TL;DR
The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish religious text, ascribed by tradition to Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah. It is not part of the biblical canon used by Jews, apart from Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jews). While it is regarded as canonical by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, most Christian denominations and traditions may accept the Books of Enoch as having some historical or theological interest or significance. It reveals insights into the nature of angels, demons, the fall of the Watchers, the Nephilim, and the coming judgment of God.
Table of contents
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Author & Writing Background
The Book of Enoch is attributed to Enoch, but scholars believe it was likely composed by multiple authors between 300 and 100 BC. The authors were likely Jewish scholars familiar with astronomical, natural sciences, and apocalyptic literature. The text itself offers a unique blend of cosmology, angelology, and eschatology, reflecting the complex religious landscape of the time.
Key Takeaways
The Watchers and the Fall
The book describes the story of the Watchers, a group of angels who descend to Earth and have relations with human women, resulting in the birth of the Nephilim, giants who cause chaos and destruction.
Enoch’s Journeys
Enoch is taken on heavenly journeys where he witnesses the secrets of the universe, the divine council, and the realms of heaven and hell.
Judgment and Eschatology
The Book of Enoch emphasizes God’s judgment upon the wicked and the coming Messianic Kingdom, where righteousness and justice will prevail.
Cosmology and Astronomy
The text provides detailed descriptions of the movements of celestial bodies, the calendar, and the structure of the cosmos.
Angelology and Demonology
The book delves into the nature of angels and demons, their roles in the divine order, and their influence on human affairs.
The Son of Man
The book introduces the figure of the Son of Man, a messianic figure who will judge the world and establish God’s kingdom.
Ethical and Moral Teachings
The Book of Enoch emphasizes the importance of righteousness, justice, and compassion, urging readers to live a life of obedience to God.
Historical and Cultural Context
The book provides valuable insights into the religious and cultural beliefs of Second Temple Judaism, shedding light on the development of Messianic and apocalyptic thought.
FAQ about The Book of Enoch
Is the Book of Enoch considered scripture?
The Book of Enoch is not considered canonical by most Jewish and Christian denominations. However, it is part of the biblical canon of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Why is the Book of Enoch not in the Bible?
The reasons for the exclusion of Enoch from the biblical canon are complex and debated among scholars. Some suggest it was due to its late composition, its apocalyptic content, or its non-Hebrew origin.
What is the significance of the Book of Enoch?
The Book of Enoch offers valuable insights into Jewish apocalyptic literature, angelology, demonology, and messianic expectations during the Second Temple period. It also influenced early Christian thought and literature.
The Book of Enoch Quotes
- ”Behold, he comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to destroy all the ungodly, and to convict all flesh of all the works of their ungodliness which they have ungodly committed, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” (1 Enoch 1:9)
- “And the Lord said unto Michael: ‘Go, bind Semjaza and his associates who have united themselves with women so as to have defiled themselves with them in all their uncleanness. And when their sons have slain one another, and they have seen the destruction of their beloved ones, bind them fast for seventy generations in the valleys of the earth, till the day of their judgment and of their consummation, till the judgment that is for ever and ever is consummated.‘” (1 Enoch 10:11-12)
- “I saw in the vision the Head of Days, his head was white like wool, and with him another being whose countenance had the appearance of a man, and his face was full of graciousness, like one of the holy angels.” (1 Enoch 46:1)