OK, welcome to the deep dive. This is where we
take your source material, the articles, the
research, the notes you share with us, and we
really dig in. Yeah, we try to find those essential
insights, the things you really need to grasp,
and we do it through conversation. Think of us
as your guides, maybe. You bring the map, the
source material, and we help navigate it. Up
one at the landmarks, understand the terrain,
try and get straight to the heart of it without
getting lost in the weeds. And today, our source
material is... Wow, it's something else the parable
of Enoch. It's complex deeply visionary. Oh,
absolutely It gives the singular perspective
on some huge topics divine judgment the spirit
world the future cosmic order right how everything
fits together from The heavens down to human
actions exactly so our mission for this deep
dive Let's unpack the key themes the characters
those incredible sometimes frankly startling
visions. We want to get to grips with its view
on righteousness and judgment, the divine realm,
all of it. It's not like a regular story, is
it? It's Enoch describing these revelations he
had. Precisely. And he starts by saying he received
three specific parables, full of wisdom, he says,
unlike anything seen before. Okay, so parable
one. It just throws us right in doesn't it? What's
the absolute first thing he sees he sees the
congregation of the righteous appearing this
gathering of the holy and Right alongside that
judgment the expulsion of sinners from earth.
It's a stark absolute separation from the get
-go. Yeah, the text doesn't pull any punches
about their fate. It's darkness for them, contrasted
with light for the righteous. Pregrim, it even
suggests, you know, it might have been better
if they'd never been born. And it's a total flip
of earthly status. How so? Well, it specifically
calls out the kings and the mighty. Earthly power
structures. They perish. They're handed over
to the righteous and holy. Wow. And no appeals.
No mercy at this point. None mentioned. Their
life, it says, is just. at an end, it's the absoluteness
that's striking, not just individuals, but targeting
power itself. And amidst this, something surprising
happens, a descent of elect and holy children
from heaven. They come down to become one with
the children of men. Okay, that's interesting.
What could that mean? A different kind of interaction.
It seems to foreshadow something, yeah. Oh. And
while this is happening, Enoch himself gets these
specific books. What kind of books? Books of
zeal and wrath and books of disquiet and expulsion.
So reinforcing that theme of judgment, the end
of mercy for the condemned. And things shift
for Enoch personally, right? He gets moved. Dramatically.
Carried off by a whirlwind to the end of the
heavens. And what he sees there, it's quite something.
The dwelling places of the holy resting places
of the righteous, what are they like? Places
of peace, interaction. He sees the righteous
there talking with righteous angels. And these
angels, they have a job to do. A really significant
one. The text says they are petitioning, interceding,
praying for the children of men back on earth.
Really? So not just hanging out in heaven, but
actively involved with earth? Yes. And the result
of this intercession is key. Because of it, righteousness
flows like water and mercy, like dew upon the
earth. Wow. And this state, it says, will be
amongst them forever and ever. So this is constant
connection facilitated by these angels. Okay,
let's unpack that. This isn't just a static heaven.
It's dynamic. Angels are bringing divine favor
down to humanity. It suggests the cosmos with
structure, roles. Heavenly beings aren't just
bystanders. They're involved in sustaining righteousness
and mercy on earth, at least for those aligned
with God's order. And this is where a really
crucial figure appears, isn't it? The elect one.
Yes. Enoch sees him dwelling under the wings
of the Lord of Spirits. He's defined by righteousness
and faith. And the text says something important
about his time, right? It makes a huge statement.
Righteousness shall prevail in his days and the
righteous and elect with him. Without number,
countless. So his arrival isn't just incidental.
It marks an era where righteousness actually
wins out. How are the righteous with him described?
Powerful imagery, strong as fiery lights, mouths
full of blessing, always extolling God. And like
the elect one, the righteousness never fails
before God. It's a total purity, unwavering devotion.
And Enoch himself reacts quite personally to
this. Deeply. His spirit longs for it. He recognizes
it as his destiny, his portion from God. He just
bursts into praise for God eternal, all -knowing.
He also sees this host, this group, that sleeks
not angels. Seems like it. constantly praising
God. And their praise includes that famous phrase,
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of spirits. He filleth
the earth with spirits. Highlighting God's holiness
and presence everywhere. Right. Then he sees
this countless multitude standing before God,
just to share scale. And distinct from that multitude,
on the four sides of God, four specific presences.
Exactly. And an angel explains who they are and
what they do. Okay, who are they? These sound
important. They are Michael, Raphael, Gabriel,
and Fanuel. And they're all Michael is the merciful
and long -suffering. Raphael is set over diseases
and wounds, Gabriel over all powers, and Faniel.
