Understanding Sin and Evil #6: The Evil that Remains – Jubilees, the Watchers and Mastema

How did the author of Jubilees try to solve the “problem” of evil?

In this episode we will explore how the story of the Watchers developed through the book of Jubilees and how the author of Jubilees used this “later” interpretation (compared to the Book of the Watchers in Enoch) to explain evil in his own age.

We will also discuss the introduction of the satanic angel Mastema in Jubilees, and his purpose as a bridge between the divine and the demonic.

Finally, we will look at the two different “prescriptions” the author offers for fighting demonic influence, each with its own implications for human free will.

8 Responses to "Understanding Sin and Evil #6: The Evil that Remains – Jubilees, the Watchers and Mastema"

Chris says:

February 7, 2016 at 2:33 am

I always thought it was very convenient how Jubilees seems to gloss over the bits of Genesis and Exodus that are given detail, and then takes the portions where details are scarce and tries to fill in all the gaps. I wonder how it worked out that the Ethiopians ended up considering it to be a part of the Torah.

I also find the Mastema character interesting. He seems to be a scapegoat for a lot of theological questions. I remember reading in Jubilees that Mastema sought to kill Moses since his sons were not circumcised, as opposed to Exodus 4 which says it was God Himself who sought to kill Moses. It sounds like what a lot of people today do when they make claims that “God can’t kill anyone,” or “God can’t harm anyone because God is love.” I suppose that’s the same “problem-solving” mindset we’ve been seeing with the issue of the origin of sin.

Looking forward to the next one as always!
1. Miryam Brand says:
  
  February 8, 2016 at 11:47 pm
  
  I always enjoy your comments, Chris. Yes, it’s interesting how Jubilees uses Mastema to solve certain theological issues in Genesis and Exodus, and in fact it’s typical of the book as a whole. (And actually, Jubilees removes any reference to circumcision in that story as well.) Jubilees takes many liberties with the Genesis and Exodus accounts, frequently in order to solve theological problems or to uphold a specific agenda. And as you point out, many people still have these theological problems with the Hebrew Bible which they try to solve in their own ways, sometimes doing a little “rewriting” of their own.
  1. Chris says:
    
    February 13, 2016 at 2:12 am
    
    Thanks! I didn’t even notice that circumcision was left out of the story in Jubilees!
Rocky Jackson says:

February 7, 2016 at 3:50 pm

This is just as FABULOUS as all of the wonderful chats I have had the pleasure to hear so far. Thanks for sharing and I look forward so much to many more.
1. Miryam Brand says:
  
  February 8, 2016 at 11:38 pm
  
  Thank you!
Matthew says:

February 18, 2016 at 5:06 pm

Thank you for time in putting these podcasts together.
1. Miryam Brand says:
  
  February 18, 2016 at 6:26 pm
  
  Your appreciation is appreciated. 🙂
Daniel Wee says:

September 15, 2018 at 3:05 pm

Thank you Dr. Brand – I’m enjoying your podcast and research, having some interest in the post-exilic period myself. I was wondering if you have any thoughts about the influence of Persian thought and how it might relate to the rise of interest in angelology and demonology in the second temple period.

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