Book Review - The Nephilim
A-O Book Review
The Nephilim
And the Pyramid of the Apocalypse
By
Dr. Patrick Heron
Published by Ashfield Press
© 2004
“The Nephilim” by Dr. Patrick Heron covers a fascinating subject that has been fairly well overlooked by Christian commentators since the early Church era. In recent years, there has been some note made by conservative Bible commentators but for the most part lacking in scope. “The Nephilim” is a book that corrects this oversight. Heron’s book may well trigger other researchers to follow up on his work.
Dr. Heron formal education in theology includes being a graduate from The College of Biblical Research in Rome City, Indiana. He also has a Master’s from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland where he lives. He also has an honorary doctorate in Christian Literature from California Pacific School of Theology.
Dr. Heron deals with the term “nephilim” as found in Genesis chapter 6:4 wherein the word is found in the original Hebrew texts. Most often, it is translated into the English Bibles as “giants” It is interesting to note though that the New American Standard Version (NASV) and the New International Standard Version (NISV) simply fails to translate the word and simply says “Nephilim.” The New Living Translation says “Nephilites” which seems to be a newly invented “variant” on Nephilim. The Young’s Translation uses the term “fallen ones,” while the New Life Version says “very large men.” Both the old Revised Standard Version (RSV) and the (NRSV) use the term “Nephilim”
Dr. Heron points out that the key to understanding the term “nephilim” is to understand another interesting term included in the passage, the “sons of God.”
Dr Heron explains that there is a connection in these terms to the fallen angels and how that connection applies not only to the text and the immediate events of Noah’s flood, but also then takes this topic and shows how what was once back then, will be again, according to Biblical Prophecy.
His research casts new light on Jesus’ comments concerning the future events at the end of time during His Olivet Discourse as found in the Synoptic Gospels where He states that “as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be at the Coming of the Son of Man.”
Most prophecy commentators have “toed” the standard theological line prevalent among conservative Christian prophecy commentators regarding Jesus’ remarks about the coming “days of Noah.” The standard line of interpretation on Christ’s remarks are that “ust as in Noah’s days,” life proceeded as normal, giving no thought to the possibility of coming destruction despite Noah’s warnings. While this is a safe interpretation, Jesus may have meant that aspect but may also have meant much more. In other words, He may have been using a “double-meaning.” Dr. Heron shows how this prophecy seems likely to also be a reference to the “nephilim” and their return to interfere in human affairs, much like in the days of Noah.
Dr. Heron shows other Biblical prophetic texts indicating the idea that the Nephilim will return and play a prominent role during the Tribulation period. Heron also provides new theoretical insights into the Pyramids of Egypt and the geometric shape of the pyramid, its importance and connotations.
The soft-cover, tradeback-sized book is 216 pages in length. It is well written, with 73 footnotes and some very interesting pictures and graphics. The book is published in Ireland and may be difficult to obtain in US bookstores. For more information about the book, see the book website, here. LINK.
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