some of his Jewish readers would have likely understood. You see, a reasonable case could be made that there were 41 jubilee cycles between Abraham and Yeshua (as represent by the 41 generations). But more importantly, using the chronology of the MT text of the Old Testament there were in fact 41 jubilee cycles between Adam and Abraham. (For those who appreciate a bit of irony its worth noting that we are living in the 41st jubilee from Yeshua.)
So Matthew, by arranging Yeshua’s lineage into 41 generations (he left out four kings to do this) linked the Messianic redemptive symbolism of the sacrificial system with the Old Testament chronology between Adam and Abraham. But here is the intriguing part which I hadn’t realized until reading Dr. Heiser’s book.
If we take the three generational groupings of Yeshua’s ancestors as representative of the 3 Biblical ages of 41 jubilee cycles each, you’ll find that the offspring of the women mentioned in Matthew 1 have a direct connection to the Enochian events and thus prove beyond reasonable doubt that there is a connection between these women and the events Enoch, the fallen angel’s and YHWH’s redemptive plan.
The four offspring of the women mentioned in Matthew 1 are as follows:
� Phares the 5th generation
� Booz (Boaz) the 11th generation
� Obed the 12th generation
� Solomon the 15th generation (1st of the 2nd generational grouping)
If each of the three 14 generational groupings represent 41 jubilee cycles in a larger chronological context then the each generation in the three groups (of 14) is equal to 2.928 jubilee cycles.
� Pares falls in the 5th generation which represents the 12th, 13th and 14th jubilee cycle from Adam. It was during the 13th jubilee cycle from Adam (the 623rd yr.) that Enoch was taken to heaven.
� Boaz was the 11th generation representing the 29th, 30th and 31st jubilee cycles from Adam. It was during the 29th jubilee cycle form Adam, in the 365th year of Noah’s life that Jared died. As Dr. Heiser explains according to the book of Enoch it was during the days of Jared that the fallen angel’s (on Mt. Hermon) made their agreement to defile the women of earth.
� Obed was the 12th generation representing the 33rd, 34th and 35 jubilee cycles from Adam. It was during this period of time that Shem was born during the 32nd jubilee cycle form Adam. It was through Shem, the son of Noah that YHWH’s would work out His redemptive plan for mankind by bringing forth Yeshua, the promised righteous seed. Then during the 34th jubilee in the 600th year of Abraham’s life the Deluge took place cleansing the earth of evil which the fallen angles had wrought.
� Solomon was the 15th generation from Abraham or the 1st generation in Matthew 2nd grouping of 14. This 15th generation represented the 42nd, 43rd, and 44th jubilee cycle from Adam. It was during this period of time that YHWH made all of His covenants with Abraham which promised that through his “seed� all nations of the earth would be blessed. Further it was in the 100th year of Abraham’s life exactly on the 43rd jubilee cycle from Adam that Isaac was born. It was also during the 44th jubilee cycle from Adam that YHWH honored Abraham’s faith (in his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac) by swearing (shaba) the first oath He, the living God of the Bible, swore with any man in the Bible. It was this oath that Moses mentions in Due. 7:9, Daniel mentions in Daniel 9:4, and Zechariah mentions in Luke 1.
So there you have it. As Amy Richter and Dr. Heiser claim, and incredible as their claims may sound, Matthew did indeed have the story of the Enoch, the fallen angels, the flood, and YHWH’s redemptive plan of Reversing Hermon in mind when he penned that inspired list nearly two thousand years ago. Who said genealogies were boring?
- - - - - - - - - - -
This review has gone on far too long but in closing for those who would like to see confirmation for another one of Dr. Heiser’s points in Chapter 9 regarding Baptism, its redemptive context and its relationship to the events of Flood, you’ll find it in Daniel 9:26 where it describes the Messiah as “cut off�. This cutting off or “karath� would have harkened the Jewish reader back to the first occurrence of this word where it is used to described the waters of the flood which karath mankind from the face of the earth. Thus one again showing that it was the promised messiah the seed of Adam, Shem and Abraham that reversed the effects of not only the sin of Adam and Even but also the corrupting evil wrought by the fallen angelic hoard in the days leading up to the flood.
- - - - - - - - - - -
In summary I can’t say that I agree with all of Dr. Heiser’s points but he sure has given me food for thought. I started the book skeptical but finished it convinced that there is far more to the Genesis 6 than I ever understood. Dr. Heiser has made a compelling case that part of Yeshua’s redemptive purpose was in fact to combat the angelic evil which has been corrupting mankind since the flood. After you read this book I’d encourage you to open your Bible’s and see if these things be so.
In any case, I purchased Reversing Hermon: Enoch, The Watchers & the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ and really appreciated seeing the subject through Dr. Heiser’s eyes. In this book Dr. Heiser elevated the discussion of Genesis 6 from the oft sensationalist speculation to a historical and Biblical grounding which provides answers to several of the Bible’s more challenging passages.
More importantly Dr. Heiser looked at the subject in light of the Spirit of Prophecy, that is, as it relates to YHWH’s redemptive plan through Yeshua (YHWH’s Salvation). In short Dr. Heiser makes the case that Yeshua’s messianic mission included not only the rectification of Adam and Eve’s sin, but also the evil wrought by those of the angelic host who left their intended estate and sowed their rebellious evil on this earth.
In terms of scholarship Dr. Heiser did something in this book which is rather rare today. Dr. Heiser looked at this complex subject in light of its 2nd temple era context. The 2nd temple era and it influence on Biblical history and Bible prophecy (in my opinion) is far too often ignored when trying to understand some of the Bible’s most important prophetic passages.
The book is organized into four parts:
� PART I � Genesis 6:1-4 in its Original Ancient Contexts
� Chapter 1 � The Sons of God and Nephilim
� Chapter 2 � The Sin of the Watchers in 1 Enoch and Other Enochian Tests
� Chapter 3 � The Mesopotamian Apkallu, the Watchers, and the Nephilim
� PART II � Reversing Hermon in the Gospels
� Chapter 4 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Birth of Jesus
� Chapter 5 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Genealogy of Jesus
� Chapter 6 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Ministry of Jesus
� PART III � Reversing Hermon in the Epistles
� Chapter 7 � The Sin of the Watchers and Human Depravity
� Chapter 8 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Head Covering of 1 Corrintians 11
� Chapter 9 � The Sin of the Watchers and Baptism
� PART IV � Reversing Hermon in the Book of Revelation
� Chapter 10 � The Sin of the Watchers, the Nephilim, and the Antichrist
� Chapter 11 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Apocalypse
Of these chapters 2, 5, 7, 9 really stood to me. I especially appreciated learning about the congruency of the Enochian narrative in Biblical and the historical record. I frankly had no idea the subject was as well testified to in ancient history.
Dr. Heisers discussion of the Mosaic law in Chapter 7 was especially interesting. It provided a new and intriguing angle from which to view the Torah and its purpose. This subject provided me with much food for future thought and reflection.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The weakest part of the book, in my opinion, were the authors speculation regarding Revelation 12 as an astronomical sign which dates the birth of Yeshua to the 1st of Tishri in 3 BC. I admit up front I don’t know enough about astronomical signs to test Dr. Heiser’s theory but Biblical and historically speaking Tishri 1 3 BC as the birth of the Messiah is problematic for several reasons. First, the prophecy of Daniel 9 dates the coming of the Messiah to 5-4 BC. A 4 BC date for the Birth of Yeshua also best fits the chronological evidence of Matthew, Luke and Josephus.
The most unsettling aspect of the book was the Dr. Heiser’s exploration of 1 Cor. 11 and the subject of a woman’s head covering and its 2nd temple historical context. Not that it couldn’t be true but it is certainly outside my comfort zone.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
By far my favorite part of the book was the Dr. Heiser’s exploration of the lineage of Jesus in Matthew 1. Dr. Heiser opens Chapter 5 with the following quote:
“Admit it. You think genealogies are boring. While I wouldn’t claim that all biblical genealogies are filled with theological insights, I can promise you that the genealogy of Jesus is different. As we’ll see, it has some amazing features that link it with the expectation of a messianic reversal of sin of the Watchers.�
You have to admit that his is a pretty bold statement. But Dr. Heiser goes on to explain, based upon the work of New Testament scholar Amy Richter, that the four women mentioned or implied in Matthew 1 are connected to Yeshua redemptive purpose as it relates to reversing the evil brought into this world by the fallen angelic host. He further explains that these women by their inclusion, would emphasis in the Jewish readers mind the events of Genesis 6, events and their implications which are only understood within the context of the 2nd temple era Jewish reader.
This Enochian angle of Yeshua lineage did indeed seem a bit farfetched to me at first glance but after some reflection I realized Dr. Heiser may have more of a point than even he may realize. This relates to a statement Dr. Heiser made earlier in chapter 4 regarding “astral prophecy�. I quote,
“In briefest terms, and with respect to a biblical perspective ( as opposed to pagan polytheism’s conception), astral theology was the idea that the One who made the celestial objects in the heavens (sun, moon, stars) to be for “signs and seasons� and to mark time (Genesis 1:14) could use those object to communicate.�
You see as Dr. Heiser notes repeatedly in this book, the New Testament must be understood with the context of the 2nd temple. No place in the Bible better illustrates this fact than the lineage of Yeshua in Matthew 1. Indeed Matthew’s genealogy of Yeshua is far from boring. I’ll get back to the four women in Yeshua lineage in a moment but to really understand their importance you must see the lineage of Yeshua from a 2nd temple perspective that the Jewish reader would have intuitively grasp.
