THE BOOK OF ENOCH

1. Enoch's Prophetic Blessing and Warning

The word of the blessing of Enoch, how he blessed the elect and the righteous, who were to exist in the time of trouble; rejecting all the wicked and ungodly.

Enoch's Role. The Book of Enoch begins with Enoch, a righteous man chosen by God, delivering a blessing to the elect and righteous who will live during a time of tribulation. This blessing simultaneously serves as a warning to the wicked and ungodly, setting the stage for the apocalyptic visions and prophecies that follow. Enoch's unique position allows him to see and understand the divine plan, making his words a crucial guide for those seeking righteousness.

Vision of Judgment. Enoch's blessing is intertwined with a vision of future judgment. He foresees a time when God will come with his hosts to execute judgment upon the wicked, reproving them for their ungodly deeds. This vision emphasizes the importance of living righteously, as all actions will be accounted for in the final judgment.

Hope for the Righteous. Despite the impending tribulation, Enoch's message offers hope to the elect. He assures them that God will give them peace, preserve them, and exercise clemency towards them. This promise of divine protection and favor serves as a source of strength and encouragement for those who remain faithful during difficult times.

2. The Fall of the Watchers and Their Corrupted Teachings

And when the angels, the sons of heaven, beheld them, they became enamoured of them, saying to each other, Come, let us select for ourselves wives from the progeny of men, and let us beget children.

The Watchers' Transgression. A pivotal event in the Book of Enoch is the fall of the Watchers, angels who descended to Earth and became enamored with human women. This transgression led them to take wives and beget children, resulting in the birth of giants and the spread of corruption. The Watchers' actions defied divine law and introduced chaos into the world.

Corrupting Knowledge. The fallen angels not only engaged in forbidden unions but also shared secret knowledge with humans, teaching them sorcery, incantations, and the use of weapons. This knowledge further corrupted humanity, leading to increased impiety, fornication, and violence. Azazyel, in particular, is singled out for teaching men to make swords, knives, shields, and various ornaments, altering the world and increasing impiety.

Consequences of Disobedience. The Watchers' disobedience had dire consequences for both themselves and humanity. Their actions filled the earth with blood and iniquity, prompting cries for justice from the souls of the dead. This sets the stage for divine intervention and the punishment of the fallen angels.

3. Divine Judgment and the Binding of the Wicked Angels

Again the Lord said to Raphael, Bind Azazyel hand and foot; cast him into darkness; and opening the desert which is in Dudael, cast him in there.

God's Response. In response to the corruption caused by the Watchers, God intervenes to restore order and justice. He sends various angels to carry out specific tasks, including binding Azazyel and casting him into darkness, destroying the children of fornication, and announcing judgment to Samyaza and his associates. This divine intervention demonstrates God's commitment to upholding righteousness and punishing wickedness.

Punishment of Azazyel. Azazyel, one of the chief instigators of corruption, receives a particularly harsh punishment. He is bound hand and foot, cast into a dark desert, and covered with stones. This imprisonment is meant to last until the great day of judgment, when he will be cast into the fire. Azazyel's fate serves as a warning to those who lead others astray.

Restoration of the Earth. God's judgment is not solely punitive; it also aims to restore the earth. He commands that the earth be cleansed of the corruption caused by the angels and that life be announced to it. This restoration includes the promise of righteousness, rectitude, and peace for the righteous, as well as the extermination of oppression, injustice, and impiety.

4. Enoch's Heavenly Journeys and Cosmic Revelations

They raised me up into a certain place, where there was the appearance of a burning fire; and when they pleased they assumed the likeness of men.

Guided Tours. Enoch is taken on a series of heavenly journeys, guided by angels like Uriel and Raphael, to witness cosmic secrets and divine realities. These journeys provide him with a unique perspective on the workings of the universe and the fate of humanity. The angel guides act as interpreters, explaining the significance of what Enoch sees.

Cosmic Geography. Enoch is shown various regions of the cosmos, including the receptacles of light and thunder, the storehouses of the winds, and the prisons of fallen stars. These visions reveal a complex and ordered universe, governed by divine laws and inhabited by various spiritual beings. He sees the stone supporting the corners of the earth, the four winds, and the paths of the angels.

Future Judgment. Enoch's journeys also reveal the future judgment of the wicked and the reward of the righteous. He witnesses the preparation of instruments of punishment for the kings and powerful ones of the earth, as well as the dwelling places of the spirits of the dead, awaiting the day of judgment. These visions reinforce the importance of living righteously and fearing God's judgment.

5. The Messiah's Role in Judgment and Salvation

In that day shall the Elect One sit upon a throne of glory; and shall choose their conditions and countless habitations, while their spirits within them shall be strengthened, when they behold my Elect One, for those who have fled for protection to my holy and glorious name.

