Why Did God Send the Sons of God to Earth?

In the Book of Enoch (1 Enoch 6-7), the Sons of God (Watchers) were originally sent to Earth to watch over and guide humanity. Their mission was to teach and protect mankind, helping them understand divine wisdom.

However, these angels disobeyed God and instead:

1. Took human wives – They saw that the daughters of men were beautiful and took them as wives (1 Enoch 6:2), which parallels Genesis 6:1-4.
2. Had children with humans – Their offspring became the Nephilim, who were described as giants, violent and corrupt beings that wreaked havoc on Earth.
3. Taught forbidden knowledge – The Watchers revealed secrets of heaven to humans, including:
   • Azazel: Taught humans about weapons and warfare.
   • Semjaza: Taught witchcraft, sorcery, and astrology.
   • Other angels taught cosmetics, metallurgy, and divination.

God’s Judgment on the Sons of God

Because of their rebellion and the corruption they brought to Earth, God punished the Watchers:

• The fallen Watchers were bound and cast into darkness (1 Enoch 10:4-7).
• Their offspring, the Nephilim, were destroyed by the Great Flood (1 Enoch 10:9, similar to Genesis 6:5-7).
• Azazel was blamed for much of the corruption and was cast into the abyss (1 Enoch 10:4-6).

Conclusion

In the Book of Enoch, the Sons of God were originally sent to Earth as guardians, but they fell into sin by corrupting humans, leading to their punishment. This story provides an expanded background to the brief mention in Genesis 6.