Genesis 6:1–4 presents one of the most enigmatic passages in the Old Testament, describing a time when the “sons of God” took wives from the “daughters of men,” resulting in the birth of the Nephilim—figures described as “mighty men” and “men of renown.”
This brief and obscure episode has generated considerable theological debate due to its ambiguous language, mythic overtones, and apparent disruption of the surrounding narrative. The passage is situated immediately prior to the account of the great flood, suggesting a link between this event and the escalation of human wickedness.
Central to the interpretive dilemma is the identity of the “sons of God” and the nature of their union with human women, with implications for broader theological themes such as divine-human boundaries, the origins of evil, and the unfolding of divine judgment. Throughout history, scholars and theologians have advanced several competing interpretations of this text, each attempting to reconcile its complex language and theological implications within a coherent biblical framework.
Context
My engagement with the Genesis 6 passage began through reading Dr. Michael Heiser’s exceptional work, The Unseen Realm. In this book, Dr. Heiser presents an in-depth theological and linguistic analysis of the text with remarkable clarity and scholarly precision. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the supernatural worldview reflected in the Bible.
This essay offers a concise summary of the Genesis 6 account, followed by a curated compilation of resources reflecting diverse perspectives on the passage. These include insights from early Church Fathers, Jewish literature, and comparative material from ancient Greek, Babylonian, and Egyptian sources—all of which contribute to a broader context for the angelic interpretation of Genesis 6.
The Church Fathers cited herein—regardless of denominational affiliation, whether Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant—remain foundational figures in Christian theology. As spiritual heirs of the Apostles, many of them suffered martyrdom for the preservation and transmission of the Holy Scriptures. They are rightly honored as saints and Doctors of the Church.
Beyond the scope of Genesis 6, I must emphasize the enduring theological and pastoral value of the patristic writings from the first four centuries of the Church. Currently, I am reading St. John Chrysostom’s Homilies on the Gospel of John, and I am deeply moved by the clarity and authority with which he expounds the doctrine.
Lastly, I want to make a clear commitment regarding the integrity of this work: this essay will not promote Gnostic texts, astrological speculation, or esoteric interpretations that stray from orthodox Christian theology. I do not offer personal visions or imaginative reinterpretations. My role here is that of a compiler and reporter, presenting faithfully the views of the most esteemed early Christian voices on the Genesis 6 narrative—not to persuade, but to inform.
Biblical Text (Genesis 6:1–4) in Three Translations
The Contemporary Torah (JPS, 2006)
When humankind began to increase on earth and daughters were born to them,
the [males among the] divine beings saw how pleasing the human women were and took wives from among those who delighted them.—
[God] said, “My breath shall not abide in humankind forever, since it too is flesh; let the days allowed them be one hundred and twenty years.”—
It was then, and later too, that the Nephilim appeared on earth—when divine beings cohabited with the human women, who bore them offspring.
Such were the heroes of old, the men of renown.
New International Version (NIV)
6 When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them,
2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.
3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.”
4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them.
They were the heroes of old, men of renown.
King James Version (KJV)
6 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them,
the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
Theological Interpretation and Spiritual Implications
According to the testimony of the Church Fathers, the Genesis 6 account reflects a second act of disobedience distinct from the original fall of humanity. In this instance, spiritual beings transgressed divine boundaries by engaging in illicit relations with human women—a union explicitly forbidden by God.
This union produced a race of hybrid beings, whose identity remains enigmatic throughout the biblical narrative. Referred to by various names such as the Nephilim, Gibborim, Rephaim, Anakim, these groups appear repeatedly throughout the Pentateuch and are frequently associated with great size, unnatural appearance, and opposition to Israel.
The conquest narratives in the Hebrew Bible—especially those involving the Israelite occupation of Canaan—coincide with divine judgments against these nations, suggesting that these battles were not merely geopolitical, but part of a broader spiritual conflict. Early traditions, including those reflected in Greek literature, identify these beings with the so-called Grigori or “Watchers,” further reinforcing the cross-cultural memory of such figures as fearsome, corrupted entities opposed to the divine order.
Patristic Witnesses to the Genesis 6 Interpretation
The following are selected passages from the Church Fathers, offering detailed and often striking insights into the events described in Genesis 6. These texts reflect a consistent early Christian understanding that the “sons of God” were angelic beings who transgressed divine boundaries by engaging in relations with human women, resulting in the birth of the Nephilim and their descendants.
Far from being marginal opinions, these views were held by some of the most authoritative figures in early Christian theology. The accounts are extensive and, in some cases, contain vivid and theologically challenging material. They demonstrate the seriousness with which the early Church treated this passage—not as myth or allegory, but as a literal event with profound spiritual consequences.
THE CHURCH FATHERS
1. CLEMENT OF ROME (1 AD)
Chapter XII. Metamorphoses of the Angels
For of the spirits who inhabit the heaven, the angels who dwell in the lowest region, being grieved at the ingratitude of men to God, asked that they might come into the life of men, that, really becoming men, by more intercourse they might convict those who had acted ungratefully towards Him, and might subject every one to adequate punishment. When, therefore, their petition was granted, they metamorphosed themselves into every nature; for, being of a more godlike substance, they are able easily to assume any form. So they became precious stones, and goodly pearl, and the most beauteous purple, and choice gold, and all matter that is held in most esteem. And they fell into the hands of some, and into the bosoms of others, and suffered themselves to be stolen by them. They also changed themselves into beasts and reptiles, and fishes and birds, and into whatsoever they pleased. These things also the poets among yourselves, by reason of fearlessness, sing, as they befell, attributing to one the many and diverse doings of all.
