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The Book of Enoch 55

1 min 4 verses Translated by R.H. Charles, 1917 (public domain).
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 Final Destruction of the Watchers

The Head of Days repented and said that destroying all who dwell on the earth had been done in vain.

A1🔗nd after that the Head of Days repented and said: ' In vain have I destroyed all who dwell on the earth.'

2🔗 And He sware by His great name: ' Henceforth I will not do so to all who dwell on the earth, and I will set a sign in the heaven: and this shall be a pledge of good faith between Me and them for ever, so long as heaven is above the earth. And this is in accordance with My command.

3🔗 When I have desired to take hold of them by the hand of the angels on the day of tribulation and pain because of this, I will cause My chastisement and My wrath to abide upon them, saith God, the Lord of Spirits.

4🔗 Ye mighty kings who dwell on the earth, ye shall have to behold Mine Elect One, how he sits on the throne of glory and judges Azazel, and all his associates, and all his hosts in the name of the Lord of Spirits.'

Commentary

In brief

The Head of Days repents of the destruction of all on earth and vows never to do so again, establishing a heavenly sign as eternal pledge. He proclaims that the mighty kings will see the Elect One seated on the throne of glory judging Azazel and all his associates and hosts.

Did You Know?

1

The Head of Days repented and said that destroying all who dwell on the earth had been done in vain.

2

Swearing by His great name the Head of Days promised never again to destroy all who dwell on the earth.

3

A sign set in the heaven serves as a pledge of good faith lasting so long as heaven is above the earth.

4

God the Lord of Spirits will cause chastisement and wrath to abide upon them after the angels take hold on the day of tribulation and pain.

5

Mighty kings who dwell on the earth shall behold the Elect One sitting on the throne of glory judging Azazel and all his associates and all his hosts.

Continue Reading The Book of Enoch 56 The Hosts of Gog and Magog

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