First, if you list the names as given by Matthew you will find there are 41 generation between Abraham and Yeshua. Now arrange them into the three generation groupings described by Matthew in verse 17. What you will find is that while Matthew implied that Yeshua was the 14th generation he is actually the 13th as given. Matthew cleverly shows that Yeshua is both the 13th and 14th generation.
To a Jewish reader they would have immediately made the connection to the Bible’s calendar as described in Gen. 1:14. You see the lunar side of the Biblical calendar, which orders the divine appointment or “signs and seasons� of Genesis 1:14 as described by Dr. Heiser, are governed by two internal lunar cycles of 13 or 14 days of waxing and waning light each month. Further, during the 7 sacred Biblical festival’s each year 13 or 14 sacrifices are commanded to be offered. That the apostle Paul understood this messianic symbolism is shown in Ephesian’s 2:13-14 where he describes the middle wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles which Yeshua’s death and resurrection abolished. This wall during the 2nd temple era which prevented Gentiles from accessing the temple proper (and by implication the presence of YHWH) was accessed by 14 steps and entry to the temple granted by one of 13 gates.
What this demonstrates is that indeed Matthew had a redemptive message woven into the lineage of Yeshua in Matthew 1 which supports in a fascinating way Dr. Heiser position that the women of Matthew 1, may also fit into this redemptive “matrix�.
Further to Dr. Heiser’s point is the fact that the 41 generations between Abraham and Yeshua and the 3 generational groupings of Yeshua’s ancestors has a larger chronological context that some of his Jewish readers would have likely understood. You see, a reasonable case could be made that there were 41 jubilee cycles between Abraham and Yeshua (as represent by the 41 generations). But more importantly, using the chronology of the MT text of the Old Testament there were in fact 41 jubilee cycles between Adam and Abraham. (For those who appreciate a bit of irony its worth noting that we are living in the 41st jubilee from Yeshua.)
So Matthew, by arranging Yeshua’s lineage into 41 generations (he left out four kings to do this) linked the Messianic redemptive symbolism of the sacrificial system with the Old Testament chronology between Adam and Abraham. But here is the intriguing part which I hadn’t realized until reading Dr. Heiser’s book.
If we take the three generational groupings of Yeshua’s ancestors as representative of the 3 Biblical ages of 41 jubilee cycles each, you’ll find that the offspring of the women mentioned in Matthew 1 have a direct connection to the Enochian events and thus prove beyond reasonable doubt that there is a connection between these women and the events Enoch, the fallen angel’s and YHWH’s redemptive plan.
The four offspring of the women mentioned in Matthew 1 are as follows:
� Phares the 5th generation
� Booz (Boaz) the 11th generation
� Obed the 12th generation
� Solomon the 15th generation (1st of the 2nd generational grouping)
If each of the three 14 generational groupings represent 41 jubilee cycles in a larger chronological context then the each generation in the three groups (of 14) is equal to 2.928 jubilee cycles.
� Pares falls in the 5th generation which represents the 12th, 13th and 14th jubilee cycle from Adam. It was during the 13th jubilee cycle from Adam (the 623rd yr.) that Enoch was taken to heaven.
� Boaz was the 11th generation representing the 29th, 30th and 31st jubilee cycles from Adam. It was during the 29th jubilee cycle form Adam, in the 365th year of Noah’s life that Jared died. As Dr. Heiser explains according to the book of Enoch it was during the days of Jared that the fallen angel’s (on Mt. Hermon) made their agreement to defile the women of earth.
� Obed was the 12th generation representing the 33rd, 34th and 35 jubilee cycles from Adam. It was during this period of time that Shem was born during the 32nd jubilee cycle form Adam. It was through Shem, the son of Noah that YHWH’s would work out His redemptive plan for mankind by bringing forth Yeshua, the promised righteous seed. Then during the 34th jubilee in the 600th year of Abraham’s life the Deluge took place cleansing the earth of evil which the fallen angles had wrought.
� Solomon was the 15th generation from Abraham or the 1st generation in Matthew 2nd grouping of 14. This 15th generation represented the 42nd, 43rd, and 44th jubilee cycle from Adam. It was during this period of time that YHWH made all of His covenants with Abraham which promised that through his “seed� all nations of the earth would be blessed. Further it was in the 100th year of Abraham’s life exactly on the 43rd jubilee cycle from Adam that Isaac was born. It was also during the 44th jubilee cycle from Adam that YHWH honored Abraham’s faith (in his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac) by swearing (shaba) the first oath He, the living God of the Bible, swore with any man in the Bible. It was this oath that Moses mentions in Due. 7:9, Daniel mentions in Daniel 9:4, and Zechariah mentions in Luke 1.
So there you have it. As Amy Richter and Dr. Heiser claim, and incredible as their claims may sound, Matthew did indeed have the story of the Enoch, the fallen angels, the flood, and YHWH’s redemptive plan of Reversing Hermon in mind when he penned that inspired list nearly two thousand years ago. Who said genealogies were boring?
- - - - - - - - - - -
This review has gone on far too long but in closing for those who would like to see confirmation for another one of Dr. Heiser’s points in Chapter 9 regarding Baptism, its redemptive context and its relationship to the events of Flood, you’ll find it in Daniel 9:26 where it describes the Messiah as “cut off�. This cutting off or “karath� would have harkened the Jewish reader back to the first occurrence of this word where it is used to described the waters of the flood which karath mankind from the face of the earth. Thus one again showing that it was the promised messiah the seed of Adam, Shem and Abraham that reversed the effects of not only the sin of Adam and Even but also the corrupting evil wrought by the fallen angelic hoard in the days leading up to the flood.
- - - - - - - - - - -
In summary I can’t say that I agree with all of Dr. Heiser’s points but he sure has given me food for thought. I started the book skeptical but finished it convinced that there is far more to the Genesis 6 than I ever understood. Dr. Heiser has made a compelling case that part of Yeshua’s redemptive purpose was in fact to combat the angelic evil which has been corrupting mankind since the flood. After you read this book I’d encourage you to open your Bible’s and see if these things be so.
June 2, 2017
Though 1 Enoch is not in either Jewish or Christian canons, its ideas were highly influential in the first century. In fact, in Reversing Hermon, Michael Heiser argues that many of the details in the New Testament “can only be traced to 1 Enoch� (p2). Though Heiser is not alone in this claim, it will be a new idea to many and Reversing Hermon is an accessible presentation from an expert in the field of all things weird in the Bible.
REVERSING HERMON
Chapter one convincingly defends the supernatural and traditional interpretation of Gen 6:1-4. In this view, heavenly beings (“the sons of God�) had sexual relations with human women. The second chapter introduces 1 Enoch and its commentary on the Gen 6 event. It is seen that the Watchers “served as a catalyst to spread wickedness among humanity� (p32). Chapter three finds close parallels to both Gen 6:1-4 and 1 Enoch in ancient Mesopotamian beliefs.
THE WATCHERS AND THE GOSPELS
Chapter four argues that “astral prophecy�, a conservative astrology of sorts, predicted the coming of Christ. Reading Rev 12:1-7 as presenting historical astrological signs results in dating Christ’s birthday as Tishri 1. This is the same birthday as Noah’s. To Heiser, this communicates that Christ is a new Noah and bringer of judgment upon the Watchers. That Rev 12:1-7 refers to star signs is fascinating and worthy of further consideration. Chapter five interprets the four Gentile women in Jesus� genealogy in light of the sins of the Watchers. This results in a divine irony that they would spawn the Messiah. Heiser holds that these “connections are both thematic and textual…[which] can hardly be a coincidence� (p86). To my eyes, these connections were tenuous at best. Chapter six explores the ministry of Jesus, the importance of Hermon, the origin and defeat of demons, the transfiguration, and “the gates of hell�. I found many persuasive and illuminating insights here.
THE WATCHERS AND THE EPISTLES
Chapter seven suggests that the Law was given due to the transgressions of the Watchers. In Gal 3:19, since Paul “refers to plural transgressions, and not merely Adam’s Fall�, he must be thinking of the Watchers (p117). I find this logic mind-boggling. There is no mention of the Watchers in this text, so it must be imported from elsewhere. What’s more, it is better to see the transgressions as Israel’s. John Sailhamer rightly observes that the Torah itself bears this out, where law units regularly follow narratives of Israel’s sin.
Chapter eight draws on first-century medical texts to explain Paul’s teaching on head covering (1 Cor 11:2-16). Put simply, Paul followed the science of his day that believed women’s hair was considered genitalia. As modesty was required in a worship context (Ex 20:26; 28:43), women ought to cover their hair. This also explains 1 Cor 11:10, since the Watchers fell due to their lusting after women. This chapter is another highlight. The genitalia suggestion surprisingly (!) makes sense. However, I’m not yet sure if it makes the best sense of the context, such as 1 Cor 11:3. Chapter nine explains the connections between baptism, salvation, Enoch, the spirits in prison, and the flood in 1 Peter 3:14-22.
