Caesarea Philippi and the Nephilim?

Caesarea Philippi and the Nephilim?

The Nephilim are first mentioned in Genesis 6:4.
The Nephilim are first mentioned in Genesis 6:4.

My title for this article is actually greatly abbreviated. If I were to have written out the entire title it would have been something like, “What do Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ at Caesarea Phillippi, the Nephilim, the worship of Baal, and the locations of Mount Hermon and the land of Bashan all have in common? The question sounds crazy and some Bible readers may not even be familiar with places like Mount Hermon or Bashan, and probably know very little about the mysterious Nephilim. So a very natural question is, “Who knows and who cares?” If you’ll bear with me and read through this entire post, I will try to demonstrate the connection between each of these subjects and what we can learn from their connection. Personally, the connection between these subjects has opened my eyes up to things that I had never noticed in Scripture before. As a side-light, it has also increased my conviction that learning biblical geography can help one better understand and appreciate certain stories in the Bible. I will tackle each of these subjects one at a time. As I move from item to item the picture I’m seeking to convey should become more clear. Much of the insight for this post must be credited to Dr. Michael Heiser and his recent book, THE UNSEEN REALM.

Caesarea Philippi

This artistic recreation of the pagan sanctuaries at Caesarea Philippi is on display at the archaeological site.
This artistic recreation of the pagan sanctuaries at Caesarea Philippi is on display at the archaeological site. The buildings from left to right are: 
1. The Temple of Augustus Called the Augusteum (On the Left); 
2. The Grotto or Cave of the God Pan (Behind the Temple of Augustus)
; 3. The Court of Pan and the Nymphs (To the Right of the Temple of Augustus); 
4. The Temple of Zeus (In the Middle)
; 5. The Court of Nemesis (To the Right of the Temple of Zeus); 
6. The Tomb Temple of the Sacred Goats (Upper Right); 
7. The Temple of Pan and the Dancing Goats (Bottom Right)

Caesarea Philippi is famous biblically for being the place where Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” (Matt. 16:13; cf. Mark 8:27). After the disciples mentioned many well-known biblical people, Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” To which Peter responded, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16). Caesarea Philippi is an interesting place for this confession since, as is usually pointed out by any good commentary, it was a seat of pagan worship in a predominantly Gentile area.

The city known as Caesarea Philippi in Jesus’ time, was originally established by Alexander the Great as a countryside shrine to the Greek god Pan located in a cave that possessed an underground stream so deep, it was considered bottomless. The place was named Paneas and later during the reign of Herod the Great, Herod built a city there. In honor of the emperor, he also built a temple to Augustus. After Herod’s death, his son Philip expanded the size of the city and renamed it Caesarea Philippi in order to honor both Caesar and himself, as well as to distinguish it from the Caesarea built by Herod on the coast. Today the city retains its ancient name, being pronounced Banias (the locals pronounce “p” like “b”). Anyone who checks a good Bible commentary can discover this information, and although it is significant that Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ in this pagan city, it is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding the history of this area.

Mount Hermon, Baal, and the Nephilim

Caesarea Philippi/Banias sits at the foot of Mount Hermon in this photo, a mountain believed to be the dwelling abode of Baal in ancient times.
Caesarea Philippi/Banias sits at the foot of Mount Hermon in this photo, a mountain believed to be the dwelling abode of Baal in ancient times.

As the photo above illustrates, Caesarea Philippi/Banias is located at the foot of Mount Hermon (see center and bottom of photo). Mount Hermon is part of a range that divided the land of Israel from ancient Syria and Phoenicia (modern Lebanon). The Phoenicians, worshippers of Baal (think Jezebel–e.g., 1 Kgs. 18:19), actually considered Mount Hermon to be the mountain of Baal. Long before Alexander the Great instituted the worship of Pan in the area, Baal was the main attraction. In fact, Mount Hermon was also known as Mount Baal-Hermon in biblical times (Judg. 3:3; 1 Chron. 5:23).

As if the worship of Baal doesn’t provide Mount Hermon with enough of a tarnished reputation, there is still a more nefarious incident associated with it. According to the Book of Enoch, and Jewish tradition, Mount Hermon was the gathering place of the rebellious angels who descended from its heights to mate with the daughters of men, resulting in the birth of the Nephilim. I have included a copy of chapter 6:1-6 of the Book of Enoch which relates the incident:

<img class=”size-full wp-image-2399″ src=”https://www.biblestudywithrandy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1Enoch.jpg” alt=”The Book of Enoch taught that the rebellious angels of Genesis 6 descended from Mount Hermon to mate with the daughters of men and give birth to the Nephilim.” width=”255″ height=”394″ /> The Book of Enoch taught that the rebellious angels of Genesis 6 descended from Mount Hermon to mate with the daughters of men and give birth to the Nephilim.

