The Book of Enoch 96
Book V The Epistle of Enoch Chapters 91–108 · 2nd - 1st century BCE
Enoch's testament to his children: woes against the wicked and rich, comfort for the righteous, the Apocalypse of Weeks, and a closing appendix on the miraculous birth of Noah.
Dating & manuscripts. The Apocalypse of Weeks is one of the earliest datable parts. Chapters 106-107 (the Birth of Noah) are a later appendix drawn from a separate Noah tradition.
In the manuscripts the Apocalypse of Weeks runs 93:1-10 then 91:11-17; Charles rearranged the verses to restore that order, which is why some editions number these chapters differently.
1 Enoch is an anthology of five distinct works, composed over roughly three centuries.
Grounds of Hopefulness for the Righteous: Woes for the Wicked.
The children of the righteous shall mount and rise as eagles with their nest higher than the vultures. Themes: Divine Judgment and the Flood
1e hopeful, ye righteous; for suddenly shall the sinners perish before you, And ye shall have lordship over them according to your desires.
2 And in the day of the tribulation of the sinners, Your children shall mount and rise as eagles, And higher than the vultures will be your nest, And ye shall ascend and enter the crevices of the earth, And the clefts of the rock for ever as coneys before the unrighteous, And the sirens shall sigh because of you-and weep.
3 Wherefore fear not, ye that have suffered; For healing shall be your portion, And a bright light shall enlighten you, And the voice of rest ye shall hear from heaven.
4 Woe unto you, ye sinners, for your riches make you appear like the righteous, But your hearts convict you of being sinners, And this fact shall be a testimony against you for a memorial of (your) evil deeds.
5 Woe to you who devour the finest of the wheat, And drink wine in large bowls, And tread under foot the lowly with your might.
6 Woe to you who drink water from every fountain, For suddenly shall ye be consumed and wither away, Because ye have forsaken the fountain of life.
7 Woe to you who work unrighteousness And deceit and blasphemy: It shall be a memorial against you for evil.
8 Woe to you, ye mighty, Who with might oppress the righteous; For the day of your destruction is coming. In those days many and good days shall come to the righteous-in the day of your judgement.
Did You Know?
The children of the righteous shall mount and rise as eagles with their nest higher than the vultures.
The righteous shall ascend and enter the crevices of the earth and the clefts of the rock forever as coneys.
Those who have suffered shall receive healing as their portion, a bright light to enlighten them, and hear the voice of rest from heaven.
The riches of sinners make them appear like the righteous but their hearts convict them of being sinners as a testimony against them.
Those who drink water from every fountain shall suddenly be consumed and wither away because they have forsaken the fountain of life.
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Commentary
In brief
The chapter recounts encouragement for the righteous as sinners suddenly perish and they rise like eagles to refuge with healing and heavenly rest, while woes condemn sinners for riches, luxury, oppression and deceit that testify against them, bringing their destruction and good days for the righteous at judgment.