Reversing Hermon by Michael S. Heiser

Reversing Hermon: Enoch, the Watchers, and the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ by Michael Heiser delves into the ancient and often overlooked story of the Watchers and their impact on the mission of Jesus Christ. Heiser argues that understanding this narrative is crucial for a full appreciation of the New Testament and its message. This synopsis covers the key themes and arguments presented in the book.

Introduction: The Forgotten Context of the New Testament

Heiser opens Reversing Hermon by asserting that many Christians are unaware of the ancient Jewish texts that influenced the New Testament writers. Central to this is the story of the Watchers found in the Book of Enoch, a non-canonical text that was highly influential in the Second Temple period. Heiser argues that the New Testament is replete with references to this story, and understanding it can significantly enhance our interpretation of the Bible.

The title of the book refers to Mount Hermon, where, according to the Book of Enoch, a group of rebellious angels (the Watchers) descended to earth. These angels mated with human women, producing the Nephilim, a race of giants. Heiser posits that this event is a key to understanding the mission of Jesus Christ.

The Watchers, the Nephilim, and Their Impact on Humanity

The central narrative in Reversing Hermon begins with the Watchers' rebellion. Heiser explains that the Watchers were originally part of the Divine Council, a group of heavenly beings who were supposed to assist God in governing the cosmos. However, they defied God's order by coming to earth, engaging in forbidden relationships with humans, and teaching humanity forbidden knowledge, such as warfare and sorcery. This act of rebellion led to widespread corruption and violence on earth.

The offspring of these unions, the Nephilim, were giants who further exacerbated the wickedness on earth. Heiser emphasizes that this story was well-known in Jewish thought and is referenced in several places in the New Testament. He suggests that the presence of these beings was one of the primary reasons for the flood during Noah's time, which was meant to cleanse the earth of this corruption.

Jesus’ Mission as the Reversal of Hermon’s Impact

One of the book's key arguments is that the mission of Jesus Christ is, in part, a response to the events of Mount Hermon. Heiser argues that Jesus came to reverse the effects of the Watchers’ rebellion, which had corrupted humanity and the earth. This "reversal" is seen in various aspects of Jesus' ministry and teachings.

Heiser connects the birth of Jesus to the messianic prophecies that anticipated a savior who would defeat the forces of evil unleashed by the Watchers. He highlights how the New Testament writers understood Jesus' role in terms of cosmic warfare, where Jesus was seen as the divine warrior who would ultimately triumph over the spiritual powers and principalities that had opposed God since the time of the Watchers.

The Transfiguration and the Watchers

A pivotal event in the Gospels that Heiser examines is the Transfiguration of Jesus. He argues that the location of this event is symbolically tied to Mount Hermon, the site of the Watchers' descent. By being transfigured on or near this mountain, Jesus was symbolically declaring His authority over the rebellious beings associated with Hermon.

Heiser also ties this event to the concept of the "Son of Man," a messianic figure who, according to Jewish tradition, would come to judge the Watchers and the Nephilim. Heiser argues that the Transfiguration is a clear indication that Jesus is this Son of Man, fulfilling the prophecies of judgment and restoration.

Jesus and the Spirits in Prison

Another significant aspect of Reversing Hermon is Heiser's interpretation of 1 Peter 3:18-20, where Jesus is said to have proclaimed to the "spirits in prison." Heiser identifies these spirits as the Watchers who were imprisoned by God after their rebellion. He argues that Jesus’ proclamation to these spirits was not one of salvation, but rather a declaration of their ultimate defeat.

Heiser explains that this passage is often misunderstood because modern readers are unfamiliar with the story of the Watchers. By reclaiming this context, Heiser shows how the New Testament portrays Jesus as the one who overcomes the powers of evil that had been unleashed by the Watchers.

The Influence of Enochic Literature on the New Testament

Heiser extensively discusses the influence of the Book of Enoch and related literature on the New Testament writers. He shows how themes from Enoch are woven throughout the Gospels, the Epistles, and even the Book of Revelation. For example, Heiser points to passages in Jude and 2 Peter that directly reference Enochic traditions about the Watchers and their punishment.

He argues that understanding these references is crucial for interpreting these New Testament texts accurately. By overlooking the influence of Enochic literature, modern readers miss out on the full depth of the New Testament's message about Jesus' victory over evil.

The Reversal of Babel and the Great Commission

Heiser connects the reversal of the Watchers' influence with the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. He suggests that this is a direct counteraction to the division of humanity at Babel, another event linked to the rebellious actions of divine beings.

According to Heiser, Jesus' mission includes not only redeeming humanity from sin but also reclaiming the nations from the spiritual forces that had controlled them since Babel. The spread of the Gospel to all nations is seen as a fulfillment of God’s plan to bring all people back under His rule, reversing the disinheritance that occurred at Babel.

The Role of Believers in the Ongoing Reversal

In the final chapters of Reversing Hermon, Heiser discusses the role of believers in this ongoing cosmic battle. He emphasizes that Christians are called to participate in Jesus’ mission of reversing the effects of the Watchers' rebellion. This involves spiritual warfare, evangelism, and living in a way that reflects the kingdom of God.

Heiser encourages believers to be aware of the spiritual dimensions of their faith and to recognize that they are part of a larger, cosmic story that involves the restoration of all creation. He concludes by reminding readers that Jesus’ victory over the Watchers and other rebellious beings is assured, and that believers can have confidence in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

Conclusion: The Significance of Reversing Hermon

Reversing Hermon by Michael Heiser offers a fresh perspective on the New Testament by reintroducing the ancient context of the Watchers and their rebellion. Heiser's thesis is that the mission of Jesus Christ is deeply connected to reversing the damage done by these beings, which has been largely forgotten in modern Christian thought. By reclaiming this narrative, Heiser provides a deeper understanding of the New Testament's message and challenges believers to live in light of the cosmic victory that Jesus has already secured.