The Nephilim

Immediately before the story of Noah and a corrupted world, the Torah makes a passing mention of Nephilim, powerful giants who lived at that time.

"The Nephilim were on the earth in those days. ... They were the mightiest ones ever, men of renown." (Gen. 6:4)

Who were these titans? Why does the Torah call them Nephilim?

The Midrash explains that they were called Nephilim because they fell (naphlu) and brought about the world's downfall (nephilah). These giants were catalysts for a great moral collapse of society.

Studying Foreign Languages

In 1906, fifteen-year-old Tzvi Yehuda Kook asked his father whether he should devote time to learning other languages. In his response, Rav Kook analyzed the relative importance of expertise in languages and rhetoric:

"We should aspire to help others, both our own people and all of humanity, as much as possible. Certainly, our influence will increase as we gain competence in various languages and speaking styles. ... But if perfecting these skills will come at the expense of analytic study, then this will reduce the true intellectual content in one's contribution to the world."

Some people mistake proficiency in many languages for intellectual greatness. This is not the case. Linguistic talents are merely tools. Genuine perceptiveness and intellectual insight are a function of how well one has established the foundations of one's own inner integrity.

To demonstrate his point, Rav Kook noted that the great Nephilim who brought about the world's moral collapse were "anshei shem." Usually translated as 'men of renown,' this phrase literally means 'men of names,' or 'men of words.' They were great leaders, skilled in the arts of persuasion and rhetoric. But their talents were an empty shell, devoid of inner content. On the contrary, they used their superficial eloquence for unscrupulous purposes.

It is interesting to contrast the Nephilim and their highly-developed oratorical skills with the individual responsible for bringing the Torah’s teachings to the world. The highest level of prophecy was transmitted through a man who testified about himself that he was not a man of words, but "heavy of mouth and heavy of tongue" (Ex. 4:10). Moses was not talented in rhetoric and lacked confidence in his communication skills. Nonetheless, his moral impact on the world is without equal in the history of mankind.

Tools of War

In these pre-Messianic times, Rav Kook wrote, when we must do battle against ideological foes who attack all that is holy to us, we should look to King David for inspiration. David rejected the heavy armor of Saul, for he was not trained in the art of war. Rather, he gathered five smooth stones from the stream. The five stones are a metaphor: David waged his battle against Goliath and his blasphemy using the spiritual teachings of the Five Books of Moses.

We should emulate David, and not invest too much of our time and effort acquiring the tools of ideological warfare. Like the young shepherd who took up a slingshot in his fight against Goliath, we should not totally eschew the implements of rhetoric. But David's victory over the blasphemous Philistine was achieved due to the purity of his charge, "in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel" (I Samuel 17:45).

Eloquence and elocution are but tools. They may be used for nefarious purposes, like the corrupt Nephilim, or for conquering evil, like David. Ultimately, it is not the medium but the message that counts.

(adapted from Igrot HaRe'iyah vol. I, pp. 29-30)

Copyright © 2006 by Chanan Morrison