THE WATCHERS AND REVELATION
Chapter ten shows that ancient Jews believed the Antichrist � had clear conceptual links to the sin of the Watchers and the giants� (p147). Perhaps the readers of Revelation already held connections with “fallen Watchers, the classical Titans, and the giants� (p162). Perhaps. The suggestions in this chapter are a mixed bag.
Chapter eleven examines Enochic connections with Revelation itself. The unlocking of the Abyss (Rev 9:1-10) is the release of the Watchers. The 144,000 are “counterpoints� to the adulterous Watchers (p167). Finally, the lake of fire (Rev 20:10; Matt 25:41) finds its origin in 1 Enoch 10:9-15 and 21:1-10. Some of the connections to 1 Enoch are inescapable (the Abyss and lake of fire), but others are uncertain (144,000, Dan).
ENOCH IN THE NT?
Heiser is right that the church has neglected the import of Gen 6:1-4 to the NT and first-century thought. However, due to the high degree of speculation in Reversing Hermon, I ironically finished the book feeling less convinced of Enoch’s influence! That said, there is a recent swell of scholarship comparing 1 Enoch with the NT. I suspect the issue, then, is either the choice of themes or the popular-level approach not allowing for thorough argumentation and evidence. As to the former, I find textual allusions to be more objective than supposed thematic similarities.
As to the latter, perhaps one should not be too pedantic due to the audience for this book. It’s true that this book is grounded on peer-reviewed scholarship. In fact, chapters or sections are highly dependent upon individual scholars. For example, chapter three draws liberally from Amar Annus’s article. Chapter five “is based primarily� (p294) on Amy Richter’s dissertation. The main suggestion of chapter seven is from Tyler Stewart’s paper. Chapter eight’s argument is largely the work of Troy Martin. Even chapters one, six, and nine are heavily drawn from Heiser’s own Unseen Realm! Block quotes abound. Reversing Hermon often feels like reading a summary of other works.
CONCLUSION
Heiser claimed that “This is not a book filled with speculation� (p4), but I am skeptical. Yes, Heiser relied upon peer-reviewed scholarship and his own expertise in ancient languages and culture. Reversing Hermon is utterly unlike the rampant speculations of virtually all popular-level books on such topics. This should not be quickly overlooked. However, as a serious student of the Bible, I found the biblical connections to be frequently spurious. That, and the heavy copying from other works, are my most significant complaints. This critique pains me, as I am a tremendous fan of Heiser’s work and hope that all readers of this review would go buy the fantastic Unseen Realm right now.
I recommend Reversing Hermon to those particularly interested in 1 Enoch but not in reading scholarly works. For most, I would suggest the far superior Unseen Realm (review here) and Naked Bible podcast. Despite my critique of Reversing Hermon, this is a book that will serve as an introduction to Heiser, and for that I am delighted.
Many thanks to Defender Publishing for providing a review copy.
REVERSING HERMON
Chapter one convincingly defends the supernatural and traditional interpretation of Gen 6:1-4. In this view, heavenly beings (“the sons of God�) had sexual relations with human women. The second chapter introduces 1 Enoch and its commentary on the Gen 6 event. It is seen that the Watchers “served as a catalyst to spread wickedness among humanity� (p32). Chapter three finds close parallels to both Gen 6:1-4 and 1 Enoch in ancient Mesopotamian beliefs.
THE WATCHERS AND THE GOSPELS
Chapter four argues that “astral prophecy�, a conservative astrology of sorts, predicted the coming of Christ. Reading Rev 12:1-7 as presenting historical astrological signs results in dating Christ’s birthday as Tishri 1. This is the same birthday as Noah’s. To Heiser, this communicates that Christ is a new Noah and bringer of judgment upon the Watchers. That Rev 12:1-7 refers to star signs is fascinating and worthy of further consideration. Chapter five interprets the four Gentile women in Jesus� genealogy in light of the sins of the Watchers. This results in a divine irony that they would spawn the Messiah. Heiser holds that these “connections are both thematic and textual…[which] can hardly be a coincidence� (p86). To my eyes, these connections were tenuous at best. Chapter six explores the ministry of Jesus, the importance of Hermon, the origin and defeat of demons, the transfiguration, and “the gates of hell�. I found many persuasive and illuminating insights here.
THE WATCHERS AND THE EPISTLES
Chapter seven suggests that the Law was given due to the transgressions of the Watchers. In Gal 3:19, since Paul “refers to plural transgressions, and not merely Adam’s Fall�, he must be thinking of the Watchers (p117). I find this logic mind-boggling. There is no mention of the Watchers in this text, so it must be imported from elsewhere. What’s more, it is better to see the transgressions as Israel’s. John Sailhamer rightly observes that the Torah itself bears this out, where law units regularly follow narratives of Israel’s sin.
Chapter eight draws on first-century medical texts to explain Paul’s teaching on head covering (1 Cor 11:2-16). Put simply, Paul followed the science of his day that believed women’s hair was considered genitalia. As modesty was required in a worship context (Ex 20:26; 28:43), women ought to cover their hair. This also explains 1 Cor 11:10, since the Watchers fell due to their lusting after women. This chapter is another highlight. The genitalia suggestion surprisingly (!) makes sense. However, I’m not yet sure if it makes the best sense of the context, such as 1 Cor 11:3. Chapter nine explains the connections between baptism, salvation, Enoch, the spirits in prison, and the flood in 1 Peter 3:14-22.
THE WATCHERS AND REVELATION
Chapter ten shows that ancient Jews believed the Antichrist � had clear conceptual links to the sin of the Watchers and the giants� (p147). Perhaps the readers of Revelation already held connections with “fallen Watchers, the classical Titans, and the giants� (p162). Perhaps. The suggestions in this chapter are a mixed bag.
Chapter eleven examines Enochic connections with Revelation itself. The unlocking of the Abyss (Rev 9:1-10) is the release of the Watchers. The 144,000 are “counterpoints� to the adulterous Watchers (p167). Finally, the lake of fire (Rev 20:10; Matt 25:41) finds its origin in 1 Enoch 10:9-15 and 21:1-10. Some of the connections to 1 Enoch are inescapable (the Abyss and lake of fire), but others are uncertain (144,000, Dan).
ENOCH IN THE NT?
Heiser is right that the church has neglected the import of Gen 6:1-4 to the NT and first-century thought. However, due to the high degree of speculation in Reversing Hermon, I ironically finished the book feeling less convinced of Enoch’s influence! That said, there is a recent swell of scholarship comparing 1 Enoch with the NT. I suspect the issue, then, is either the choice of themes or the popular-level approach not allowing for thorough argumentation and evidence. As to the former, I find textual allusions to be more objective than supposed thematic similarities.
As to the latter, perhaps one should not be too pedantic due to the audience for this book. It’s true that this book is grounded on peer-reviewed scholarship. In fact, chapters or sections are highly dependent upon individual scholars. For example, chapter three draws liberally from Amar Annus’s article. Chapter five “is based primarily� (p294) on Amy Richter’s dissertation. The main suggestion of chapter seven is from Tyler Stewart’s paper. Chapter eight’s argument is largely the work of Troy Martin. Even chapters one, six, and nine are heavily drawn from Heiser’s own Unseen Realm! Block quotes abound. Reversing Hermon often feels like reading a summary of other works.
CONCLUSION
Heiser claimed that “This is not a book filled with speculation� (p4), but I am skeptical. Yes, Heiser relied upon peer-reviewed scholarship and his own expertise in ancient languages and culture. Reversing Hermon is utterly unlike the rampant speculations of virtually all popular-level books on such topics. This should not be quickly overlooked. However, as a serious student of the Bible, I found the biblical connections to be frequently spurious. That, and the heavy copying from other works, are my most significant complaints. This critique pains me, as I am a tremendous fan of Heiser’s work and hope that all readers of this review would go buy the fantastic Unseen Realm right now.
I recommend Reversing Hermon to those particularly interested in 1 Enoch but not in reading scholarly works. For most, I would suggest the far superior Unseen Realm (review here) and Naked Bible podcast. Despite my critique of Reversing Hermon, this is a book that will serve as an introduction to Heiser, and for that I am delighted.
Many thanks to Defender Publishing for providing a review copy.
January 10, 2019
It’s hard to describe this book’s relation to Unseen Realm. True, Unseen Realm is in a class by itself and few books are as good as it. I guess you could say that Reversing Hermon is an “update� to Unseen Realm. Should you read this book if you have read the other? Absolutely. Some of the scholarship is updated (though it was never out of date). And it covers new material.
He advances his now-familiar argument on why Genesis 6:1-4 must have a supernaturalist explanation (more on that below). When Heiser comes to New Testament material, he conclusively shows that the New Testament writers understood the “Enochian worldview� and echoed it at regular intervals.
Assuming that the text of 1 Enoch probably didn’t come from pre-flood times, and granting that it is not Scripture, why is it important? It’s important because it was part of the worldview of the apostles (and indeed, at least two apostles quoted it as authentic literature). Further, Enoch has material in it while absent from the OT, is present in Jude and 2 Peter (e.g., imprisoned angels, etc).
Heiser argues that “The Enochian version of the events of Genesis 6:1-4 preserves and transmits the original Mesopotamian context for the first four verses of the Flood account� (Heiser loc. 84).
