Understanding Sin and Evil #5: Enoch and the Watchers Traditions

In this action-packed episode, we will discuss:

  1. The status of Enoch and the Book of Enoch in Second Temple Judaism
  2. The popularity of the solar calendar in the Second Temple period and at Qumran
  3. The traditions of the Watchers in the Book of the Watchers (1 Enoch 1-36)
  4. The retelling of the Watchers story in the Animal Apocalypse

There are at least 3 versions of the Watchers story: the Asael tradition, the Shemihaza tradition, and an interwoven tradition regarding the teaching of magic. Listen to learn more!

As we explore the Book of the Watchers, I will pay particular attention to the following questions for each thread of the Watchers tradition:

  1. What was the Watchers’ sin?
  2. Did the Watchers’ actions cause human sin, or “just” physical destruction (in the form of the giants and their violence)?
  3. Did the Watchers’ actions lead to the Flood?
  4. Did the Watchers’ actions have repercussions after the Flood?

Note: I am not asking these questions regarding the biblical account — only regarding the way this account is interpreted in the Book of Enoch.

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