Enoch and the Messiah Son of Man: Revisiting the Book of Parables

This stout volume contains thirty-four well-written essays on the so-called Parables of Enoch (1 Enoch 37-71). The essays summarize the discussions of the Third Enoch Seminar held at Camaldoli in Italy in the summer of 2005. They show convincingly that the Parables were indeed an integral part of 1 Enoch already in pre-Christian Palestinian Judaism and that the mention of a mysterious figure in them called ‘Messiah’ and ‘Son of Man’ forms a critical element in the history of ideas. All who are interested in the history of Second Temple Judaism and in the use of such titles for Jesus of Nazareth in the New Testament writings will welcome this important publication.

—Joseph A. Fitzmyer, S.J., Catholic University of America

Numerous first-rate scholars have intensively focused on one of the most intriguing components of the Ethiopic Book of Enoch, the one not found at Qumran — the Parables of Enoch. They have looked at the structure of the composition and its social setting and dating, have analyzed its position within the Enoch tradition and within Second Temple literature, particularly the New Testament, and have dwelt at length on the question of the Son of Man. The result is a fascinating book — not a book for those looking for ready answers, but compelling reading for those interested in the development of religious ideas. A must for everybody trying to understand early Judaism and early Christianity and its complex relationship.

—Florentino García Martínez, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Although a significant text, the Parables of Enoch have been somewhat neglected in the recent study of ancient Judaism. Congratulations are due to Boccaccini and his authors for bringing one of the most important texts of late Second Temple Judaism back into the center of scholarly discussion. The articles of this collection provide a welcome survey of the key questions posed by the Parables of Enoch.

—Armin Lange, University of Vienna