The book of Enoch : translated from Professor Dillmann's Ethiopic ...

Sect. v.] Chapter XCI. i, 2. 265
Thus in this respect the solution of the problem here presented has
not advanced a single step beyond that given in Is. lxv and lxvi.
But this solution of the problem must have failed early to give
satisfaction. In xci-civ we find another attempt to grapple with
this difficulty, and in this an answer immeasurably more profound
is achieved. The wicked are seemingly sinning with inrpunity j
yet their evil deeds are recorded every day, civ. 7 ; and for these
they will suffer endless retribution in Sheol, xcix. 1 i ; for Sheol
is not a place such as the O. T. writers conceived, but one in
which men are requited according to their deserts, cii. 4-civ. 5.
From this hell of darkness and flame their souls will never escape,
xcviii. 3, 10 ; civ. 7, 8. But the time is coming when even on
earth the wicked will perish and the righteous triumph over them,
on the advent of the Messianic kingdom, at the beginning of the
eighth world-week, xci. 12 ; xcv. 7 ; xcvi. 1 ; xcviii. 12 ; xcix. 4, 6.
This kingdom will last till the close of the tenth world-week, and
during it the righteous will enjoy peace and well-being, and see
many good days on earth, xci. 13, 14; xcvi. 8. Then will ensue
the final judgment with the destruction of the former heaven and
earth, and the creation of a new heaven, xci. 14-16. And the
righteous dead, who have been specially guarded by angels all
the time hitherto, c. 5, will thereupon be raised, xci. 10, xcii. 3,
as spirits only, ciii. 3, 4, and the portals of the new heaven will
be opened to them, civ. 2, and they shall joy as the angels, civ. 4,
and become companions of the heavenly hosts, civ. 6, and shine as
the stars for ever, civ. 2.
TRANSLATION.
XCI. I. ' And now, my son Methuselah, call to me all thy
brothers and gather together to me all the sons of thy
mother ; for the word calls me and the spirit is poured out
upon me that I should show you everything that will befall
you for ever/ 3. Thereupon Methuselah went and called
XCI. 1. G gives a different order of the words : 'call to me all
the sons of thy mother, and gather together to me thy brothers.'
XCI. 1. Enoch calls his sons to- 5,6. All the sons of thy mother,
gether. One of the editors of this The names of these sons is given in
book has already prepared for the the Slavonic Enoch. The word calls
introduction of this section in lxxxi. me. This expression must be taken