Chapter XIII. The Fall of the Angels
But when, having assumed these forms, they convicted as covetous those who stole them, and changed themselves into the nature of men, in order that, living holily, and showing the possibility of so living, they might subject the ungrateful to punishment, yet having become in all respects men, they also partook of human lust, and being brought under its subjection they fell into cohabitation with women; and being involved with them, and sunk in defilement and altogether emptied of their first power, were unable to turn back to the first purity of their proper nature, their members turned away from their fiery substance: for the fire itself, being extinguished by the weight of lust, and changed into flesh, they trode the impious path downward. For they themselves, being fettered with the bonds of flesh, were constrained and strongly bound; wherefore they have no more been able to ascend into the heavens.
Chapter XIV. Their Discoveries
For after the intercourse, being asked to show what they were before, and being no longer able to do so, on account of their being unable to do anything else after their defilement, yet wishing to please their mistresses, instead of themselves, they showed the bowels of the earth; I mean, the choice metals, gold, brass, silver, iron, and the like, with all the most precious stones. And along with these charmed stones, they delivered the arts of the things pertaining to each, and imparted the discovery of magic, and taught astronomy, and the powers of roots, and whatever was impossible to be found out by the human mind; also the melting of gold and silver, and the like, and the various dyeing of garments. And all things, in short, which are for the adornment and delight of women, are the discoveries of these demons bound in flesh.
Chapter XV. The Giants
But from their unhallowed intercourse spurious men sprang, much greater in stature than ordinary men, whom they afterwards called giants; not those dragon-footed giants who waged war against God, as those blasphemous myths of the Greeks do sing, but wild in manners, and greater than men in size, inasmuch as they were sprung of angels; yet less than angels, as they were born of women. Therefore God, knowing that they were barbarized to brutality, and that the world was not sufficient to satisfy them (for it was created according to the proportion of men and human use), that they might not through want of food turn, contrary to nature, to the eating of animals, and yet seem to be blameless, as having ventured upon this through necessity, the Almighty God rained manna upon them, suited to their various tastes; and they enjoyed all that they would. But they, on account of their bastard nature, not being pleased with purity of food, longed only after the taste of blood. Wherefore they first tasted flesh.
Chapter XVI. Cannibalism
And the men who were with them there for the first time were eager to do the like. Thus, although we are born neither good nor bad, we become one or the other; and having formed habits, we are with difficulty drawn from them. But when irrational animals fell short, these bastard men tasted also human flesh. For it was not a long step to the consumption of flesh like their own, having first tasted it in other forms.
Chapter XVII. The Flood
But by the shedding of much blood, the pure air being defiled with impure vapour, and sickening those who breathed it, rendered them liable to diseases, so that thenceforth men died prematurely. But the earth being by these means greatly defiled, these first teemed with poison-darting and deadly creatures. All things, therefore, going from bad to worse, on account of these brutal demons, God wished to cast them away like an evil leaven, lest each generation from a wicked seed, being like to that before it, and equally impious, should empty the world to come of saved men. And for this purpose, having warned a certain righteous man, with his three sons, together with their wives and their children, to save themselves in an ark, He sent a deluge of water, that all being destroyed, the purified world might be handed over to him who was saved in the ark, in order to a second beginning of life. And thus it came to pass.
Chapter XVIII. The Law to the Survivors
Since, therefore, the souls of the deceased giants were greater than human souls, inasmuch as they also excelled their bodies, they, as being a new race, were called also by a new name. And to those who survived in the world a law was prescribed of God through an angel, how they should live. For being bastards in race, of the fire of angels and the blood of women, and therefore liable to desire a certain race of their own, they were anticipated by a certain righteous law. For a certain angel was sent to them by God, declaring to them His will, and saying:—
Chapter XIX. The Law to the Giants or Demons
“These things seem good to the all-seeing God, that you lord it over no man; that you trouble no one, unless any one of his own accord subject himself to you, worshipping you, and sacrificing and pouring libations, and partaking of your table, or accomplishing anything else that they ought not, or shedding blood, or tasting dead flesh, or filling themselves with that which is torn of beasts, or that which is cut, or that which is strangled, or anything else that is unclean. But those who betake themselves to my law, you not only shall not touch, but shall also do honour to, and shall flee from, their presence. For whatsoever shall please them, being just, respecting you, that you shall be constrained to suffer. But if any of those who worship me go astray, either committing adultery, or practising magic, or living impurely, or doing any other of the things which are not well-pleasing to me, then they will have to suffer something at your hands or those of others, according to my order. But upon them, when they repent, I, judging of their repentance, whether it be worthy of pardon or not, shall give sentence. These things, therefore, ye ought to remember and to do, well knowing that not even your thoughts shall be able to be concealed from Him.”
Chapter XX. Willing Captives
Having charged them to this effect, the angel departed. But you are still ignorant of this law, that every one who worships demons, or sacrifices to them, or partakes with them of their table, shall become subject to them and receive all punishment from them, as being under wicked lords. And you who, on account of ignorance of this law, have been corrupted beside their altars, and have been satiated with food offered to them, have come under their power, and do not know how you have been in every way injured in respect of your bodies. But you ought to know that the demons have no power over any one, unless first he be their table-companion; since not even their chief can do anything contrary to the law imposed upon them by God, wherefore he has no power over any one who does not worship him; but neither can any one receive from them any of the things that he wishes, nor in anything be hurt by them, as you may learn from the following statement.