Heiser notes the links between the Mesopotamian apkallu and the Fallen Watchers.
The Enochic Template
Drawing upon the scholarship of Amy Richter, Heiser notes “anti-Watcher� themes in the genealogy of Jesus (loc. 1244). Each of the women in Jesus’s genealogy deal with some sort of illicit arts and beautification (Tamar and Ruth), sexual sin (Bathsheba), and Nephilim echoes (Rahab).
With Tamar, we see echoes of 1 Enoch and Gen. 6:1-4. “Judah saw/he took her and went into her.� Indeed, Judah’s first-born son was named “Er� (Hebrew ‘r; Aramaic ir).
With Rahab she is in the land of the Nephilim, she marries Boaz, was was a Gibbor (Ruth 2:1). Of course, Boaz wasn’t a giant, but given that gibbor is often translated as gigas, Matthew is creating mental links between the two (loc. 1377). But there are more links: according to James 2:25, Rahab received messengers (angelous).
Bathsheba was married to Uriah, a gibbor (2 Sam. 23:39). Of course, she is also called Bath-shua (1 Chr 3.5), therefore echoing the Enochic template of that scene.
An Analysis of Psalm 68
A surface reading of Eph 4.8 and Psalm 68.18 reveals a problem. Jesus is giving gifts and the Psalm says God receives gifts. Heiser suggests we can remove some of the confusion by not reading this as Jesus leading captives free (which would be true in other contexts), but rather taking captives, per his storming of Bashan (loc. 1691).
He advances his now-familiar argument on why Genesis 6:1-4 must have a supernaturalist explanation (more on that below). When Heiser comes to New Testament material, he conclusively shows that the New Testament writers understood the “Enochian worldview� and echoed it at regular intervals.
Assuming that the text of 1 Enoch probably didn’t come from pre-flood times, and granting that it is not Scripture, why is it important? It’s important because it was part of the worldview of the apostles (and indeed, at least two apostles quoted it as authentic literature). Further, Enoch has material in it while absent from the OT, is present in Jude and 2 Peter (e.g., imprisoned angels, etc).
Heiser argues that “The Enochian version of the events of Genesis 6:1-4 preserves and transmits the original Mesopotamian context for the first four verses of the Flood account� (Heiser loc. 84).
Heiser notes the links between the Mesopotamian apkallu and the Fallen Watchers.
The Enochic Template
Drawing upon the scholarship of Amy Richter, Heiser notes “anti-Watcher� themes in the genealogy of Jesus (loc. 1244). Each of the women in Jesus’s genealogy deal with some sort of illicit arts and beautification (Tamar and Ruth), sexual sin (Bathsheba), and Nephilim echoes (Rahab).
With Tamar, we see echoes of 1 Enoch and Gen. 6:1-4. “Judah saw/he took her and went into her.� Indeed, Judah’s first-born son was named “Er� (Hebrew ‘r; Aramaic ir).
With Rahab she is in the land of the Nephilim, she marries Boaz, was was a Gibbor (Ruth 2:1). Of course, Boaz wasn’t a giant, but given that gibbor is often translated as gigas, Matthew is creating mental links between the two (loc. 1377). But there are more links: according to James 2:25, Rahab received messengers (angelous).
Bathsheba was married to Uriah, a gibbor (2 Sam. 23:39). Of course, she is also called Bath-shua (1 Chr 3.5), therefore echoing the Enochic template of that scene.
An Analysis of Psalm 68
A surface reading of Eph 4.8 and Psalm 68.18 reveals a problem. Jesus is giving gifts and the Psalm says God receives gifts. Heiser suggests we can remove some of the confusion by not reading this as Jesus leading captives free (which would be true in other contexts), but rather taking captives, per his storming of Bashan (loc. 1691).
November 18, 2021
I have read many books about the 'Watchers' and the 'Nephilim.' I am also an avid reader and student of Dr. Michael S. Heiser, a biblical scholar. When I firts purchased this book in 2020, I put it aside but now have started reading it. As with all his books, Dr. Heiser has written an in-depth book about topics which most Christians only skim over. The topic of the introduction of sin and the purveyors of this, 'the Watchers' (fallen angels) is a weighty one which some have tackled but few have even delved into with the depth the topics deserve. Dr. Heiser has done thta with this book.
Yes, he does review some well-trodden paths and topics but he infuses new insight. Among the areas discusse are an in-depth study of Genesis 6:1-4, the truths of the Book of Enoch, the representation of 'the watchers' throughout world cultures, the sinful acts of 'the watchers' against Israel and the line of Jesus, the role of 'the watchers' in prophecy, and the legacy of 'the nephilim' (the offspring of 'the watchers').
Finally, this book stands apart from others on the same subject because Dr. Hesier includes several appendices that contain many ancient text references and passages such as several biblcial passgaes, teh Book of Enoch, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Origen's writings, the Book of Jubilees, the Book of Giants and myths such as the Mesopotamian tale of the Apkalu. This inclusion makes this a scholarly reference of great value. This is no surprise given the scholarly nature and style of Dr. Heiser.
Yes, he does review some well-trodden paths and topics but he infuses new insight. Among the areas discusse are an in-depth study of Genesis 6:1-4, the truths of the Book of Enoch, the representation of 'the watchers' throughout world cultures, the sinful acts of 'the watchers' against Israel and the line of Jesus, the role of 'the watchers' in prophecy, and the legacy of 'the nephilim' (the offspring of 'the watchers').
Finally, this book stands apart from others on the same subject because Dr. Hesier includes several appendices that contain many ancient text references and passages such as several biblcial passgaes, teh Book of Enoch, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Origen's writings, the Book of Jubilees, the Book of Giants and myths such as the Mesopotamian tale of the Apkalu. This inclusion makes this a scholarly reference of great value. This is no surprise given the scholarly nature and style of Dr. Heiser.
July 18, 2017
A lot to chew on here. There were several areas where I would have liked a more thorough case, but all in all, he presents some very convincing evidence. I would definitely recommend reading The Unseen Realm first.
January 20, 2018
Such a good book... Definitely worth a re-read, especially all the various scholarly sources that it has drawn upon. A lot of food for thought.
Read
July 25, 2021It's not my place to rate theology that isn't my own, but Dr. Heiser really needs to spend some with with the Lord of Spirits Podcasy on Ancient Faith Radio.
(Note to typesetters - the letter Я is an established letter with a sound, which is not similar to an English R.)
(Note to typesetters - the letter Я is an established letter with a sound, which is not similar to an English R.)
March 2, 2025
Interesting food for thought, although I'm dubious of some of his claims.
September 27, 2024
This is a fantastic follow up to the unseen realm. It had me rethinking and wrestling with his propositions even more. Would not recommend unless you have read unseen realm.
October 11, 2024
Very interesting book with lots of suggestions for additional reading on the subject. The Unseen Realm by Heiser is still my favorite of his books.
July 29, 2022
A collection of material relating to the Book of Enoch (1 Enoch) and its influence on the writing of the New Testament. I was particularly struck by the explanation of that cryptic statement of Paul's - "because of the angels" - in relation to women's head covering. I was more particularly struck by the reported statement of Tertullian that demons have no name individually but find a name where they can find a token.
In the section of 1 Enoch relating to the sin of the Watchers, the origin of evil spirits is reveal: they arise from the dead bodies of the giants. They will haunt mankind until the final judgment. Enoch is sent back to the Watchers with the message: "You will not have peace." (p 31)
The story of Bathsheba and David has many parallels to the sin of the Watchers. (p 84)
Early Christian writers such as Chrysostom and Clement of Alexandria understood Galatians 3:19 to say that the Law caused transgression but that transgression prompted God to give the Law in order to restrain it. (p116)
Galatians 4:4 implies a contrast between the Watcher rebellion with human women and the birth of Jesus from a woman. (p118) Reversals of cosmic upheavals - p 119 (Here implies the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is contrasted with demon possession.)
Irenaeus records two types of defilement by the angels: the giants (whom he calls "the infamous race of men") and evil teachings. (p121)
Worship of angels and presence of angels at Qumran was thought to contribute to the community's well-being. (p126f)
Wearing of head-covering in Paul's teaching may refer to guarding against supernatural violation (as well as scandal in society). It serves a boundary function. (p129 f)
An anti-Christ type figure is recorded in Jewish literature called the wicked one, Gog or Beliar. (p150) Belial or Beliar is the leader of the powers of darkness . Also called Semihaza, Mastema or Prince of Darkness. (p150f) 1 Enoch 10:4 records Azazel as the Watcher leader. (p151)
According to the Damascus Document, Moses and Aaron were raised up by the Prince of Light as Jannes and his brothers were raised up by Belial. (p152)
A covenant ceremony was prescribed to be conducted by the Qumran community "for all the days of Belial's dominion". (p152)
Several Dead Sea Scrolls describe an end-times war between the messianic prince and His holy ones as well as His faithful human followers, and Belial and his forces, divine and human. (p153)
The Sybilline Oracles suggest Beliar will come from the Sebastenoi - from the line of Augustus. In the Ascension of Isaiah, Beliar is said to be a lawless king, the slayer of his mother, suggesting Nero.