He's over repentance and to hope for those inheriting
eternal life. Wow. The text calls them the Four
Angels of the Lord of Spirits. So not just names,
they represent key aspects of how God interacts
with the world. Mercy, healing, power, even the
chance for repentance and eternal life. It's
like a structured divine administration. Following
that, Enoch gets shown secrets of the heavens
more than just the assembly. Like what? How the
heavenly kingdom is divided and significantly
how human actions are weighed in a balance. So
connecting heavenly mechanics to human accountability,
he sees where people end up too. He does. the
mansions for the elect and holy, but also how
sinners are actively driven out, dragged off
for punishment. The vision then shifts again,
doesn't it? Yeah. To secrets of nature. Yes.
Things we see every day, but shown from a divine
control perspective. Lightning, thunder, winds
how they're divided, directed, clouds due, the
chambers for hail and mist. So even the weather
isn't random, it's all part of this divine order.
What about the sun and moon? He sees their chambers,
their movements going out, coming back. The text
stresses their precision, their stately orbit.
They never leave it. And they keep faith with
each other according to an oath that binds them.
They move exactly as God commands. There's that
striking detail, too. They give thanks and praise
and rest not. And their Thanksgiving is their
rest. What's that about? It frames the whole
cosmos as being in constant worship just by functioning
as ordered. Their movement is their praise. Changes
how you think about rest, doesn't it? It does.
And this order has direct consequences for Earth.
Absolutely. The sun changes for blessing or curse.
The moon's path is light for the righteous, darkness
for sinners. God's separated light darkness,
divided spirits, strengthens the righteous. And
nothing, no angel or power can hinder God's judgment.
There's a short allegory tucked in here, too,
about wisdom. A poignant one. Wisdom came looking
for a home among humans on earth, found unsuitable,
and returned to the angels. But unrighteousness.
Ah, unrighteousness did find a home, found those
it wasn't even looking for apparently, and settled
in easily like rain on thirsty ground. That paints
a pretty bleak picture of humanity's openness
to wisdom versus unrighteousness, doesn't it?
It certainly suggests wisdom isn't readily embraced,
while its opposite finds fertile ground. Enoch
then sees other lights, stars. God calls them
by name, they obey, they're weighed. Yeah, weighed
by light, space, appearance. Angels measure their
revolution, which produces lightning. And there's
a meaning behind this, a parable. The angel explains,
these stars represent the holy who dwell on the
earth and believe in the name of the Lord of
Spirits. Okay, connecting the cosmic to the faithful
on earth. But then there's that odd detail. Some
stars become lightnings. Yeah can't change back
right a strange specific image and that's where
the first parable ends so parable to The text
says this one is Concerning those who deny the
name of the dwelling of the holy ones in the
Lord of Spirits Direct focus on the deniers and
their fate pretty severe can't ascend to heaven
can't even come to earth They're just preserved
for suffering Tribulation the elect one is immediately
central again sitting on the throne of glory,
judging works. Yes, and it mentions innumerable
rest places for the elect, and their souls actually
grow stronger just by seeing the elect ones.
And God will cause this elect one to dwell among
those who call on his name. So, not just judgment.
but a future dwelling. Seems so. And this future
involves a huge transformation, cosmic level.
How so? Heaven becomes an eternal blessing, eternal
light. And the earth itself is transformed into
a blessing. The elect will live on this transformed
earth. But, and this is crucial sinners and evildoers.
Cannots at foot on it. The separation from parable
one becomes permanent reality in this final vision.
So, total contrast. Peace for the righteous on
a blessed earth. utter destruction for sinners
from the earth. Then comes this really pivotal
vision. Enoch sees the head of days, ancient
white hair on a throne, and with him another
being. Looks like a man, gracious countenance,
like a holy angel. And Enoch asks the obvious
question, who is this, this son of man? Why is
he with the head of days? And the angel's answer
is, well, it's foundational for this text. This
is the son of man who hath righteousness. Right.
with whom dwelleth righteousness, and who reveals
all the treasures of that which is hidden. Veals
hidden treasures. Okay. Because the Lord of spirits
hath chosen him, and whose lot hath preeminence
before the Lord of spirits in uprightness forever.
Wow. Okay, hold on. This figure, looking like
a man, The eternal head of days, he's called
the Son of Man, defined by righteousness, a revealer
chosen by God with preeminent status forever.
That's huge. It is, and his power is immediately
shown against earthly rulers. He'll raise them
from their seats, loosen their reins, break their
teeth. Humble them completely, shame them. Their
end is darkness, worms. no hope of rising, specifically
because they didn't extol God's name. And the
text lists why they face this. They judge the
stars of heaven. Remember, the stars are the
holy on earth. All right, so they persecute the
faithful. Exactly. They misuse the earth, their
deeds are unrighteous, power based on riches,
faith in idols, denying God, persecuting believers.
So their judgment is tied directly to oppressing
the righteous and rejecting God's order. And
during this time, a powerful scene in heaven,
the prayers and the blood of the persecuted righteous
ascend to God. The blood cries out, essentially.