2. JUSTIN MARTYR (c. 100–165 AD) – Second Apology, Chapter 5
How the Angels Transgressed
But if this idea take possession of some one, that if we acknowledge God as our helper, we should not, as we say, be oppressed and persecuted by the wicked; this, too, I will solve.
God, when He had made the whole world, and subjected things earthly to man, and arranged the heavenly elements for the increase of fruits and rotation of the seasons, and appointed this divine law—for these things also He evidently made for man—committed the care of men and of all things under heaven to angels whom He appointed over them.
But the angels transgressed this appointment, and were captivated by love of women, and begot children who are those that are called demons;
and besides, they afterwards subdued the human race to themselves, partly by magical writings, and partly by fears and the punishments they occasioned, and partly by teaching them to offer sacrifices, and incense, and libations, of which things they stood in need after they were enslaved by lustful passions;
and among men they sowed murders, wars, adulteries, intemperate deeds, and all wickedness.
Whence also the poets and mythologists, not knowing that it was the angels and those demons who had been begotten by them that did these things to men, and women, and cities, and nations, which they related, ascribed them to god himself, and to those who were accounted to be his very offspring, and to the offspring of those who were called his brothers, Neptune and Pluto, and to the children again of these their offspring.
For whatever name each of the angels had given to himself and his children, by that name they called them.
3. ATHENAGORAS (c. 133–190 AD) – Plea for the Christians, Chapter 24
Concerning the Angels and Giants
What need is there, in speaking to you who have searched into every department of knowledge, to mention the poets, or to examine opinions of another kind?
Let it suffice to say thus much. If the poets and philosophers did not acknowledge that there is one God, and concerning these gods were not of opinion, some that they are demons, others that they are matter, and others that they once were men, — there might be some show of reason for our being harassed as we are, since we employ language which makes a distinction between God and matter, and the natures of the two.
For, as we acknowledge a God, and a Son His Logos, and a Holy Spirit, united in essence — the Father, the Son, the Spirit, because the Son is the Intelligence, Reason, Wisdom of the Father, and the Spirit an effluence, as light from fire — so also do we apprehend the existence of other powers, which exercise dominion about matter, and by means of it, and one in particular, which is hostile to God:
not that anything is really opposed to God, like strife to friendship, according to Empedocles, and night to day, according to the appearing and disappearing of the stars (for even if anything had placed itself in opposition to God, it would have ceased to exist, its structure being destroyed by the power and might of God),
but that to the good that is in God, which belongs of necessity to Him, and co-exists with Him, as color with body, without which it has no existence (not as being part of it, but as an attendant property co-existing with it, united and blended, just as it is natural for fire to be yellow and the ether dark blue) —
to the good that is in God, I say, the spirit which is about matter, who was created by God, just as the other angels were created by Him, and entrusted with the control of matter and the forms of matter, is opposed.
For this is the office of the angels — to exercise providence for God over the things created and ordered by Him; so that God may have the universal and general providence of the whole, while the particular parts are provided for by the angels appointed over them.
Just as with men, who have freedom of choice as to both virtue and vice (for you would not either honour the good or punish the bad, unless vice and virtue were in their own power; and some are diligent in the matters entrusted to them by you, and others faithless), so is it among the angels.
Some, free agents, you will observe, such as they were created by God, continued in those things for which God had made and over which He had ordained them;
but some outraged both the constitution of their nature and the government entrusted to them: namely, this ruler of matter and its various forms, and others of those who were placed about this first firmament (you know that we say nothing without witnesses, but state the things which have been declared by the prophets);
these fell into impure love of virgins, and were subjugated by the flesh, and he became negligent and wicked in the management of the things entrusted to him.
Of these lovers of virgins, therefore, were begotten those who are called giants.
And if something has been said by the poets, too, about the giants, be not surprised at this: worldly wisdom and divine differ as much from each other as truth and plausibility: the one is of heaven and the other of earth; and indeed, according to the prince of matter, —
We know we oft speak lies that look like truths.
4. IRENAEUS (c. 130–190 AD) – Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching, §§18–19
18. And for a very long while wickedness extended and spread, and reached and laid hold upon the whole race of mankind, until a very small seed of righteousness remained among them;
and illicit unions took place upon the earth, since angels were united with the daughters of the race of mankind;
and they bore to them sons who for their exceeding greatness were called giants.
And the angels brought as presents to their wives teachings of wickedness, in that they brought them the virtues of roots and herbs, dyeing in colors and cosmetics, the discovery of rare substances, love-potions, aversions, amours, concupiscence, constraints of love, spells of bewitchment, and all sorcery and idolatry hateful to God;
by the entry of which things into the world evil extended and spread, while righteousness was diminished and enfeebled.
19. Until judgment came upon the world from God by means of a flood, in the tenth generation from the first-formed (man); Noah alone being found righteous.
And he for his righteousness was himself delivered, and his wife and his three sons, and the three wives of his sons, being shut up in the ark.
And when destruction came upon all, both man and also animals, that were upon the earth, that which was preserved in the ark escaped.
Now the three sons of Noah were Shem, Ham and Japheth, from whom again the race was multiplied: for these were the beginning of mankind after the flood.
5. TERTULLIAN (c. 155–215 AD) – On Idolatry, Chapter 9
Professions of Some Kinds Allied to Idolatry — Of Astrology in Particular
We observe among the arts also some professions liable to the charge of idolatry.
Of astrologers there should be no speaking even; but since one in these days has challenged us, defending on his own behalf perseverance in that profession, I will use a few words.
