While the Book of Enoch was highly regarded in Second Temple Judaism (516 BC – AD 70) and was widely read by early Christians, it was later excluded from both Jewish and Christian canons. However, its direct citation in the New Testament (Jude 1:14-15) and its theological connections to biblical prophecy demonstrate its immense influence on Scripture.
This is why I have chosen to incorporate themes from the Book of Enoch into my Sons of God series. The book provides a rich foundation for exploring the cosmic war between divine and fallen beings, the corruption of humanity by supernatural forces, and the ultimate redemption through divine justice.
Historical Background of the Book of Enoch
The Book of Enoch was written between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD, likely as a collection of multiple texts over time. Originally composed in Aramaic and Hebrew, it was widely circulated among Jewish sects, particularly the Essenes at Qumran, who preserved fragments of it in the Dead Sea Scrolls.
The book is divided into five key sections:
- The Book of the Watchers (Chapters 1–36) – Describes the fallen angels (Watchers), their descent to Earth, their corruption of humanity, and their punishment.
- The Book of Parables (Chapters 37–71) – Introduces the Son of Man, a messianic figure later echoed in the Book of Daniel and the teachings of Jesus.
- The Astronomical Book (Chapters 72–82) – Details celestial and cosmic mysteries.
- The Book of Dream Visions (Chapters 83–90) – Prophetic visions concerning world history and the final judgment.
- The Epistle of Enoch (Chapters 91–108) – Enoch’s final warnings of judgment and hope for the righteous.
These themes align closely with both Old and New Testament prophecies, making the Book of Enoch a key source for understanding the biblical narrative of spiritual warfare and divine justice—central themes in my Sons of God series.
Did Jesus Read the Book of Enoch?
There is strong historical and textual evidence that Jesus was familiar with the Book of Enoch and likely read from it:
1. The Book of Enoch Was Widely Circulated in Jesus’ Time
- The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered at Qumran, contain multiple copies of Enoch, proving that the book was actively read and preserved by Jewish religious communities.
- The Essenes, a prominent Jewish sect of Jesus’ time, considered Enoch to be authoritative Scripture.
- If Enoch was widely known among the Jews, then Jesus, as a Jewish teacher and rabbi, would have been familiar with it.
2. Jesus’ Teachings Contain Enochian Themes
Many of Jesus’ parables, descriptions of the end times, and references to the "Son of Man" closely parallel the Book of Enoch:
The Title “Son of Man”
- The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch 46:1-2) introduces the Son of Man as a divine, messianic judge.
- Jesus refers to Himself as the Son of Man over 80 times in the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 24:30, Mark 14:62, Luke 12:8, John 3:13).
- This title does not appear explicitly in the Old Testament, suggesting that Jesus was drawing from Enoch’s description of the Messiah.
The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)
- In 1 Enoch 90:20-27, the Son of Man judges the nations, separating the righteous from the wicked—a direct parallel to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25.
The Description of Hell and Eternal Judgment
- Jesus speaks of “outer darkness” and “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12, Matthew 13:42), a concept not found in the Old Testament but detailed in Enoch.
Angelic Rebellion and the Watchers’ Judgment
- Enoch describes angels who sinned by interbreeding with humans and were cast into the abyss.
- Jesus references fallen angels bound in chains (Matthew 25:41, Luke 8:31) and Peter and Jude reiterate this in 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 1:6.
Given these strong connections, it is highly likely that Jesus was familiar with and referenced the Book of Enoch in His teachings.
Citations in Canonical Texts and Arguments for Inclusion
1. Direct Citation in the New Testament
- Jude 1:14-15 directly quotes 1 Enoch 1:9:
“Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied: ‘Behold, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of His holy ones to execute judgment upon all.’”
- This indicates that at least one New Testament writer considered Enoch an authoritative source of prophecy.
2. Influence on Biblical Prophecy
- Daniel, Revelation, and the Gospels all contain Enochian themes, from the Messiah’s role as divine judge to angelic rebellion and the fate of the wicked.
Why I Am Using the Book of Enoch in the Sons of GodSeries
The Sons of God series draws heavily from the Book of Enoch because it provides a coherent, ancient foundation for biblical spiritual warfare and divine justice. Specifically, I incorporate it to:
Restore the Supernatural Context of Genesis 6
- The modern church often downplays the supernatural aspects of the Nephilim, the Watchers, and their role in corrupting humanity.
- The Book of Enoch expands upon this biblical narrative, providing a deeper understanding of the Great Flood, divine judgment, and the war between light and darkness.
Introduce the Watchers and Their Role in Humanity’s Corruption
- The Watchers in Enoch are fallen celestial beings who taught forbidden knowledge to humanity.
- In my series, these fallen beings parallel the Scryl, who manipulate and deceive through advanced technology and forbidden wisdom.
Bridge Ancient Prophecy with Hard Science Fiction
- My universe fuses biblical prophecy with advanced technology, creating a theologically rich yet scientifically plausible setting.
Reclaim Lost Christian Theology
- The Book of Enoch was widely read by early Christians, and its themes resonate deeply with the message of Scripture.
- Integrating its elements enhances the depth and authenticity of my storytelling.
Conclusion: Should the Book of Enoch Be Considered Canon?
Arguments for Inclusion:
- Jesus’ teachings strongly align with Enochian themes.
- Jude 1:14-15 directly quotes the book.
- Early Christians widely read and accepted it.
- Theological consistency with biblical prophecy.
Arguments for Exclusion:
- Rejected by Rabbinic Judaism to downplay angelic rebellion.
- Omitted by Church councils in favor of texts with apostolic authorship.
- Associated with sectarian Jewish groups (Essenes).
Regardless of its canonical status, the Book of Enoch remains essential for understanding biblical history, angelology, and the battle between good and evil—a perfect foundation for the Sons of God series.
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