Book of Enoch
6:1 And it came to pass when the children of men had multiplied that in those days were born unto them beautiful and comely daughters. 2 And the angels, the children of the heaven, saw and lusted after them, and said to one another: ‘Come, let us choose us wives from among the children of men and beget us children.’ 3 And Semjâzâ, who was their leader, said unto them: ‘I fear ye will not indeed agree to do this deed, and I alone shall have to pay the penalty of a great sin.’ 4 And they all answered him and said: ‘Let us all swear an oath, and all bind ourselves by mutual imprecations not to abandon this plan but to do this thing.’ 5 Then sware they all together and bound themselves by mutual imprecations upon it. 6 And they were in all two hundred; who descended ‹in the days› of Jared on the summit of Mount Hermon, and they called it Mount Hermon, because they had sworn and bound themselves by mutual imprecations upon it (Charles, R. H. (Ed.). (1913). Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament (Vol. 2, p. 191). Oxford: Clarendon Press.).

To assert that the Book of Enoch teaches that the Nephilim are a result of the rebellious angels who descended from Mount Hermon, is not to suggest that this is necessarily a historical fact. It is only to assert that it was taught in Jewish tradition to be the place of this event. This tradition further enhances the evil reputation surrounding this area. Jews of the 1st century would certainly have been aware of this tradition, as the Book of Enoch was well-known to them. In fact, Peter, the very one who confesses Jesus to be the Christ at Caesarea Philippi, alludes to the Book of Enoch in 2 Peter 2:4-5.

Before leaving a discussion of Mount Hermon, it’s important to point out that its name also has significance. As Heiser states, “Just the name ‘Hermon’ would have caught the attention of Israelite and Jewish readers” (The Unseen Realm, p. 201). The name Hermon is derived from the Hebrew words ḥerem (a thing devoted to God for destruction) or ḥaram (the verb form which means to devote to destruction because it is set apart to God alone). These are the words used in the Conquest narrative (Deut.-Joshua) to describe the utter destruction of the people of Canaan. Heiser believes that this word is particularly connected with the descendants of the Nephilim (e.g., Num. 13:33). Whether Heiser’s theory–that the utter destruction was aimed at the descendants of the Nephilim–is correct must wait for a future post. My point here is that the use of this word once again seems to associate Mount Hermon with the Nephilim.

Bashan–the Place of the Serpent

This map show the area of Bashan colored in green on the right.
This map shows the area of Bashan colored in green on the right.

Moving out in an ever-widening circle, Bashan is the territory in which Caesarea Philippi and Mount Hermon reside. Although one meaning of Bashan is “fertile, stoneless piece of ground,” another meaning of this root is “Serpent” (Lete, del O. G. (1999). Bashan. In K. van der Toorn, B. Becking, & P. W. van der Horst [Eds.], Dictionary of deities and demons in the Bible [2nd extensively rev. ed., p. 161]). Bashan has associations with the Rephaim, descendants of the Nephilim going way back in antiquity. Bible students should recall that Israel, under the leadership of Moses conquered this territory which belonged to Og king of Bashan. In fact, Joshua 12:4-5 says it this way:

“The other king was Og king of Bashan and his territory, who was of the remnant of the giants [Hebrew = Rephaim], who dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei, and reigned over Mount Hermon, over Salcah, over all Bashan, as far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and over half of Gilead to the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.”

Tablet like these discovered at the ancient Canaanite city of Ugarit further confirm that Bashan was known as "the place of the serpent," and the territory of the Rephaim.
Tablets like these discovered at the ancient Canaanite city of Ugarit further confirm that Bashan was known as “the place of the serpent,” and the territory of the Rephaim.

Note the references to Mount Hermon and the Nephilim in this passage. Not only does the Bible state that King Og of Bashan is a descendant of the Nephilim, according to Heiser the designation of Og as an “Amorite” associates him with Babylon. Furthermore, the dimensions of his bed (see Deut. 3:8-11) “are precisely those of the cultic bed in the ziggurat called Entemenanki–which is the ziggurat most archaeologists identify as the Tower of Babel referred to in the Bible” (Heiser, The Unseen Realm, p. 198). All the connections start to become a little mind-blowing, not to mention confusing for some. I’ll leave it to those interested in pursuing this further to read Dr. Heiser’s book. The point here is that Bashan, the territory in which Caesarea Philippi resides, has ancient associations with the Nephilim, as well as carrying the meaning of  “the place of the Serpent” The association of Bashan with “The place of the serpent,” as well as being a dwelling place of the Rephaim ( a word used in the Bible for the descendants of the Nephilim) also finds confirmation in the Canaanite literature discovered at Ugarit (see photo on left).