I allege not that he honours idols, whose names he has inscribed on the heaven, to whom he has attributed all God’s power; because men, presuming that we are disposed of by the immutable arbitrament of the stars, think on that account that God is not to be sought after.
One proposition I lay down: that those angels, the deserters from God, the lovers of women, were likewise the discoverers of this curious art, on that account also condemned by God.
Oh divine sentence, reaching even unto the earth in its vigour, whereto the unwitting render testimony!
The astrologers are expelled just like their angels. The city and Italy are interdicted to the astrologers, just as heaven to their angels.
There is the same penalty of exclusion for disciples and masters.
But Magi and astrologers came from the east.
We know the mutual alliance of magic and astrology.
The interpreters of the stars, then, were the first to announce Christ’s birth, the first to present Him gifts.
By this bond, [must] I imagine, they put Christ under obligation to themselves?
What then? Shall therefore the religion of those Magi act as patron now also to astrologers?
Astrology now-a-days, forsooth, treats of Christ — is the science of the stars of Christ; not of Saturn, or Mars, and whomsoever else out of the same class of the dead it pays observance to and preaches?
But, however, that science has been allowed until the Gospel, in order that after Christ’s birth no one should thenceforward interpret any one’s nativity by the heaven.
For they therefore offered to the then infant Lord that frankincense and myrrh and gold, to be, as it were, the close of worldly sacrifice and glory, which Christ was about to do away.
What, then? The dream — sent, doubtless, of the will of God — suggested to the same Magi, namely, that they should go home, but by another way, not that by which they came.
It means this: that they should not walk in their ancient path.
Not that Herod should not pursue them, who in fact did not pursue them; unwitting even that they had departed by another way, since he was withal unwitting by what way they came.
Just so we ought to understand by it the right Way and Discipline. And so the precept was rather, that thenceforward they should walk otherwise.
So, too, that other species of magic which operates by miracles, emulous even in opposition to Moses, tried God’s patience until the Gospel.
For thenceforward Simon Magus, just turned believer (since he was still thinking somewhat of his juggling sect; to wit, that among the miracles of his profession he might buy even the gift of the Holy Spirit through imposition of hands), was cursed by the apostles, and ejected from the faith.
Both he and that other magician, who was with Sergius Paulus (since he began opposing himself to the same apostles), was mulcted with loss of eyes.
The same fate, I believe, would astrologers, too, have met, if any had fallen in the way of the apostles.
But yet, when magic is punished, of which astrology is a species, of course the species is condemned in the genus.
After the Gospel, you will nowhere find either sophists, Chaldeans, enchanters, diviners, or magicians, except as clearly punished.
“Where is the wise, where the grammarian, where the disputer of this age? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this age?” (1 Corinthians 1:20)
You know nothing, astrologer, if you know not that you should be a Christian.
If you did know it, you ought to have known this also, that you should have nothing more to do with that profession of yours which, of itself, fore-chants the climacterics of others, and might instruct you of its own danger.
There is no part nor lot for you in that system of yours. He cannot hope for the kingdom of the heavens, whose finger or wand abuses the heaven.
6. COMMODIANUS (c. 300 AD) – Instructions of Commodianus
In Favour of Christian Discipline Against the Gods of the Heathens, III. The Worship of Demons**
When Almighty God, to beautify the nature of the world, willed that that earth should be visited by angels,
when they were sent down they despised His laws.
Such was the beauty of women, that it turned them aside; so that, being contaminated, they could not return to heaven.
Rebels from God, they uttered words against Him.
Then the Highest uttered His judgment against them; and from their seed giants are said to have been born.
By them arts were made known in the earth, and they taught the dyeing of wool, and everything which is done;
and to them, when they died, men erected images.
But the Almighty, because they were of an evil seed, did not approve that, when dead, they should be brought back from death.
Whence wandering they now subvert many bodies, and it is such as these especially that ye this day worship and pray to as gods.
**7. LACTANTIUS (c. 250–325 AD) – Divine Institutes, Book II, Chapter 15
“Of the Corruption of Angels, and the Two Kinds of Demons”**
When, therefore, the number of men had begun to increase,
God in His forethought, lest the devil, to whom from the beginning He had given power over the earth,
should by his subtlety either corrupt or destroy men, as he had done at first,
sent angels for the protection and improvement of the human race;
and inasmuch as He had given these a free will,
He enjoined them above all things not to defile themselves with contamination from the earth,
and thus lose the dignity of their heavenly nature.
He plainly prohibited them from doing that which He knew that they would do, that they might entertain no hope of pardon.
Therefore, while they abode among men, that most deceitful ruler of the earth, by his very association,
gradually enticed them to vices, and polluted them by intercourse with women.
Then, not being admitted into heaven on account of the sins into which they had plunged themselves,
they fell to the earth.
Thus from angels the devil makes them to become his satellites and attendants.
But they who were born from these, because they were neither angels nor men, but bearing a kind of mixed nature,
were not admitted into hell, as their fathers were not into heaven.
Thus there came to be two kinds of demons; one of heaven, the other of the earth.
The latter are the wicked spirits, the authors of all the evils which are done, and the same devil is their prince.
Whence Trismegistus calls him the ruler of the demons.
But grammarians say that they are called demons, as though dœmones, that is, skilled and acquainted with matters: for they think that these are gods.
They are acquainted, indeed, with many future events, but not all,
since it is not permitted them entirely to know the counsel of God;
and therefore they are accustomed to accommodate their answers to ambiguous results.