Beliar was expected to manifest as a man. (Perhaps Nahum 1:11 and 1:15 suggest this.) (p154)
Qumran text: a son of Belial will plot and oppress my people but I will prevent him, and his dominion will not exist but a multitude will be defiled, offspring will not remain. From the grapevine, no new wine, nor... honey. (p154)
Irenaeus wrote that one workable cipher for 666 was Teitan - titan. (p156) The war of the Titans (Titanomachy) and the war of the Giants (Gigantomachy). (p156f)
The Septuagint renders rephaim with ; rephaim is another name for Anakim, descendents of the nephilim. Also rephaim is sometimes translated gigas. (p158)
Eupolemus states that Babylon was founded by giants who escaped the flood and built the tower of Babel. Belos, the builder of the tower, was the son of Kronos and brother of Canaan. (p158f)
Amorite culture was Mesopotamian. (p161)
Gog and Agag, locusts and mowings. (p171)
Dan was the central cultic site for the worship of Baal, the lord of the underworld. (p173)
Tertullian on thresholds and demonic powers. "Demons have no name individually , but they there find a name where they find also a token." (p190)
Ivy leaf brand of Dionysius (3 Maccabees 2:29) contrasted with Galatians 6:17. (p228)
New Testament quotes from Greek writers. (p255)
The Greek word for Legion is a direct reference to Roman forces, and the Greek word for herdis used of Roman military recruits. (p300)
In the section of 1 Enoch relating to the sin of the Watchers, the origin of evil spirits is reveal: they arise from the dead bodies of the giants. They will haunt mankind until the final judgment. Enoch is sent back to the Watchers with the message: "You will not have peace." (p 31)
The story of Bathsheba and David has many parallels to the sin of the Watchers. (p 84)
Early Christian writers such as Chrysostom and Clement of Alexandria understood Galatians 3:19 to say that the Law caused transgression but that transgression prompted God to give the Law in order to restrain it. (p116)
Galatians 4:4 implies a contrast between the Watcher rebellion with human women and the birth of Jesus from a woman. (p118) Reversals of cosmic upheavals - p 119 (Here implies the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is contrasted with demon possession.)
Irenaeus records two types of defilement by the angels: the giants (whom he calls "the infamous race of men") and evil teachings. (p121)
Worship of angels and presence of angels at Qumran was thought to contribute to the community's well-being. (p126f)
Wearing of head-covering in Paul's teaching may refer to guarding against supernatural violation (as well as scandal in society). It serves a boundary function. (p129 f)
An anti-Christ type figure is recorded in Jewish literature called the wicked one, Gog or Beliar. (p150) Belial or Beliar is the leader of the powers of darkness . Also called Semihaza, Mastema or Prince of Darkness. (p150f) 1 Enoch 10:4 records Azazel as the Watcher leader. (p151)
According to the Damascus Document, Moses and Aaron were raised up by the Prince of Light as Jannes and his brothers were raised up by Belial. (p152)
A covenant ceremony was prescribed to be conducted by the Qumran community "for all the days of Belial's dominion". (p152)
Several Dead Sea Scrolls describe an end-times war between the messianic prince and His holy ones as well as His faithful human followers, and Belial and his forces, divine and human. (p153)
The Sybilline Oracles suggest Beliar will come from the Sebastenoi - from the line of Augustus. In the Ascension of Isaiah, Beliar is said to be a lawless king, the slayer of his mother, suggesting Nero.
Beliar was expected to manifest as a man. (Perhaps Nahum 1:11 and 1:15 suggest this.) (p154)
Qumran text: a son of Belial will plot and oppress my people but I will prevent him, and his dominion will not exist but a multitude will be defiled, offspring will not remain. From the grapevine, no new wine, nor... honey. (p154)
Irenaeus wrote that one workable cipher for 666 was Teitan - titan. (p156) The war of the Titans (Titanomachy) and the war of the Giants (Gigantomachy). (p156f)
The Septuagint renders rephaim with ; rephaim is another name for Anakim, descendents of the nephilim. Also rephaim is sometimes translated gigas. (p158)
Eupolemus states that Babylon was founded by giants who escaped the flood and built the tower of Babel. Belos, the builder of the tower, was the son of Kronos and brother of Canaan. (p158f)
Amorite culture was Mesopotamian. (p161)
Gog and Agag, locusts and mowings. (p171)
Dan was the central cultic site for the worship of Baal, the lord of the underworld. (p173)
Tertullian on thresholds and demonic powers. "Demons have no name individually , but they there find a name where they find also a token." (p190)
Ivy leaf brand of Dionysius (3 Maccabees 2:29) contrasted with Galatians 6:17. (p228)
New Testament quotes from Greek writers. (p255)
The Greek word for Legion is a direct reference to Roman forces, and the Greek word for herdis used of Roman military recruits. (p300)
June 6, 2017
This is Heiser's book about 1 Enoch, its relation to Genesis 6:1-4, the connection to Mesopotamian stories and that influence on the New Testament.
Heiser says that biblical theology does not derive from the church fathers. It derives from the biblical text. Biblical theology and "in context" must be two different things. He later says:
"No interpretation of Genesis 6: 1� 4 that does not carefully observe and interact with the original Mesopotamian context can hope to be even remotely correct."
Heiser, Michael S.. Reversing Hermon: Enoch, the Watchers, and the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ (Kindle Locations 919-920).
There is no mention of the apostolic teaching tradition. The biblical writers took a "supernaturalist approach." He doesn't explain if this is a belief in fanciful myths or something else.
Reversing Hermon means:
"the return of the Edenic kingdom of God to earth� the restoration of the divine order of heaven and earth so that the presence of God could return to earth in all its immediacy and fullness."
Heiser, Michael S.. Reversing Hermon: Enoch, the Watchers, and the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ (Kindle Locations 934-936).
Heiser presumes what I would call a millennial view of an earthly kingdom.
I would probably rate this book higher if Heiser didn't adopt what seems to me a nonsensical interpretation of Revelation 12. He follows the astronomical or astrological interpretation of Worldwide Church of God theologian Dr. Ernest L. Martin. He says that the man child is clearly Jesus. In Rev 12 the baby never leaves heaven for earth as do the woman and the dragon. Rev 12:1 uses symbolism similar to Genesis 37:9, yet no astrological claim is made for that passage, and Sarah was already deceased (Gen 23:1-2). Heiser claims the woman is Israel. It isn't explained in what sense the baby represents Jesus, but some in the early church interpreted it in a less materialistic fashion.
61. By the woman then clothed with the sun,� he meant most manifestly the Church, endued with the Father’s word, whose brightness is above the sun. And by the “moon under her feet� he referred to her being adorned, like the moon, with heavenly glory. And the words, “upon her head a crown of twelve stars,� refer to the twelve apostles by whom the Church was founded. And those, “she, being with child, cries, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered,� ** mean that the Church will not cease to bear from her heart the Word ** that is persecuted by the unbelieving in the world. “And she brought forth,� he says, “a man-child, who is to rule all the nations;� by which is ** meant that the Church, always bringing forth Christ, ** the perfect man-child of God, who is declared to be God and man, becomes the instructor of all the nations.
Treatise on Christ and Antichrist., Hippolytus
Martyr, Born 170 AD, Died 235 AD
Heiser says that biblical theology does not derive from the church fathers. It derives from the biblical text. Biblical theology and "in context" must be two different things. He later says:
"No interpretation of Genesis 6: 1� 4 that does not carefully observe and interact with the original Mesopotamian context can hope to be even remotely correct."
Heiser, Michael S.. Reversing Hermon: Enoch, the Watchers, and the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ (Kindle Locations 919-920).
There is no mention of the apostolic teaching tradition. The biblical writers took a "supernaturalist approach." He doesn't explain if this is a belief in fanciful myths or something else.
Reversing Hermon means:
"the return of the Edenic kingdom of God to earth� the restoration of the divine order of heaven and earth so that the presence of God could return to earth in all its immediacy and fullness."
Heiser, Michael S.. Reversing Hermon: Enoch, the Watchers, and the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ (Kindle Locations 934-936).
Heiser presumes what I would call a millennial view of an earthly kingdom.
I would probably rate this book higher if Heiser didn't adopt what seems to me a nonsensical interpretation of Revelation 12. He follows the astronomical or astrological interpretation of Worldwide Church of God theologian Dr. Ernest L. Martin. He says that the man child is clearly Jesus. In Rev 12 the baby never leaves heaven for earth as do the woman and the dragon. Rev 12:1 uses symbolism similar to Genesis 37:9, yet no astrological claim is made for that passage, and Sarah was already deceased (Gen 23:1-2). Heiser claims the woman is Israel. It isn't explained in what sense the baby represents Jesus, but some in the early church interpreted it in a less materialistic fashion.
61. By the woman then clothed with the sun,� he meant most manifestly the Church, endued with the Father’s word, whose brightness is above the sun. And by the “moon under her feet� he referred to her being adorned, like the moon, with heavenly glory. And the words, “upon her head a crown of twelve stars,� refer to the twelve apostles by whom the Church was founded. And those, “she, being with child, cries, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered,� ** mean that the Church will not cease to bear from her heart the Word ** that is persecuted by the unbelieving in the world. “And she brought forth,� he says, “a man-child, who is to rule all the nations;� by which is ** meant that the Church, always bringing forth Christ, ** the perfect man-child of God, who is declared to be God and man, becomes the instructor of all the nations.
