Book of Parables[edit]
See also:
Metatron
Chapters 37–71 of the book of Book of Enoch are referred to as the Book of Parables. The scholarly debate centers on these chapters. The
Book of Parables appears to be based on the
Book of Watchers, but presents a later development of the idea of final judgement and
eschatology, concerned not only with the destiny of the fallen angels but also of the evil kings of the earth. The
Book of Parables uses the expression "
Son of Man" for the eschatological protagonist, who is also called “Righteous One,” “Chosen One,” and “Messiah”, and his sitting on the throne of glory in the final judgment.
[69] The first known use of
"The Son of Man" as a definite title in Jewish writings comes from the book of 1 Enoch and its use may have played a role in the early Christian understanding and use of the title.
[70]
It has been suggested that the Book of Parables in its entirety is a later addition. Pointing to similarities with the
Sibylline Oracles and other earlier works
J.T. Milik in 1976 dated the Book of Parables to the third century. He believed that the events in the parables where linked to historic events dating from 260 CE to 270 CE.
[71] This theory is in line with many scholars of the 19th century Lucke (1832), Hofman (1852), Wiesse (1856) and Phillippe (1868). According to this theory, these chapters were written in later Christian times by a Jewish Christian to enhance Christian beliefs with Enoch's authoritative name.[
citation needed] In a 1979 article Michael Knibb followed Miliks’ reasoning and suggested that because no fragments of chapters 37–71 were found at Qumran a later date was likely. Knibb would continue this line of reasoning in later works.
[72][73]: 417 In addition to being missing from Qumran chapters 37–71 are also missing from the Greek translation.
[73]: 417 Currently no firm consensus has been reached among scholars as to the date of the Book of Parables. Milik’s date of as late as 270 CE however has been rejected by most scholars. David W. Suter suggests that there is a tendency to date the Book of Parables between 50 BCE and 117 CE.
[73]: 415-416
Robert Charles in 1893 judged chapter 71 to be a later addition. He would later change his opinion.
[74]: 1 He gave an early date for the work between 94 and 64 BCE.
[75] Per the 1906 Jewish Encyclopedia: in the Book of Enoch, "Son of man" is found, but never in the original material. It occurs in the "Noachian interpolations (lx. 10, lxxi. 14), in which it has clearly no other meaning than "man," if, indeed, Charles' explanation ("Book of Enoch," p. 16), that the interpolator misused the term, as he does all other technical terms, is untenable. In that part of the Book of Enoch known as the "Similitudes" it is met with in the technical sense of a supernatural Messiah and judge of the world (xlvi. 2, xlviii. 2, lxx. 27); universal dominion and preexistence are predicated of him (xlviii. 2, lxvii. 6). He sits on God's throne (xlv. 3, li. 3), which is His own throne. Though Charles does not admit it, these passages betray Christian redaction and emendation.
[76] Many scholars have suggested that passages in the Book of Parables are Noachian interpolations. These passages seem to interrupt the flow of the narrative. Darrell D. Hannah suggests that these passages are not later interpolations but rather sourced from an earlier Noah apocryphon.
[73]: 472-473
In addition to the Noachian interpolations theory, which perhaps a majority of scholars support; most scholars currently believe that chapters 70-71 are a later addition in part or whole.
[73]: 76
[73]: 472-473
[77] Chapter 69 end with “This is the third parable of Enoch.” In chapters 70-71 Like Elijah, Enoch is generally thought to have been brought up to heaven while still alive by God. While some have suggested that the text refers to Enoch having died a natural death and ascending to heaven. The Son of Man is identified with Enoch. The text implies that Enoch had previously been enthroned in heaven.
[78] Chapters 70-71 seems to contradict passages earlier in the parable where the Son of Man is a separate entity. The parable also switches from third person singular to first person singular.
[77] James H. Charlesworth rejects the theory that chapters 70-71 are later additions. He believes that no additions were made to the Book of Parables.
[74]: 1 -12
[73]: 450-468 In his earlier work the implication is that a majority of scholars agreed with him.
[79]