The poets both know them to be demons, and so describe them. Hesiod thus speaks:
“These are the demons according to the will of Zeus,
Good, living on the earth, the guardians of mortal men.”
And this is said for this purpose, because God had sent them as guardians to the human race;
but they themselves also, though they are the destroyers of men,
yet wish themselves to appear as their guardians,
that they themselves may be worshipped, and God may not be worshipped.
The philosophers also discuss the subject of these beings.
For Plato attempted even to explain their natures in his Banquet;
and Socrates said that there was a demon continually about him,
who had become attached to him when a boy,
by whose will and direction his life was guided.
The art also and power of the Magi altogether consists in the influences of these;
invoked by whom they deceive the sight of men with deceptive illusions,
so that they do not see those things which exist,
and think that they see those things which do not exist.
These contaminated and abandoned spirits, as I say,
wander over the whole earth, and contrive a solace for their own perdition by the destruction of men.
Therefore they fill every place with snares, deceits, frauds, and errors;
for they cling to individuals, and occupy whole houses from door to door,
and assume to themselves the name of genii;
for by this word they translate demons in the Latin language.
They consecrate these in their houses,
to these they daily pour out libations of wine,
and worship the wise demons as gods of the earth,
and as averters of those evils which they themselves cause and impose.
And these, since spirits are without substance and not to be grasped,
insinuate themselves into the bodies of men;
and secretly working in their inward parts,
they corrupt the health, hasten diseases,
terrify their souls with dreams,
harass their minds with phrenzies,
that by these evils they may compel men to have recourse to their aid.
Reflections
All this information must have appeared quite novel and startling to the average Christian. Whether one identifies as Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox, it can be affirmed that such a narrative is not commonly encountered within mainstream doctrinal instruction.
The Church Fathers do not represent merely isolated or subjective opinions on Christian theology. Rather, they stand directly within the apostolic succession, with many having received teachings from figures such as the Apostle John and St. Polycarp. This was the itinerant, persecuted Church of the Martyrs—an ecclesial body for which Christ Himself, in the Gospels, clearly foretold great tribulation. These saints of the early Church endured immense trials to transmit to posterity the sacred text we now revere as the New Testament—a profound testament of divine love and salvation.
To those who struggle with the notion of the “Sons of God,” it must be emphasized that every Christian—regardless of denomination—should be firmly grounded in the understanding that the Son of God, revealed to us as Jesus, was not created. He has eternally existed with God prior to the foundation of the world. Jesus is not a created being; Jesus is God. The Holy Trinity precedes and transcends creation.
Dr. Michael Hiser points out that the term used in greek to describe Jesus is “Monogenes”(Mono: Only Genos: Kind), meaning one of a kind.
In theological works such as Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching, St. Irenaeus offers believers a concise yet extraordinarily illuminating exposition. He demonstrates that the prophets of the Old Testament not only anticipated the coming of the Messiah, but that references to the “Word,” the “Angel of the Lord,” and the visible manifestations of Yahweh were, in fact, our Savior, the eternal Son of God, Jesus Christ.
From these writings, there is a set of reflections and thoughts that must come to our minds.
1. The “gods” of the polytheistic pantheons are nothing like God the Creator, but it’s crucial to understand that they are not merely statues. Acknowledging these spiritual entities in no way alters traditional Christian theology grounded in the doctrine of the Trinity.
2. In the Old Testament, God and the prophets warn the Israelites against idol worship. God explicitly commanded His people never to prostitute themselves by worshipping other idols (Judges 2.17). This warning gets delivered from God through the Prophets to the Israelites in almost every book of the Bible. To understand how important this was for God, consider that both the Old and New Testament, contain approximately 40 partial and direct references to the Ten Commandments, whereas warnings against idolatry, setting up altars, serving other gods, worshipping the Queen of Heaven, consulting astrology, and practicing divination number over 100.
3. In our secular “modern” society, where materialistic philosophies have gained the favour of the majority, we have certainly lost contact with what polytheism meant to the ancients. These cults, known as the so-called “mystery religions,” are based on “initiation rituals” and promised enlightenment. This is the core of every polytheistic religion, whether they refer to them as gods, emanations, energies, or spirits.
Many may wonder: what would be the point of worshiping these spirits through forms of planetary divination, as suggested by all the “mystery religions”? What can these demon gods do when they interact with humanity?
The answer is that they can produce changes within the physical realm.
The polytheist may pray for personal glory or to manifest desires originating from their own mind.
By following the astrological timing of the energies they believe must be channeled—according to each polytheistic religion—results may be achieved. Oracles, magicians, and astrologers were and are often employed to accomplish these goals.
Following this introduction, you will find a complete list of the idols mentioned in the Bible and the number of times they are mentioned, to understand the magnitude of this issue—one many seem to overlook:
1. Baal
Mentions: Over 90 times.
Description: A prominent Canaanite storm and fertility god. Worship of Baal was a recurring issue for the Israelites.
2. Asherah
Mentions: Approximately 40 times.
Description: A Canaanite goddess often associated with fertility. In the Hebrew Bible, “Asherah” sometimes refers to wooden poles or groves used in her worship.
3. Moloch (also spelled Molech)
Mentions: 8 times.
Description: A god associated with child sacrifice, particularly condemned in Leviticus and other books.
4. Dagon
Mentions: Several times.
Description: A Philistine deity, depicted as part fish and part man. Notably mentioned in the story of the Ark of the Covenant in 1 Samuel.
5. Chemosh
Mentions: Multiple times.
Description: The national god of the Moabites. King Solomon built a high place for Chemosh, which was later condemned.