The Gates of Hades (Hell)

This cave in Caesarea Philippi, known as the Cave of Pan was also called, "The Gates of Hades." The cave is still visible today to anyone visiting Banias.
This cave in Caesarea Philippi, known as the Cave of Pan was also called, “The Gates of Hades.” The cave is still visible today to anyone visiting Banias.

Finally, in returning to Caesarea Philippi, given the associations of this area with Greek gods, Baal, the Nephilim, and the name “place of the serpent,” it should come as no surprise that it was also associated with the realm of the dead. The Canaanites taught that the Rephaim were the dead spirits of ancient kings, thus associating Bashan with the underworld. Interestingly enough, the Cave of Pan in Caesarea Philippi was called, “The Gates of Hades.” This may be related to the idea that the cave was believed to be a bottomless pit (see comments above). Against this background, Jesus’ statement following Peter’s confession that “the gates of Hades [hell] will not prevail against it (i.e., the church),” is very illuminating!

In conclusion, the fact that Peter’s confession occurs in a pagan area is remarkable enough. But when one learns the history of the area and the traditions associated with it, Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ the Son of God takes on greater significance. This confession is declared in “the place of the serpent.” It is declared in an area associated with divine (the Nephilim), as well as human (worship of Baal) rebellion. In the darkest place possible, Jesus asked his disciples who they thought he was, and the light of God shone on Bashan through Peter’s confession.

18 thoughts on “Caesarea Philippi and the Nephilim?”

  1. This is a great article, thank you for sharing. I do enjoy it. Learning something new is fun. I miss you guys.

  2. Glad I stumbled upon this. Clearly you’ve studied and got a lot right here in terms of the importance of the context for Mt 16. But my question would: How do you come to determine Joshua 12 references the Nephilim when that word is not used and the Rephaim isn’t used in Gen 6? It seems a major point of the flood in Genesis is to destroy the Nephilim. In fact, I would must ask, how do the Nephilim have descendants from a flood that killed everyone but Noah’s family? It seems more like Joshua 12 is speaking of the territory not Og as the remnant (if it indeed refers to the Nephililm); Or, the Rephaim are distinct from the Nephilim, post-flood. Nevertheless, thank you for you study, it’s clear that area has a lot of pagan history that Mt 16 is teaching us Christ is going to destroy and rule over the early and spiritual forces that ruled the area at that time and past times.

    1. Hi Scott,
      Thanks so much for the comments and good questions. Although we would presume that the Nephilim were wiped out at the Flood, they do reappear later. Notice first that Gen. 6:4 states, “There were Nephilim on the earth in those days, and also afterward…” The “also afterward” implies that they existed on the earth later. Number 13:33 confirms that the Anakim are descendants of the Nephilim. If the Nephilim are the result of fallen angels mating with humans (which I believe the Bible teaches), one possible explanation for their reappearance is that the Flood did not end the possibility of fallen angels committing this gross sin again. Michael Heiser in his book “The Unseen Realm” offers this, as well as other explanations, for the reappearance of the Nephilim following the Flood.
      As far as the equation of the Rephaim with the Nephilim, you’re right that there is no passage of Scripture that seems to equate them. But the Rephaim are compared to the Anakim in Duet. 2:10-11 (here the “Emim” is said to be the word used by the Moabites for the Rephaim). We are told in Deut. 2:20-21 that the Ammonites called them “Zamzummim” and here again they are compared to the Anakim. The Dictionary of Deities and Demons has this to say:

      “The Rephaim are presented as a conglomerate consisting of various pseudo-ethnic groups, each with its own characteristics (Gen 14:5; Deut 2:10, 11, 20; Josh 17:15). Thus, e.g. the Anakim (‘descendants of Anak’), builders of fortified cities in southern Judah (Num 13:22; Josh 11:21; 15:13; Judg 1:20), are Rephaim bearing a nickname alluding to their size. The Rephaim were traditionally associated with giants…” Rouillard, H. (1999). Rephaim. In K. van der Toorn, B. Becking, & P. W. van der Horst (Eds.), Dictionary of deities and demons in the Bible (2nd extensively rev. ed., p. 698). Leiden; Boston; Köln; Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge: Brill; Eerdmans.

