The Book of Enoch 53
Book II The Book of Parables (Similitudes) Chapters 37–71 · late 1st century BCE - early 1st century CE
Three parables revealing the heavenly Son of Man / Elect One, seated on the throne of glory to judge the kings and the mighty. The most theologically influential - and most debated - section.
Dating & manuscripts. Notably ABSENT from the Qumran fragments, unlike every other section. This absence anchors the long scholarly debate over the Parables' date and the origin of their 'Son of Man' figure.
Chapters 46 and 48 draw directly on Daniel 7 for the titles 'Head of Days' and 'Son of Man'. The section also contains Noahic interpolations (e.g. 60, 65-69).
1 Enoch is an anthology of five distinct works, composed over roughly three centuries.
The Valley of Judgment
Enoch saw a deep valley with open mouths that receives gifts from all who dwell on the earth and sea and islands but never becomes full. Themes: Divine Judgment and the Flood
1here mine eyes saw a deep valley with open mouths, and all who dwell on the earth and sea and islands shall bring to him gifts and presents and tokens of homage, but that deep valley shall not become full.
2 And their hands commit lawless deeds, And the sinners devour all whom they lawlessly oppress: Yet the sinners shall be destroyed before the face of the Lord of Spirits, And they shall be banished from off the face of His earth, And they shall perish for ever and ever.
3 For I saw all the angels of punishment abiding (there) and preparing all the instruments of Satan.
4 And I asked the angel of peace who went with me: ' For whom are they preparing these Instruments?'
5 And he said unto me: 'They prepare these for the kings and the mighty of this earth, that they may thereby be destroyed.
6 And after this the Righteous and Elect One shall cause the house of his congregation to appear: henceforth they shall be no more hindered in the name of the Lord of Spirits.
7 And these mountains shall not stand as the earth before his righteousness, But the hills shall be as a fountain of water, And the righteous shall have rest from the oppression of sinners.'
Did You Know?
Enoch saw a deep valley with open mouths that receives gifts from all who dwell on the earth and sea and islands but never becomes full.
The sinners shall be destroyed before the face of the Lord of Spirits and banished from His earth to perish for ever and ever.
Enoch saw all the angels of punishment abiding there and preparing all the instruments of Satan.
The angel of peace said they prepare these instruments for the kings and the mighty of this earth that they may thereby be destroyed.
These mountains shall not stand as the earth before his righteousness but the hills shall be as a fountain of water.
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Commentary
In brief
Enoch sees a deep valley that stays empty despite gifts and homage from all on earth, sea, and islands, as sinners face destruction. Angels prepare instruments of Satan for the kings and the mighty, after which the Righteous and Elect One reveals his congregation's house so the righteous find rest from oppression.