6. Milcom (also known as Molech in some texts)
Mentions: Several times.
Description: An Ammonite deity. Worship of Milcom is condemned in the Hebrew Bible.
7. Belial
Mentions: 27 times.
Description: A term meaning “worthlessness” or “wickedness.” In later texts, Belial is personified as a demon or the devil.
8. Teraphim
Mentions: 6 times.
Description: Household gods or idols. Notably, Rachel stole her father Laban’s teraphim in Genesis.
9. Amon
Mentions: Referenced in Jeremiah 46:25.
Description: An Egyptian deity, considered the chief god of Egypt during certain periods.
10. Golden Calf
Mentions: Notably in Exodus 32.
Description: An idol made by the Israelites during Moses’ absence on Mount Sinai, representing a significant act of apostasy.
11. Astarte (also known as Ashtoreth)
Mentions: Multiple times.
Description: A goddess of fertility and war, worshiped in various ancient Middle Eastern cultures.
12. Baal-Zebub
Mentions: 2 Kings 1:2–3, 6, 16.
Description: A deity worshiped in Ekron, whose name means “Lord of the Flies.”
13. Nisroch
Mentions: 2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38.
Description: An Assyrian god in whose temple King Sennacherib was assassinated.
14. Rimmon
Mentions: 2 Kings 5:18.
Description: A Syrian deity.
15. Tammuz
Mentions: Ezekiel 8:14.
Description: A Mesopotamian deity associated with fertility and vegetation cycles.
16. Nebo
Mentions: Isaiah 46:1.
Description: A Babylonian god of wisdom and writing.
17. Bel
Mentions: Isaiah 46:1; Jeremiah 50:2; 51:44.
Description: A title meaning “lord,” used for various gods in Mesopotamia, notably Marduk.
I do not intend to go in depth with the analysis of these cults, but even from a brief look, it becomes evident that God the Creator—seems to be especially concerned with cults related to Saturn, Baal/Moloch. Why? Because these cults involved the slaughter and burning of children to the chief deity of their pantheon, which is often associated with the name or concept of Saturn.
To further emphasize two of the central arguments of this essay—that the idols condemned by God represent a concrete and enduring threat to humanity, and that polytheistic divination was employed as a means of obtaining material advantages—I have included three passages from the Prophet Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 44, in particular, supports the argument that these polytheistic, antagonistic spirits fulfill human desires within the material world, which is their domain. As the Church Fathers noted in the writings above, these spirits act as agents of the apostate—Satan—who does not seek worship for himself directly, but rather aims to deviate humanity from the truth. He creates a snare of false beliefs, using the rebellious demons to fulfill his plan. He wanted to be God, and in the polytheistic system, he hides behind the curtain, allowing other demons to play the roles of false gods and deliver the apostasy.
Jeremiah 7:9–11
9 “Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known,
10 and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, ‘We are safe’—safe to do all these detestable things?
11 Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching!” declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 7:17–19
17 “Do you not see what they are doing in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?
18 The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes to offer to the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to arouse my anger.
19 But am I the one they are provoking?” declares the Lord. “Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame?”
Jeremiah 44:17–19
17 “We will certainly do everything we said we would: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and will pour out drink offerings to her just as we and our ancestors, our kings and our officials did in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and were well off and suffered no harm.
18 But ever since we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have had nothing and have been perishing by sword and famine.”
These cults, we can say, preserved and developed philosophies that were most detestable to our Father God the Creator.
Although myth traces these practices back to the tribe of Cain (e.g., Enoch son of Cain, Tubal-Cain), there is enough evidence to suggest that the focal point for post-Flood apostasy was Babylon under Nimrod and the Tower of Babel, to then move to Egypt and develop for 3000 years.
According to Masonic literature and mythology, three important figures descended from that lineage of apostates: Hermarynes (later known as Hermes Trismegistus, or Thoth in Egypt), and Pythagoras.
Pythagoras was the son of a Phoenician merchant named Mnesarchus. Some accounts suggest Mnesarchus returned to Tyre with Pythagoras, who was then taught by the Chaldeans and learned men of Syria.
Those familiar with biblical narratives know that Tyre was one of the epicenters of the worst kinds of apostasy.
As previously mentioned, the Chaldean priests were champions of everything detestable to God: divination, astrology, and magic.
These apostates were essentially the theologians of what we earlier called “mystery religion”—a cult of blasphemy that regenerates itself throughout the ages.
Pythagoras was the philosopher who Hellenized the mystery religion, making it intelligible to initiates in the Greek world.
Chaldean oracles, Hermetic texts, and Renaissance magic (e.g., Ficino) are all systems that tied emanation, astrology, and planetary forces together.
Rooted in Platonism and transformed by Neoplatonism, they perpetuated the ancient apostasy.
Many Christians are unaware of the extent to which the Church Fathers engaged in intellectual battles with Greek philosophers—not only to refute their heterodox doctrines directly, but also because Hellenistic philosophy was a foundational component of Gnosticism.
From a Christian perspective, Gnostic teachings represent some of the most vile and satanic distortions conceivable, as they reduce the Son of God to merely a prophet and corrupt His message of salvation with esoteric and occult elements.
By invoking the name of Jesus to subvert the true message of the Gospels, Gnosticism commits a theological offense that is unforgivable.
It would be inappropriate for me to introduce this debate when we can rely on the “Golden-Mouth” Saint John Chrysostom and his second homily in his profound and insightful Commentary on the Gospel of John.
Saint John Chrysostom is uniquely suited to address these matters.
