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

Introduction liii
to recover, its independence, we know from history that it seeks
to revive its national language.
83-90. The fourth and last of the four periods into which
83-90 divides history between the destruction of Jerusalem
and the establishment of the Messianic kingdom began about
200 B.C. (see pp. 180 sq., 206 sqq.), and marks the transition
of supremacy over Israel from the Graeco-Egyptians to tW
Graeco-Syrians, as well as the rise of the Chasids. The Chasids,
symbolized by the lambs that are borne by the white sheep, 90",
are already an organized party in the Maccabean revolt. But
certain of these lambs became horned, i.e. the Maccabean family,
and the great horn is Judas Maccabaeus, 90^ As this great
horn is still warring at the close of the rule of the shepherds,
9018, tijis Section must have been written before the death of
Judas, 161 B.C.
931-10 9112-17. This-the Apocalypse of Weeks—may have
been written before the Maccabean revolt. There is no reference
in it to the persecution of Antiochus. But the date is wholly
doubtful.
72-83. This Section is referred to in Jubilees 4". ^i, where
the author tells how Enoch wrote a book of the order of the
months, the seasons of the years, and the rule of the sun. Hence
the terminus ad quern is 110 B.C. or thereabouts.
91-104. In 83-90 the Maccabees were the religious champions
of the nation and the friends of the Chasidim. Here they arc
leagued with the Saddueees and are the foes of the Pharisaic
party. This Section was written, therefore, after 109 B.C.,
when (?) the breach between John Hyreanus and the Pharisees
took place. But a later date must be assumed according to the
literal interpretation of 103^*' i""', where the rulers are said to
uphold the Sadducean oppressors and to share in the murder of
the righteous. This charge is not justified before 95 B.C. As
for the later limit, the Herodian princes cannot be the rulers
here mentioned ; for the Saddueees were irrevocably opposed to
these as aliens and usurpers. The date, therefore, may be either
95-79 B.C. or 70-64 B.C., during which periods the Pharisees