In this action-packed episode, we will discuss:

* The status of Enoch and the Book of Enoch in Second Temple Judaism

* The popularity of the solar calendar in the Second Temple period and at Qumran

* The traditions of the Watchers in the Book of the Watchers (1 Enoch 1-36)

* 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:

* What was the Watchers’ sin?

* Did the Watchers’ actions cause human sin, or “just” physical destruction (in the form of the giants and their violence)?

* Did the Watchers’ actions lead to the Flood?

* 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.