His rhetorical education likely took place between the ages of fourteen and eighteen under the renowned pagan orator Libanius.
The influence of this training is evident in the eloquence and structure of his preaching.
According to tradition, when Libanius was on his deathbed and asked who should succeed him, he responded:
“John—if only the Christians had not stolen him from us!”
I would also highlight the significant contribution of Saint Irenaeus’s Against Heresies, which provides a comprehensive refutation of Gnostic doctrines.
Conclusion of the First Part and Personal Reflections
This first part of the essay is now drawing to a close.
The final section presented here has been essential in laying the groundwork for the arguments that will follow in the second part, which will draw upon Jewish literature and selected apocryphal texts.
Although I have no intention of publishing this work, I would like to speak as if you were a friend or relative who has taken the time to read these notes—and for that, I sincerely thank you.
I do not consider myself a scholar, nor do I claim any expertise in these subjects.
What I do have is a deep passion for this kind of research, a passion that has grown over nearly twenty years.
In my youth, I was drawn to music and artisanal work, but I also felt a persistent urge to read and to explore whether the worlds of religion and spirituality contained genuine truth.
The scientific theories about the origins of humankind never fully convinced me.
Thankfully, I only engaged with these teachings intellectually and never practiced them, as I was never entirely persuaded by their methods or conclusions.
When I rediscovered the New Testament, I immediately recognized the mistake I had made in devoting so much attention to other literature while neglecting the Word of God.
I won’t dwell on the details here, but I can say with certainty that the four Gospels are, for us Christians, a true gift from the Lord.
Beyond the depth of their content, what is most astonishing is how the words speak to the heart of the reader—much like a tuning fork restores harmony to a detuned guitar.
The polytheistic framework I previously introduced—albeit briefly—rests upon a series of questionable claims and a form of spiritual engagement that more closely resembles an astrological dictatorship.
Within this paradigm, demonic entities that aspire to be regarded as gods operate within a cosmic structure, manipulating human vulnerabilities: our fears, desires, sexual impulses, narcissism, and lust for power.
It is, in essence, a cult of the self, where worship is directed inward and upward toward false deities that exploit human weakness.
In contrast, Jesus does not subject us to any form of astrological determinism.
In Matthew 6:9, He teaches us to pray to the Father in secret—isolating ourselves in our rooms and praying from the depths of our hearts.
This intimate form of prayer reflects what God, the Creator, truly values: not our intellect or achievements, not power, but the sincerity of our hearts.
It is a call to a personal and unique relationship with our Creator.
Equally significant—and perhaps insufficiently emphasized in Christian discourse—is the fact that Jesus revealed God to us as Father.
To this day, Christianity remains the only religion in which God is not only acknowledged as a creator or sovereign power, but is approached as a loving Father in a personal and relational way.
Thank you for reading
G. Paganelli
Following up – Part 2:
Apocryphal and Jewish Literature
Bibliography
For a deeper exploration of these themes, consider the following works:
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Michael Heiser – The Unseen Realm – Explores the concept of the divine council and its implications in biblical theology.
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John Chrysostom – Homilies on the Gospel of John – Provides homilies on the Gospel of John, offering insights into early Christian interpretations of origins.
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Saint Irenaeus of Lyons – Against Heresies – Refutes Gnostic doctrines and discusses the nature of God and creation.
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Justin Martyr – Second Apology – Defends Christianity against pagan criticism, also addressing the topic of demons and false gods.
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Athenagoras – Plea for the Christians – One of the earliest Christian apologies, responding to accusations against Christians and discussing the nature of the divine.
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Albert Mackey – The History of Freemasonry – Though not a theological text, it provides context on esoteric traditions that intertwine with interpretations of divine beings.
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Lactantius – The Works of Lactantius – Includes reflections on divine justice and the nature of evil.
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Tertullian – On Idolatry – Addresses the dangers of idolatry and the worship of false gods.
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Commodian – Instructions – Offers moral exhortations and warnings against pagan practices.
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Clement of Rome – Homily 8.13–8.15 – Early Christian teachings that may touch upon themes regarding divine beings and their roles.
Some Biblical Resources on the Topics Addressed
Old Testament References
Sons of God and Nephilim
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Genesis 6:1–4 – Describes the “sons of God” who took human women as wives, generating the Nephilim, described as “mighty men of old.”
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Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7 – The “sons of God” appear before God, indicating a heavenly assembly.
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Deuteronomy 32:8 (Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint) – Refers to the division of nations according to the number of the “sons of God”, suggesting the existence of a divine council.
Divine Council
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Psalm 82:1–7 – God stands in the divine assembly and judges among the “gods,” indicating a council of divine beings.
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1 Kings 22:19–23 – The prophet Micaiah describes a vision of the Lord surrounded by the heavenly host, discussing how to deceive King Ahab.
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Daniel 7:9–10 – Describes a heavenly court with thrones and the Ancient of Days at the center, attended by thousands.
✝️ New Testament References
Fallen Angels and Their Transgression
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2 Peter 2:4 – Speaks of angels who sinned and were cast into the abyss, bound in chains of darkness.
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Jude 1:6–7 – Refers to angels who did not keep their proper domain and are reserved for judgment in eternal chains.
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Revelation 12:7–9 – Describes a war in heaven in which Michael and his angels fight against the dragon (Satan) and his angels, who are cast out.