Yes. And the holy ones in heaven join in, supplicating,
praying, praising, thanking all on behalf of
the righteous bloodshed, asking for judgment
for an end to the suffering. So suffering on
earth directly prompts action and unity in heaven.
Right. Enoch sees the head of days on the throne,
the books of the living opened, hosts all around,
and the text notes the joy among the holy. Joy.
Why joy? Because the required number of the righteous
offered up has been met, their prayer is heard,
and their blood will be required. Justice is
coming. He also sees this inexhaustible fountain
of righteousness there. surrounded by fountains
of wisdom. Yes, and drinking from them fills
you with wisdom, lets you dwell with the righteous.
It's like the source of endless spiritual nourishment
at the Divine Center. And then comes maybe the
most startling claim in the whole book about
the Son of Man. Yeah, this one is mind -bending.
Wait, before creation? Chosen and hidden before
the world began only revealed later to the elect.
Okay, let's just pause there. He wasn't just
planned for the end times. His identity, his
name, existed in God's presence before anything
physical was made. What does that do to his significance?
It elevates him beyond history, doesn't it? Makes
him fundamental to existence itself. Woven into
the divine plan from eternity. Not an afterthought,
but part of the original blueprint. Wow. Okay.
And his role for the righteous. He's their staff
so they don't fall. The light of the Gentiles.
hope for the troubled heart and ultimately everyone
on earth will fall down and worship him. Why
are the righteous saved in his name? Because
the text says they hated and despised this world,
the world of unrighteousness, its works, its
ways. Their salvation is tied to rejecting corruption
and accepting him. The reaction of the kings
and the mighty. It's described vividly, isn't
it? Oh yeah, pure anguish. Faces fall, they know
they can't save themselves, they're given over
to the elect one, burn like straws, sink like
lead, utterly consumed. No recovery. They fall
and don't rise, specifically because they denied
God and His anointed one. He uses that title
here. It links Son of Man and anointed one right
there, yes. The text reaffirms God's power, eternal
glory. Unrighteousness vanishes, but the elect
one's glory is eternal. And the spirits within
the elect one are listed. Wisdom, insight, understanding,
might, and the spirit of those who died in righteousness.
He judges secrets. No lies before him. And for
the holy intellect, light, glory, honor, turn
towards them. A transformation. Right. Now the
day of affliction, it holds evil for sinners,
but victory for the righteous. Sinners witness
this, maybe a last chance. But then there's that
confusing bit. Yeah, that tension. No honor through
God's name, yet saved through His name, God has
compassion. But then, henceforth, I will have
no mercy on them. It's tough to reconcile. It
really is. It highlights the finality, even alongside
hints of compassion, perhaps different groups
or a process. Hard to say for sure from the text.
Then resurrection, earth, shield, hell. Give
back their dead. The elect one arises, chooses
the righteous and holy. The day of salvation
is nigh, imminent. He's seen on God's throne,
wisdom pouring from his mouth, counsel given
to him by God. glorified by God. And the cosmos
reacts. Mountains leap like rams, hills skip,
angels' faces light up, earth rejoices, the righteous
finally dwell on it, walk on it. Then the vision
shifts. Wagons, riders, winds from east -west,
south, shaking the earth. Yeah, a display of
power. And in response, everyone falls down,
worships the Lord of Spirits, and that's the
end of parable two. Okay, parable three. This
one, the text says, is concerning the righteous
and elect, starts right off declaring them blessed,
glorious lot, unending life, peace. Their whole
focus is seeking and finding righteousness. And
the holy in heaven are seeking two secrets of
righteousness, heritage of faith. These secrets
become bright as the sun on earth, darkness gone,
light forever. It revisits some cosmic secrets
too, lightning, lights, judgments again. Yes,
reinforcing the theme, how they judge for blessing
or curse, thunder too. judgments on earth bringing
well -being or curse, lights and lightning's
flash for blessing, for satisfying needs. Enoch
then shares a really personal, intense experience
from his own life in year 500. He does. A mighty
quaking, heaven of heavens, the angelic host,
everyone profoundly shaken. He sees the head
of days on the throne, angels righteous all around,
and Enoch, he's overcome. Trembling fear. falls
down. That he's helped. Michael sends another
angel to raise him, restore his spirit. Michael
then explains why everyone was so disquieted.
Why was that? Because the time for mercy and
long suffering is ending. The day of judgment
is ready. For those who reject the law, deny
judgment, take God's name in vain. It's a covenant
for the elect, an inquisition for sinners. He
mentions, punishment can even affect children
with parents. He does, but adds, judgment still
happens according to God's mercy and patience.
Again, that complex balance. Then we get introduced
to monsters. Leviathan and Behemoth. Two colossal
figures. Leviathan, female, in the ocean abyss.