      So scholars seem to equate the Rephaim with the Nephilim, but your point is certainly well-taken.
      God bless!

      1. This was a great article. To add to the answer to this question…Noah was the only person on the ark that God said was pure, so it is highly probable, if not expected, that Noah’s wife and the wives of Noah’s 3 sons were not pure. I have been taught that it was the decedents of Ham who became the giants of the land, in which case, it may be safe to say Ham’s wife may have had Nephilim blood.

  3. Randy what a blessing to discover you tonight. I am doing more research on Bashan, Caesarea, and the region. I also am writing on the gates of hell as addressed by Jesus so long ago. I have read Michael Heiser’s book five times, once while in Israel the last time. I have had the privilege to spend an hour and a half with Michael a few years ago.

    I have been to Israel 13 times leading small (3 man) prayer teams with four of these being at the International Prayer Conference in Jerusalem. Last trip was 2018. I am 74 years old. I am trying to nail down the time of certain events in the history of the Bashan region and specifically when Jesus was making His declaration regarding the gates of hell… I believe this was in 17 Nisan 29 AD but some believe it was closer to Jesus’s final trip up to Jerusalem

    Any help of insight beyond what you have written here would be great. In any event it is outstanding to have a fellow writer motivated by the Spirit in addressing some of these issues.

    Gil Mulder
    360 910 7711 Vancouver WA incidentally I attended Columbia Christian School briefly when in grade school. I lived on 84th street about 7 houses south of Glisan.

    1. Hi Gil,

      Thank you so much for the kind comments. The last time I was in Caesarea Philippi I taught our group about the history of the Bashan region and the significance of Jesus being confessed as the Christ there. I’m excited to hear that you are researching this on a deeper level. At this point I don’t have anything extra to add to what I’ve written, but I’d certainly welcome reading your insights when your research is complete.

      How interesting that you attended Columbia Christian School! I have many fond memories of attending the Bible College there and still have many friends in the area.
      God bless and Merry Christmas,
      Randy

    2. Hi Mr. Gil, my name is Pam and I wonder what conclusions you might have come to since the original posting of these comments and questions from back in 2019?

  4. Not sure if you will see this comment as this is an old post but the Holy Spirit has led me to the same understanding. I really very little but the Lord has been leading me through the Bible and revealing things. It is amazing. I was vaguely aware of the Nephalim and that there was a book of Enoch (which I have not read) but it started with a video from Revelations of Jesus Christ ministry on the c19 vaccine and Apis (bull) worship. The Lord brought to mind Amos cows of bashan which led to psalms bulls of bashan to the golan heights, mount hermon, to king Og, wheel of the giants to Cesarea Phillipi, Tel Dan and reminded me of Jereboahms gold calf and the tribe of Dan (serpants) Its quite a ride with the Holy Spirit in the drivers seat. Praise the Lord and thank you for sharing the truth.

  5. The Place of the Serpent’. Giving some thought to this name I have reached the conclusion that the SERPENT who was the original inhabitant of Bashan must be of the same tribe as the one who tempted Eve in the garden of Eden.
    Furthermore was this the tribe from which Cain took his wife?
    Bear in mind that he was an outcast from the ‘face of God’ which in essence means that he could not access anything or anyone who worshipped God of Eden.

  6. Friend, you wrote, “Note the references to Mount Hermon and the Nephilim in this passage” and “Not only does the Bible state that King Og of Bashan is a descendant of the Nephilim…”
    Yet, the passage did not even hint at Nephilim and the Bible nowhere even hints that Og had anything whatsoever to do with Nephilim whatsoever.

    1. Hi Ken,
      Sorry for the delay in responding to you. Thank you so much for your comment. I can understand that the passage in Joshua 12:4-5 might not be clear enough about the connection of Og with the Nephilim. If you will note Deut. 2:20-21, there the Rephaim are mentioned in the company of other descendants of the Nephilim such as the Anakim (and other names used by other nations). They are specifically said to be as tall as the Anakim (see Num. 13:33 for the connection between the Nephilim and the Anakim).In the context of Deut. 2:20-21 mention is made of Sihon and Og. Chapter 3 of Deuteronomy focuses on Og and states that he was the only one left of the remnant of the Rephaim (Deut. 3:11). It then goes on to site the size of his bed. While not giving his actual height, it suggests he was a large man. I hope this clears up the connection I was trying to make in the article. Perhaps I should have been more detailed. Thanks again for your comment. God bless!

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