Other References – All the “Giants” in the Old Testament
A complete (presumably) list of all entities born from the union between rebellious spirits and human women: mysterious creatures traditionally and translationally designated as “giants.” The most recurring names are Nephilim, Rephaim (considered genetic descendants of the Nephilim), Anakim, and others, listed below:
REPHAIM
The Rephaim are often described as a race of giants or spirits of the dead, sometimes identified with ancient populations destroyed by Israel. The term appears in both geographical and eschatological contexts.
Old Testament:
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Genesis 14:5 – “Chedorlaomer and the kings with him defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-Karnaim…”
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Deuteronomy 2:10–11 – “The Emim formerly lived there, a people great, numerous, and tall as the Anakim. They also were considered Rephaim…”
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Deuteronomy 3:11 – King Og of Bashan is the last of the Rephaim; his size is highlighted by his iron bed (about 4 meters long).
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Joshua 12:4; 13:12 – References to Rephaim territory under Og’s rule.
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Isaiah 14:9; 26:14; 26:19 – In poetic/prophetic sense, Rephaim are described as spirits of the dead (in Sheol), no longer able to rise.
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Psalm 88:10 – “Will You perform wonders for the dead? Will the Rephaim rise and praise You?”
GIBBORIM
“Gibborim” (plural of gibbôr) means “mighty men” or “heroes.” In some contexts, it refers to valiant warriors, in others to negatively connoted beings (possibly hybrids, as in the days of Noah).
Old Testament:
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Genesis 6:4 – “The Nephilim were on the earth in those days… These were the mighty men (gibborim), men of renown.”
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Ezekiel 32:27 – The “mighty” fallen among the uncircumcised, associated with death and the underworld.
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2 Samuel 23; 1 Chronicles 11 – Lists of David’s gibborim (valiant warriors), in a positive sense.
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Job 16:14 – “He breaks me with blow upon blow like a mighty man (gibbôr),” metaphorically.
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Isaiah 14:9 – The mighty ones (possibly Rephaim) are stirred up in the realm of the dead.
ANAKIM
Descendants of Anak, described as giants feared by the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan. The Anakim are often associated with the Rephaim.
Old Testament:
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Numbers 13:28–33 – The ten spies report that the Anakim are so tall they seemed like grasshoppers: “We saw the Nephilim… the sons of Anak.”
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Deuteronomy 1:28; 2:10–11; 9:2 – The Anakim are described as “a great and tall people,” “descendants of the Rephaim.”
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Joshua 11:21–22 – Joshua destroyed the Anakim from Hebron, Debir, and Anab.
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Joshua 15:13–14 – Caleb drives out the three sons of Anak from Hebron.
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Judges 1:20 – Reaffirms that Caleb took Hebron and expelled the sons of Anak.
GOLIATH
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1 Samuel 17:4–7 – Goliath of Gath is described as over 2.7 meters tall, with heavy armor and a massive spear. He represents the Philistine challenge to Israel.
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1 Samuel 17:45–50 – David confronts him with a sling and kills him, demonstrating God’s power over human strength.
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2 Samuel 21:19 / 1 Chronicles 20:5 – Another “Goliath of Gath” is mentioned with a similar spear. Some manuscripts say Elhanan killed him; most interpret this as a relative or namesake.
⚔️ LAMMI
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1 Chronicles 20:5 – Lammi is called the “brother of Goliath of Gath”; he was killed by Elhanan, son of Jair. His spear was similar to Goliath’s.
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Genealogically connected to the Rephaim/Anakim, inhabitants of Gath.
⚔️ ISHBI-BENOB
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2 Samuel 21:16–17 – One of the descendants of the giants (Rephaim); he tried to kill David when David was weary in battle, but was slain by Abishai, son of Zeruiah.
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He carried a spear weighing 300 shekels of bronze and had a new sword.
⚔️ SAPH / SIPPAI
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2 Samuel 21:18 – Saph is killed by Sibbecai the Hushathite.
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1 Chronicles 20:4 – In a battle at Gezer, Sippai (a variant spelling of Saph) is killed by Sibbecai, identified as a descendant of the giants.
OG KING OF BASHAN
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Deuteronomy 3:1–11 – Giant king of Bashan, last of the Rephaim. Defeated by Moses. His immense stature is attested by his iron bed nine cubits long (about 4 meters).
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Numbers 21:33–35; Joshua 12:4–5 – Additional references to his defeat and extensive dominion.
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Psalm 135:11; 136:20 – Cited as a sign of God’s saving power for Israel.
SIHON KING OF THE AMORITES
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Numbers 21:21–31 – Amorite king of Heshbon; denied passage to Israel and was defeated.
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Deuteronomy 2:24–35; Joshua 12:2 – Sihon is remembered for military strength, though not specifically called a giant. His kingdom bordered Og’s and was part of regions once ruled by giants.
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Associated with the Amorites, often linked with the Rephaim (see Deut. 2:10–11, 20–21).
EMIM
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Deuteronomy 2:10–11 – The Emim lived in the territory of Moab before the Ammonites. They were a people great, numerous, and tall like the Anakim. They too were considered Rephaim.
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The term “Emim” means “terrible ones” or “feared ones.”
ZAMZUMMIM
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Deuteronomy 2:20–21 – A people great and numerous, tall like the Anakim. They were destroyed by the Ammonites, who occupied their land.
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Like the Emim, they were considered part of the Rephaim.
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Their name possibly echoes repeated sounds, roaring, or confusion (perhaps a derogatory term).
These figures and peoples represent remnants of post diluvian corruption, linked to lineages considered anomalous, powerful, and idolatrous, often connected to the Rephaim. Their annihilation is part of divine judgment and the sanctification of the Promised Land.
