TL;DR
The Book of Jubilees, also known as the Little Genesis, is an ancient Jewish religious work considered canonical by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jews). Divided into 50 chapters or “jubilees” (periods of 49 years), it presents a unique chronology of biblical history from creation to Moses, expanding on the narratives found in Genesis and Exodus with additional details and interpretations. The book emphasizes the observance of Jewish laws and festivals, highlighting God’s covenant with his chosen people and the importance of maintaining their unique identity.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Author & Writing Background
The Book of Jubilees is attributed to Moses, but scholars believe it was composed in Hebrew during the 2nd century BCE by an anonymous author within the Jewish community. The author’s deep knowledge of Jewish law and tradition is evident throughout the text, suggesting a background possibly within a priestly or scribal class. The work reflects the concerns and beliefs of Judaism during the Second Temple period, particularly emphasizing legalistic piety and adherence to the Mosaic Law.
Key Takeaways
Unique Chronology
The Book of Jubilees presents a distinctive chronological framework, dividing history into jubilees of 49 years each, providing specific dates for events from creation to the Exodus.
Angelic Revelations
The narrative is framed as a revelation from an angel to Moses on Mount Sinai, offering additional insights and interpretations of biblical events.
Emphasis on Law and Covenant
The book strongly emphasizes the importance of observing the Mosaic Law and maintaining the covenant between God and Israel, highlighting the distinctiveness of the Jewish people.
Expansion of Biblical Stories
Jubilees elaborates on stories from Genesis and Exodus, providing additional details and interpretations, such as the backstory of angels, the fall of the Watchers, and the lives of the patriarchs.
Calendar and Festivals
The book promotes a specific solar calendar with 364 days, differing from the lunar calendar used by many Jews at the time, and emphasizes the proper observance of festivals.
Messianic Hope
Jubilees contains messianic expectations, anticipating a future time of peace and restoration for Israel under a righteous leader.
Demonology and Angelology
The book delves into the realm of angels and demons, discussing their roles in human affairs and the spiritual battles taking place behind the scenes.
Historical Context
Jubilees reflects the historical context of its composition, addressing concerns about maintaining Jewish identity and resisting Hellenistic influences during the Second Temple period.
FAQ about Book of Jubilees
Is the Book of Jubilees considered part of the Bible?
The Book of Jubilees is not included in the Hebrew Bible or the Protestant Old Testament. However, it is considered canonical by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jews).
What is the main purpose of the Book of Jubilees?
The book aims to provide a comprehensive and authoritative account of biblical history, emphasizing the importance of Jewish law, covenant, and identity.
How does the Book of Jubilees differ from the accounts in Genesis and Exodus?
Jubilees expands on the biblical narratives with additional details, interpretations, and chronological precision, often presenting a more legalistic and nationalistic perspective.
What is the significance of the solar calendar in the Book of Jubilees?
The book promotes a solar calendar with 364 days, arguing for its divine origin and importance for proper observance of festivals and maintaining order in the cosmos.
Book of Jubilees Quotes
- ”For there is a great difference between their knowledge and ours, and between their nature and ours, and between their understanding and ours."
- "And thus it comes that they eat blood, and thus it comes that they sacrifice to dead things and thus it comes that they worship idols, and thus it comes that they are sorcerers, and thus it comes that they are diviners and soothsayers, and thus it comes that they eat over the graves, and thus it comes that they practice all kinds of abominations and fornication."
- "And command thou the children of Israel that they observe the years according to this reckoning—three hundred and sixty-four days, and [these] will constitute a complete year, and they will not disturb its time from its days and from its feasts; for everything will fall out in them according to their testimony, and they will not leave out any day nor disturb any feasts.”