The Elect One. The Book of Enoch introduces the concept of the "Elect One," a messianic figure who will play a crucial role in the final judgment and the salvation of the righteous. This figure is also referred to as the "Son of Man" and is described as possessing righteousness, wisdom, and power. The Elect One's presence brings hope and comfort to the righteous, who will be strengthened by beholding him.

Judgment of the Wicked. The Elect One will sit upon a throne of glory and judge the wicked, condemning them to punishment. He will destroy the sinners and the ungodly, expelling them from his presence and casting them into the fire. This judgment is meant to avenge the oppression of the righteous and establish justice on earth.

Salvation of the Righteous. The Elect One will also provide salvation and rest for the righteous. He will cause them to dwell in the midst of him, change the face of heaven and earth for their benefit, and satisfy them with peace. The righteous will be preserved in his name and will live in his presence forever.

6. The Parable of the Sheep: A History of Humanity

And behold, a cow sprung forth from the earth.

Allegorical Vision. Enoch recounts a vision of cows and sheep, which serves as an allegory for the history of humanity. The cows represent the early generations of humans, while the sheep symbolize the people of Israel. The vision depicts the various events and periods in human history, from the creation to the final judgment.

Periods of Tribulation. The parable portrays periods of tribulation and suffering for the sheep, as they are oppressed by wolves, dogs, foxes, and wild boars. These animals represent various enemies and oppressors who seek to harm the people of God. The sheep's cries for help reflect the prayers of the righteous during times of difficulty.

Divine Intervention. Throughout the parable, the Lord of the sheep intervenes to protect and deliver his flock. He sends shepherds to care for them, punishes the wicked, and ultimately establishes a new house for them in a delectable territory. This divine intervention demonstrates God's unwavering love and commitment to his people.

7. The Promise of Righteousness and the End of Iniquity

Righteousness shall be raised up from slumber; and wisdom shall be raised up, and conferred upon them.

Path of Righteousness. Enoch emphasizes the importance of choosing the path of righteousness and shunning the path of oppression. He warns that those who walk in iniquity will perish forever, while those who embrace righteousness will be guided in good paths and have truth as their companion. This choice between righteousness and iniquity is central to the Book of Enoch's message.

Future Reward. The righteous are promised a future reward of peace, light, and eternal life. They will be deemed worthy of having their prayers rise up in remembrance and will be saved from destruction. This promise of future glory serves as a motivation for enduring hardship and remaining faithful.

End of Iniquity. Enoch foresees a time when iniquity will be cut off from its roots, sinners will perish, and blasphemers will be annihilated. This final cleansing will usher in an era of righteousness and peace, where sin will no longer be named. This vision of a world free from iniquity offers hope for a brighter future.

8. Cosmic Order and the Luminaries of Heaven

This is the book of the revolutions of the luminaries of heaven, according to their respective classes, their respective powers, their respective periods, their respective names, the places where they commence their progress, and their respective months, which Uriel, the holy angel who was with me, explained to me; he who conducted them.

Celestial Mechanics. The Book of Enoch dedicates significant attention to the movements and regulations of the sun, moon, and stars. Enoch receives detailed explanations from the angel Uriel regarding their respective classes, powers, periods, and names. This focus on cosmic order reflects a belief in a divinely governed universe.

Solar and Lunar Cycles. Enoch describes the precise cycles of the sun and moon, including their entrances and exits through various gates in the heavens. He notes the lengthening and shortening of days and nights, as well as the variations in the moon's light. These observations demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of celestial mechanics.

Moral Implications. The regular and predictable movements of the luminaries serve as a contrast to the wickedness and chaos on Earth. Enoch warns that in the days of sinners, the years will be shortened, the fruits of the earth will be late, and the moon will change its laws. This suggests that moral corruption can disrupt the natural order of the cosmos.

9. The Final Judgment and the New Earth

The former heaven shall depart and pass away; a new heaven shall appear; and all the celestial powers shall shine with sevenfold splendour for ever.

Everlasting Judgment. The Book of Enoch culminates in a vision of the final judgment, where the Watchers and all the ungodly will be judged and punished. This judgment is described as everlasting, with no hope of escape for those found guilty. The final judgment serves as a warning to all to repent and turn to righteousness.

New Heaven and Earth. After the judgment, a new heaven and earth will spring forth, free from sin and corruption. The celestial powers will shine with sevenfold splendor, and righteousness will reign supreme. This new creation represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for humanity.

Eternal Righteousness. In the new earth, there will be many weeks that exist in goodness and righteousness, and sin will not be named. The righteous will inherit eternal life and dwell in the presence of God forever. This promise of eternal righteousness offers hope and encouragement to those who strive to live according to God's will.

Last updated: March 13, 2025