Treatise on Christ and Antichrist., Hippolytus
Martyr, Born 170 AD, Died 235 AD
August 29, 2017
Another excellent, doctrine-rattling book by Mr. Heiser. A great follow up to his , which it is probably best to have already under your belt before tackling this writing. Though, don't consider that a discouragement, as I guess to this book alone would still provide a wealth of information, it just may be most beneficial to have read his more foundation forming positions that this books tends to build upon.
This whole system of study � the Divine Council and Second Temple Judaism writings and beliefs � have been not only an eye-opening study, but an major paradigm shift in my theology. The deeper I study, the more sense the Scriptures make, both New and Old Testaments. This book especially brings this missing story line to light, and shows why much is often misunderstood because it is taken out of context. Without understanding the context of the times and beliefs of those by and to whom these books of Scripture were written, much silliness arises from exegesis.
That is a bulk of what this book sets out to shed light on. As the subtitle suggests, there is an often missed story-line for most readers of the New Testament. If you do not understand how the Watchers play into the story of the work that Jesus came to fulfill, then you are going to miss many significant pieces of the gospel message. As the opening words state, "This book is about the important influence that the story of the sin of the Watchers in 1 Enoch 6-16 had on the thinking of New Testament authors." Sadly, most of today pew-sitters are totally ignorant of any such notion, because the majority of "teachers" filling the church pulpits are likewise ignorant.
More and more scholarly works on the topic, such as this one, have been written in recent years, yet sadly, few preachers study this deep into Scripture. Those who do � and I have spoken to a few � walk away with a greater understand and appreciation for Scripture, that is for sure. You'll never look at Scripture the same again, that is for sure.
This whole system of study � the Divine Council and Second Temple Judaism writings and beliefs � have been not only an eye-opening study, but an major paradigm shift in my theology. The deeper I study, the more sense the Scriptures make, both New and Old Testaments. This book especially brings this missing story line to light, and shows why much is often misunderstood because it is taken out of context. Without understanding the context of the times and beliefs of those by and to whom these books of Scripture were written, much silliness arises from exegesis.
That is a bulk of what this book sets out to shed light on. As the subtitle suggests, there is an often missed story-line for most readers of the New Testament. If you do not understand how the Watchers play into the story of the work that Jesus came to fulfill, then you are going to miss many significant pieces of the gospel message. As the opening words state, "This book is about the important influence that the story of the sin of the Watchers in 1 Enoch 6-16 had on the thinking of New Testament authors." Sadly, most of today pew-sitters are totally ignorant of any such notion, because the majority of "teachers" filling the church pulpits are likewise ignorant.
More and more scholarly works on the topic, such as this one, have been written in recent years, yet sadly, few preachers study this deep into Scripture. Those who do � and I have spoken to a few � walk away with a greater understand and appreciation for Scripture, that is for sure. You'll never look at Scripture the same again, that is for sure.
March 4, 2020
Reversing Hermon is just as much of an eye opening book as Heiser's previous book "The Unseen Realm". In fact, Reversing Hermon seemed to be like a sort of sequel to The Unseen Realm, in that while Heiser talks about the Nephillim in The Unseen Realm, as one part of the Old Testament "Divine Council Worldview", this book is 100% dedicated to the Nephillim and their origin.
The book is organized into four parts:
� PART I � Genesis 6:1-4 in its Original Ancient Contexts
� Chapter 1 � The Sons of God and Nephilim
� Chapter 2 � The Sin of the Watchers in 1 Enoch and Other Enochian Tests
� Chapter 3 � The Mesopotamian Apkallu, the Watchers, and the Nephilim
� PART II � Reversing Hermon in the Gospels
� Chapter 4 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Birth of Jesus
� Chapter 5 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Genealogy of Jesus
� Chapter 6 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Ministry of Jesus
� PART III � Reversing Hermon in the Epistles
� Chapter 7 � The Sin of the Watchers and Human Depravity
� Chapter 8 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Head Covering of 1 Corrintians 11
� Chapter 9 � The Sin of the Watchers and Baptism
� PART IV � Reversing Hermon in the Book of Revelation
� Chapter 10 � The Sin of the Watchers, the Nephilim, and the Antichrist
� Chapter 11 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Apocalypse
Definitely recommend reading this book.
The book is organized into four parts:
� PART I � Genesis 6:1-4 in its Original Ancient Contexts
� Chapter 1 � The Sons of God and Nephilim
� Chapter 2 � The Sin of the Watchers in 1 Enoch and Other Enochian Tests
� Chapter 3 � The Mesopotamian Apkallu, the Watchers, and the Nephilim
� PART II � Reversing Hermon in the Gospels
� Chapter 4 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Birth of Jesus
� Chapter 5 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Genealogy of Jesus
� Chapter 6 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Ministry of Jesus
� PART III � Reversing Hermon in the Epistles
� Chapter 7 � The Sin of the Watchers and Human Depravity
� Chapter 8 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Head Covering of 1 Corrintians 11
� Chapter 9 � The Sin of the Watchers and Baptism
� PART IV � Reversing Hermon in the Book of Revelation
� Chapter 10 � The Sin of the Watchers, the Nephilim, and the Antichrist
� Chapter 11 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Apocalypse
Definitely recommend reading this book.
December 8, 2017
This is Dr. Heiser's second book discussing the ancient metaphysical backdrop to the accounts recorded in the Bible. Unlike this book contains a bit more speculation, but like his first book there is plenty of scholarship to backup hypothesis. This second book picks up where Unseen Realm ends with a focus on Christ's role as not only redeemer of the world, but also reversing the damage done by the Watchers and their off-spring. Fascinating reading and enlightening in many areas.
December 4, 2023
Fascinating. Some parts felt like a stretch where others felt like solid connections. We’re told over and over that context is everything so to have some original cultural context for a number of the strangest supernatural verses in the Bible is illuminating. Was Heiser correct with these conclusions? I don’t know but he’s definitely not dismissive of these texts. Perhaps we’ve grown too materialistic in our Christian worldviews which is odd considering the supernatural reality of Yahweh. Note that nothing claims 1 Enoch to be mystic “hidden� knowledge. I don’t see there being any interference with the gospel in any of these texts. The Lord has preserved what He has preserved. If 1 Enoch is not inspired but still valuable insight into second temple Judaism and the world they lived in, a few of the confusing passages seem a bit more palatable. The chapter of head coverings made way more sense than other justifications for head coverings, for example. Overall, this is a recommend but it won’t be for everyone.
February 5, 2022
Heiser is great! The book is definitely a must read as it is The Unseen Realm!
September 22, 2023
This book is eye opening to put it mildly. Fantastic information that truly helps so many things in the Bible make sense. I am mind blown in the best way. Could not put this down. I highly recommend!
March 16, 2024
This book will rock your pretty little evangelical socks off.
April 4, 2024
A lot of great info, but a lot of unhingery as well.
July 24, 2022
If you’ve read Heiser’s other work, you’ll already have some of the content here. While much is repeated, there is some new information here, and this is a worthy addition to other books by him. The biggest takeaway is to understand that there was an intellectual atmosphere in the first century Jewish world that included the books of Enoch. It’s not so much that the apostles necessarily thought those books were “inspired� per se (which is a modern construct to begin with anyways), but that the information there was widely known and accepted, and you can see it reflected in the pages of the New Testament.
March 28, 2022
Who are we? 🤔
Why are we here? 🤔
What is evil and why does it exist? 🤔
You can find the answers to some of the most asked philosophical questions in the first several chapters of Genesis.
This book doesn’t dive into all of those questions but it is a continuation of Heiser’s study of Genesis 6:1-4 from his earlier book The Unseen Realm, particularly the question, “What is evil and where did it come from?�
In Reversing Hermon Heiser shows how the New Testament authors were influenced by 1 Enoch 6-16 as it pertains to the sin of the Watchers in order to see parts of the New Testament more clearly without the hindrance of our modern culture and traditions. This is not an appeal to consider Enoch or any of the other pseudepigrapha inspired scripture. Heiser does an excellent job, as usual, showing how other ancient literature supports and helps clarify our Bible as we know it today.
This is the third book I’ve read by Heiser and it’s as excellent as all the rest. Every time I finish one of his books the words on the pages of my Bible become more clear and I have a much better understanding of context. Heiser eliminates the fogginess of our modern eyes and helps us understand scripture from the perspective of the ones writing it.
As with all his work, there are an abundance of references and notes so the reader can do their own research and further their study. This book has made me even more interested in learning about Second Temple Jewish texts and how they may help us understand the New Testament in context.
If you pick this up I would recommend you read The Unseen Realm first. This is a stand alone book but the references will be much easier to understand if you’ve already studied Genesis 6:1-4 in depth and The Unseen Realm does just that 🤓
5/5 ⭐️ - eye-opening, excellent-an important study with special care to stay true to scripture in its purest form.
Why are we here? 🤔
What is evil and why does it exist? 🤔
You can find the answers to some of the most asked philosophical questions in the first several chapters of Genesis.
