the-book-of-enoch-r-h-charles - Fallen Angels

Sect, v] Introduction 221
conceived in tlie two sections. In 91-104 it is separated from the
flnal judgement by the whole period of the Messianic kingdom,
see Ol-'^ ; in 83-90 it immediately precedes the flnal judgement, see
90^'; in 91-104 it is ethical and -vindictive—the destruction of
the wicked by the righteous; in 83-90 it is national and vindictive—the
destruction of the hostile Gentiles by the Jews. (4) The
building of the Temple precedes the final judgement in 91-104 ;
in 83-90 it is subsequent to the final judgement. (5) The kingdom,
to which the righteous rise, in 91-104 is apparently heaven; for in
9114-16 ^jjg former heaven and earth are destroyed and a new
heaven created, but no new earth, and in 104^ heaven is thrown
open to the righteous.
We must therefore conclude that 91-104 and 83-90 proceed from
different authors, and this conclusion is confirmed wlien we observe
the forcible dislocations that 91-104 have undergone at the hands
of the final editor. This section taken in the following order, 92
911-10, 18-19 931-10 9112-17 94 (gee pp. 218, 224), forms a complete
book in itself, and presents a world- view peculiarly its own. Why
then was the original order departed from, unless in order to adapt
it to a new context? On all sides, then, the conclusion is irresistible
that 91-104 once formed an independent writing; that it was after-
wards incorporated into a larger work, and undervi'ent its present
derangements in the process of incorporation.
On the other hand, there are good grounds for regarding 93^"^°
9112-17^(;1jq Apocalypse of Weeks, and the rest of 91-104 as pro-
ceeding from different hands though agreeing in the main in their
teaching.
C. The Authorship and Date. The author belongs to a clearly
defined party. That this party is the Pharisees is obvious ; for it is
exclusive in an extreme degree, 97'' ; it is an upholder of the law
against an apostate hellenizing party, 99^> '* ; it looks forward to
a temporal triumph over its opponents, 91'^, &c. ; it believes in
a flnal judgement and resurrection of the righteou 91^" 92^, and
in Sheol as the place of eternal punishment for the Avicked, 99^^
103'- 8.
The enemies of this party are rich and trust in their riches,
96* 97^"!" 98^; they oppress and rob the poor of their wages, 99^^;
they have forsaken the law, 99^, falsified the Old Testament
writings, and led men astray through their heathen doctrines, 94*
I04I"; they are given up to superstition and idolatry, 99^-'; they
hold that God does not concern Himself with the doings of men.