This book doesn’t dive into all of those questions but it is a continuation of Heiser’s study of Genesis 6:1-4 from his earlier book The Unseen Realm, particularly the question, “What is evil and where did it come from?�
In Reversing Hermon Heiser shows how the New Testament authors were influenced by 1 Enoch 6-16 as it pertains to the sin of the Watchers in order to see parts of the New Testament more clearly without the hindrance of our modern culture and traditions. This is not an appeal to consider Enoch or any of the other pseudepigrapha inspired scripture. Heiser does an excellent job, as usual, showing how other ancient literature supports and helps clarify our Bible as we know it today.
This is the third book I’ve read by Heiser and it’s as excellent as all the rest. Every time I finish one of his books the words on the pages of my Bible become more clear and I have a much better understanding of context. Heiser eliminates the fogginess of our modern eyes and helps us understand scripture from the perspective of the ones writing it.
As with all his work, there are an abundance of references and notes so the reader can do their own research and further their study. This book has made me even more interested in learning about Second Temple Jewish texts and how they may help us understand the New Testament in context.
If you pick this up I would recommend you read The Unseen Realm first. This is a stand alone book but the references will be much easier to understand if you’ve already studied Genesis 6:1-4 in depth and The Unseen Realm does just that 🤓
5/5 ⭐️ - eye-opening, excellent-an important study with special care to stay true to scripture in its purest form.
December 29, 2019
While I enjoyed this book, am glad I read it, and am glad to have it in my library, I was disappointed with this work as compared to Heiser's other books. REVERSING HERMON is an expansion of his work in THE UNSEEN REALM, focusing specifically on 1 ENOCH and how it informs us of the context of the Old and New Testament writings. While much of the book contains valuable insight, REVERSING HERMON reads more like a summary or survey of recent academic articles on the subject than a full book on its own. A significant portion of the book is made up of lengthy block quotes from academic journals with little commentary added. This may even make up greater than 30% of the text. What's more, several of the chapters involve (in my humble estimation) highly speculative material on subjects like the genealogy of Jesus and Jesus's birth date. I appreciate Heiser's work and am glad to have read this book, I am certain that I will refer to it in the future; however, this is not as accessible, original, or important a work as THE UNSEEN REALM. This book would have received a higher rating if Heiser had done more to synthesize the material into an original, cohesive work for a popular audience or if he had developed it into a more academic work that marshalled all the best scholarship into a comprehensive work. This book fails to split the baby, but is still good work and a valuable asset for anyone interested in the subject.
June 18, 2021
This was a remarkably easy book to read, and highly interesting (if you are interested in obscure theology). The book seeks to show that much of what is written in the New Testament was influenced by the book of Enoch. The author does an excellent job in presenting his case using various passages and examples, which range from very strong to rather weak. Highly recommended if you interest in odd theological reflections. Not recommended for anything practical.
September 9, 2021
If you've never read about the book of Enoch and the heavenly counsel and you've only read mainstream christian books� this is going to be a weird one.
Specially the chapter about the veils.
But it's an interesting read and if even of a portion of what it says it's actually true. Well�, we are wrong about so many things.
Specially the chapter about the veils.
But it's an interesting read and if even of a portion of what it says it's actually true. Well�, we are wrong about so many things.
December 13, 2021
If you read one book by Michael Heiser, I recommend The Unseen Realm. You can find my review of that book here:
Bottom line: I highly recommend The Unseen Realm to anyone who wants to understand Scripture. Reversing Hermon, on the other hand, I would mainly recommend to those who are curious about the book of 1 Enoch and would like to know more about it.
Heiser is known for his work on what he calls the divine council—a group of exalted spiritual beings, higher than angels, who rule with God. These are the beings Scripture is referring to when it speaks of the sons of God, the powers of the heavens, or the watchers. At the tower of Babel, when mankind rebelled against God, he punished them by allotting the nations to various sons of God. These beings were given authority over the nations, but where never to be worshipped. Some of them fell and enticed the nations to worship them anyway. Part of Jesus� work on the cross was to defeat these powers and reclaim the nations for God.
The most famous passage in the Bible about the sons of God is Genesis 6, which is a very brief account of how the sons of God cohabited with the daughters of men at the time of the Nephilim resulting in judgment by God. Interpreters have offered several suggestions on how to interpret that chapter. Heiser argues that the interpretation endorsed by other Bible writers is the one described in the book of 1 Enoch, since 1 Enoch is quoted favorably in Jude 14-15 and alluded to in other passages. And 1 Enoch suggests that the sons of God were evil spirits who cohabited with women resulting in a race of giants (the Nephilim).
This is all described in The Unseen Realm. Reversing Hermon goes further into explaining 1 Enoch.
1 Enoch is part of what scholars call the pseudepigrapha (books named after famous Bible characters but that were not written by those characters). 1 Enoch was not written by the real Enoch. It was written between the Old and New Testaments—probably a couple hundred years before Jesus� time. The fact that it is called “Enoch� does not necessarily mean the author was attempting to deceive people into thinking it was written by Enoch. That name may have become attached to the book later.
Heiser does not suggest that 1 Enoch is part of Scripture. But he does regard it as important since it was highly regarded in Jesus� time and quoted by Jude. If a Bible writer uses language from 1 Enoch in contexts that match the material in 1 Enoch, it stands to reason that the assumptions and perspectives of 1 Enoch would come to the 1st Century readers� minds.
Heiser shows how many puzzling passages in the Bible make perfect sense if seen from the point of view this interpretation of the sons of God. I found his arguments, for the most part, to be very strong. In a few cases I remain unconvinced. For example, in chapter 4 he describes how God might have revealed the exact date of Jesus� birth through the stars. It is a fascinating discussion, however he doesn’t address the difficulties in the view. If the star that the magi followed was a constellation, how did it stop over a specific house in Bethlehem?
In chapter 5 he suggests that the women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus would have called to mind the Genesis 6 story because they each were involved in either sexual immorality or an effort to make themselves beautiful (which 1 Enoch says is one of the skills the watchers taught mankind). It seems to me all people want to look good, especially women. It seems a stretch to say that a reference to wanting to enhance one’s beauty would necessarily make readers think of the watchers in Genesis 6.
Chapter 6, on the other hand, I found extremely helpful. It explains how Mount Hermon/Bashan/Caesarea Philippi/Gog represent the realm of the sons of God, so when Jesus went there and spoke of the gates of hell not being able to withstand the onslaught of his church, it would have been seen as a clear reference to the defeat of the fallen sons of God.
The book also discusses the content of 1 Enoch and the history of the church’s attitudes toward 1 Enoch. He also provides a list of NT passages that may be allusions to 1 Enoch. Some are more convincing than others.
The book is organized into four parts:
� PART I � Genesis 6:1-4 in its Original Ancient Contexts
� Chapter 1 � The Sons of God and Nephilim
� Chapter 2 � The Sin of the Watchers in 1 Enoch and Other Enochian Tests
� Chapter 3 � The Mesopotamian Apkallu, the Watchers, and the Nephilim
� PART II � Reversing Hermon in the Gospels
� Chapter 4 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Birth of Jesus
� Chapter 5 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Genealogy of Jesus
� Chapter 6 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Ministry of Jesus
� PART III � Reversing Hermon in the Epistles
� Chapter 7 � The Sin of the Watchers and Human Depravity
� Chapter 8 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Head Covering of 1 Corinthians 11
� Chapter 9 � The Sin of the Watchers and Baptism
� PART IV � Reversing Hermon in the Book of Revelation
� Chapter 10 � The Sin of the Watchers, the Nephilim, and the Antichrist
� Chapter 11 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Apocalypse
Bottom line: I highly recommend The Unseen Realm to anyone who wants to understand Scripture. Reversing Hermon, on the other hand, I would mainly recommend to those who are curious about the book of 1 Enoch and would like to know more about it.
Heiser is known for his work on what he calls the divine council—a group of exalted spiritual beings, higher than angels, who rule with God. These are the beings Scripture is referring to when it speaks of the sons of God, the powers of the heavens, or the watchers. At the tower of Babel, when mankind rebelled against God, he punished them by allotting the nations to various sons of God. These beings were given authority over the nations, but where never to be worshipped. Some of them fell and enticed the nations to worship them anyway. Part of Jesus� work on the cross was to defeat these powers and reclaim the nations for God.
The most famous passage in the Bible about the sons of God is Genesis 6, which is a very brief account of how the sons of God cohabited with the daughters of men at the time of the Nephilim resulting in judgment by God. Interpreters have offered several suggestions on how to interpret that chapter. Heiser argues that the interpretation endorsed by other Bible writers is the one described in the book of 1 Enoch, since 1 Enoch is quoted favorably in Jude 14-15 and alluded to in other passages. And 1 Enoch suggests that the sons of God were evil spirits who cohabited with women resulting in a race of giants (the Nephilim).
This is all described in The Unseen Realm. Reversing Hermon goes further into explaining 1 Enoch.
1 Enoch is part of what scholars call the pseudepigrapha (books named after famous Bible characters but that were not written by those characters). 1 Enoch was not written by the real Enoch. It was written between the Old and New Testaments—probably a couple hundred years before Jesus� time. The fact that it is called “Enoch� does not necessarily mean the author was attempting to deceive people into thinking it was written by Enoch. That name may have become attached to the book later.
Heiser does not suggest that 1 Enoch is part of Scripture. But he does regard it as important since it was highly regarded in Jesus� time and quoted by Jude. If a Bible writer uses language from 1 Enoch in contexts that match the material in 1 Enoch, it stands to reason that the assumptions and perspectives of 1 Enoch would come to the 1st Century readers� minds.
Heiser shows how many puzzling passages in the Bible make perfect sense if seen from the point of view this interpretation of the sons of God. I found his arguments, for the most part, to be very strong. In a few cases I remain unconvinced. For example, in chapter 4 he describes how God might have revealed the exact date of Jesus� birth through the stars. It is a fascinating discussion, however he doesn’t address the difficulties in the view. If the star that the magi followed was a constellation, how did it stop over a specific house in Bethlehem?
In chapter 5 he suggests that the women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus would have called to mind the Genesis 6 story because they each were involved in either sexual immorality or an effort to make themselves beautiful (which 1 Enoch says is one of the skills the watchers taught mankind). It seems to me all people want to look good, especially women. It seems a stretch to say that a reference to wanting to enhance one’s beauty would necessarily make readers think of the watchers in Genesis 6.
Chapter 6, on the other hand, I found extremely helpful. It explains how Mount Hermon/Bashan/Caesarea Philippi/Gog represent the realm of the sons of God, so when Jesus went there and spoke of the gates of hell not being able to withstand the onslaught of his church, it would have been seen as a clear reference to the defeat of the fallen sons of God.
The book also discusses the content of 1 Enoch and the history of the church’s attitudes toward 1 Enoch. He also provides a list of NT passages that may be allusions to 1 Enoch. Some are more convincing than others.
The book is organized into four parts:
� PART I � Genesis 6:1-4 in its Original Ancient Contexts
� Chapter 1 � The Sons of God and Nephilim
� Chapter 2 � The Sin of the Watchers in 1 Enoch and Other Enochian Tests
� Chapter 3 � The Mesopotamian Apkallu, the Watchers, and the Nephilim
� PART II � Reversing Hermon in the Gospels
� Chapter 4 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Birth of Jesus
� Chapter 5 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Genealogy of Jesus
� Chapter 6 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Ministry of Jesus
� PART III � Reversing Hermon in the Epistles
� Chapter 7 � The Sin of the Watchers and Human Depravity
� Chapter 8 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Head Covering of 1 Corinthians 11
� Chapter 9 � The Sin of the Watchers and Baptism
� PART IV � Reversing Hermon in the Book of Revelation
� Chapter 10 � The Sin of the Watchers, the Nephilim, and the Antichrist
� Chapter 11 � The Sin of the Watchers and the Apocalypse
September 2, 2017
Awesome read. Highly recommend. One word: periboleion.
December 13, 2022
Reversing Faith
I'm an action adventure writer, historian, have worked for several archaeologists, have a criminal justice degree and I grew up in the Christian church. The unfortunate thing is that the church accidentally taught me that Jesus was a total wimp.
Who wants to worship a wimp?
Nobody.
Reversing Hermon changed and challenged that.
It turns out, in no great big surprise that mainstream Christianity wanted to focus on the nice stuff. You know, saving grace... salvation... control your behavior - lest you fall into sin. Oh, and the 11th commandment is, 'don't rock the boat.'
One of Dr. Michael Heiser's passions is bringing out details in the ancient Biblical text that Christians cross out or glaze over because they sound weird. His mantra is, "People don't need to be protected from the Bible."
Wa-hoo! Bring on the truth!
Jesus walked onto this earth with a mission. And he was no wimp. He knew what he was doing and who he was challenging. This mission - wasn't death on a cross. That's only part of it.
That's the part Christianity likes to hang onto and place everything on. But there's more to Christian faith than the death of Christ. There's a whole lead in, set up of events and a payoff of something much larger than, "Here's your fire insurance and get out of jail free card. Pray the prayer of salvation and get to heaven. Next in line, please."
Essentially Jesus and Hannibal Smith of the 1980s tv show, The A-Team have a lot in common.
Reversing Hermon brings this out through solid research.
Jonathan Cahn of the Harbinger and Return of the Gods, please step down. Reversing Hermon is better by the thousands.
You see, the ancient world didn't separate the natural and the supernatural. There was real darkness, and like a supernatural series of mafia godfathers, there were rebellious semi-divine entities in charge. They had territories like a street gang.
This is still true today. Trust me, I live in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania - which is famous for ghosts and other sightings of creepy things.
Jesus' task: Take back those territories.
How?
In the words of Hannibal Smith, "Front door."
Jesus shows up in a dark world, walks down those mean streets, helps the hopeless - all while being watched by dark forces in the city. One man against the world. And he was completely not intimidated by this. He was "on the jazz," in A-Team vernacular, essentially asking evil, "Do you feel lucky, punk?"
Put on your supernatural glasses like you do when reading or watching a superhero movie and think of Jerusalem like Gotham City and Jesus is Batman.
Each one of Jesus' miracles was a calling card to those in charge. He put the establishment on notice, he put the spiritual thugs on notice... he got the attention of the whole freakin' Roman Empire... and its supernatural protectors. He put the divine rebels on notice. He challenged them on their turf and essentially took back not only His city - but the whole world.
With a supernatural worldview as outlined in Reversing Hermon, Heiser has done an amazing job, raising the stakes and showing how much modern Christianity is missing by simply not understanding the worldview of the Biblical text and the cultures around it. All of his research is peer reviewed, reasonably accessible and affordable. On top of that - its inspiring and makes you ready to stand against evil, because you know the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ.
You see... the job isn't finished. We have a mission too, because like Hannibal Smith, God "loves it when a plan comes together."
Yes. You can do without this book.
Yes. It can be viewed as scary or confusing.
This is further compounded by church teaching which claims that the world is fallen and there's nothing you can do about evil because your humanity will always make you sin, so the best you can do is live small, behave until you die and hope your prayer life didn't suck.
This book proves all of that wrong.
As for me, I need a fighting faith and a mighty warrior hero to stand with for a challenging time. You probably do too.
I'm an action adventure writer, historian, have worked for several archaeologists, have a criminal justice degree and I grew up in the Christian church. The unfortunate thing is that the church accidentally taught me that Jesus was a total wimp.
Who wants to worship a wimp?
Nobody.
Reversing Hermon changed and challenged that.
It turns out, in no great big surprise that mainstream Christianity wanted to focus on the nice stuff. You know, saving grace... salvation... control your behavior - lest you fall into sin. Oh, and the 11th commandment is, 'don't rock the boat.'
One of Dr. Michael Heiser's passions is bringing out details in the ancient Biblical text that Christians cross out or glaze over because they sound weird. His mantra is, "People don't need to be protected from the Bible."
Wa-hoo! Bring on the truth!
Jesus walked onto this earth with a mission. And he was no wimp. He knew what he was doing and who he was challenging. This mission - wasn't death on a cross. That's only part of it.
That's the part Christianity likes to hang onto and place everything on. But there's more to Christian faith than the death of Christ. There's a whole lead in, set up of events and a payoff of something much larger than, "Here's your fire insurance and get out of jail free card. Pray the prayer of salvation and get to heaven. Next in line, please."
Essentially Jesus and Hannibal Smith of the 1980s tv show, The A-Team have a lot in common.
Reversing Hermon brings this out through solid research.
Jonathan Cahn of the Harbinger and Return of the Gods, please step down. Reversing Hermon is better by the thousands.
You see, the ancient world didn't separate the natural and the supernatural. There was real darkness, and like a supernatural series of mafia godfathers, there were rebellious semi-divine entities in charge. They had territories like a street gang.
This is still true today. Trust me, I live in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania - which is famous for ghosts and other sightings of creepy things.
Jesus' task: Take back those territories.
How?
In the words of Hannibal Smith, "Front door."
Jesus shows up in a dark world, walks down those mean streets, helps the hopeless - all while being watched by dark forces in the city. One man against the world. And he was completely not intimidated by this. He was "on the jazz," in A-Team vernacular, essentially asking evil, "Do you feel lucky, punk?"
Put on your supernatural glasses like you do when reading or watching a superhero movie and think of Jerusalem like Gotham City and Jesus is Batman.
Each one of Jesus' miracles was a calling card to those in charge. He put the establishment on notice, he put the spiritual thugs on notice... he got the attention of the whole freakin' Roman Empire... and its supernatural protectors. He put the divine rebels on notice. He challenged them on their turf and essentially took back not only His city - but the whole world.
With a supernatural worldview as outlined in Reversing Hermon, Heiser has done an amazing job, raising the stakes and showing how much modern Christianity is missing by simply not understanding the worldview of the Biblical text and the cultures around it. All of his research is peer reviewed, reasonably accessible and affordable. On top of that - its inspiring and makes you ready to stand against evil, because you know the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ.
You see... the job isn't finished. We have a mission too, because like Hannibal Smith, God "loves it when a plan comes together."
Yes. You can do without this book.
Yes. It can be viewed as scary or confusing.
This is further compounded by church teaching which claims that the world is fallen and there's nothing you can do about evil because your humanity will always make you sin, so the best you can do is live small, behave until you die and hope your prayer life didn't suck.
This book proves all of that wrong.
As for me, I need a fighting faith and a mighty warrior hero to stand with for a challenging time. You probably do too.
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