Behemoth, male, in a specific wilderness, duodane.
East of the garden, near where Enoch's grandfather
was taken up. Okay. Created together, but separated.
On the same day, yes. Enoch asks about their
power, but the angel says that knowledge is hidden.
But the angel does reveal more cosmic secrets,
expanding on Parable One. Oh yeah. Heaven's height,
depth, ends, foundation. Wind chambers divided,
weighed, controlled by portals. Power of moon,
starlight, star divisions. Thunder lightning
inseparable, but divided by spirit. Treasury
like sand, bridled. It's incredibly detailed.
Spirit of the sea, frost, hail, snow, mist, dew.
All have spirits or angels, chamber specific
functions. Rain comes from chambers opened by
angels, measured, nourishing the earth. All seen
heading towards the Garden of the Righteous.
It's showing God's hand in absolutely everything.
What about the monsters, Leviathan and Behemoth?
What's their ultimate fate? Prepared conformably
to God's greatness and they shall feed, doesn't
say much more. Part of the grand design it seems.
Then Enoch sees angels with cords, flying north
to measure something. Right. The angel explains
they're bringing measures of the righteous and
the ropes of the righteous to the righteous.
Measures and ropes, what does that mean? So they
can stay faithful, stay on God's name, the elect
to one with the elect. These measures are given
to faith, strength and righteousness. It sounds
symbolic tools or guidance to remain steadfast.
And these measures also reveal secrets, earth's
depths, even those lost. Yes. Those destroyed
in the desert by beasts, fish, they'll return
and stay themselves on the day of the elect one.
None destroyed before God, none can be destroyed.
Suggests resurrection, restoration, even for
the physically lost. Heavenly beings react. Commanded,
united. One voice, one light. Blessing, extolling,
lauding with wisdom, spirit of life. Cosmic harmony.
The elect one is central again. On the throne,
judging works weight and balance. God commands
earthly rulers to recognize him. Spirit of righteousness
poured on him. His word slays sinners. And when
the kings and mighty see him stand up, recognize
him on the throne. Righteousness is judged right
there. No lying word. Pain seizes them like a
woman in labor. Terrified, downcast, agony seeing
the Son of Man. But their response is... Kind
of ironic. They bless and glorify the hidden
ruler. Exactly. The Son of Man, hidden from the
beginning, preserved, now revealed. They see
the elect standing there, and these kings fall
down, worship, hope, even petition for mercy.
Does it work? No. God presses them. They leave
hastily, faces full of shame. darkness, delivered
to angels for punishment, vengeance, specifically
for oppressing God's children, the elect. And
the righteous witness this. They rejoice. They
rejoice over the punished, see God's wrath, the
divine sword, grim, but part of the vision. Their
own fate, the righteous and elect. Absolute salvation,
saved, never see sinners again. God and the Son
of Man live with them forever, eating, lying
down, rising up, constant fellowship. They rise
from earth, clothed in glory, life. Garments
don't age, glory never fades. The mighty kings
facing punishment, they make one last plea. They
implore the angels of punishment for just a little
respite. Time to worship God, confess their sins.
They bless God, finally acknowledge his power,
his secrets. And their confession is quite detailed.
Very revealing. They wish for rest now to glorify,
but fine none. Pursue it, don't get it. Light's
gone, darkness is home. They admit they didn't
believe or glorify God when they could, hoped
in earthly power instead. They admit there's
no salvation and suffering, no respite even for
confession. Yes, they acknowledge God is true,
just, impartial. They pass away because of their
works, their sins, justly reckoned. Souls burdened
by ill -gotten gains go down to shield. Their
final state. dark faces, shame before the Son
of Man driven out, sword remains before them.
That's God's ordinance, God's judgment. Then
the vision shifts one last time to other hidden
forms. the fallen angels. The ones who descended
revealed forbidden secrets seduced humans. Those
ones. A list is given. Samjaza, Artequifah, Armen,
Kokabel, Tarell, Rumjal, Dhanjal, Nukwel, Barakal,
Azazel. He's also twice, Armaro's, Batarjal.
Lots of them. Chiefs over groups. And specific
bad actions are mentioned. Very specific. Jaqan
led astray sons of God via human women. Esbiel
gave evil counsel, defiled himself. Gadreel showed
blows of dash, led astray Eve, showed humans,
weapons, shields, swords, armor. Weapons now
used against earth dwellers proceed from his
hand. Wow. Penemy taught bitter and sweet, wisdom
secrets, and writing. Incan paper yes, and the
text says through this knowledge many sinned
men weren't created for this like angels Death
came through this knowledge and power because
data showed wicked spirit demon stuff smiting
embryos snake bites heatstroke That's quite a
charge sheet is blaming specific evils warfare
may be misused knowledge like writing even certain
kinds of harm on these fallen angels corrupting
humanity Exactly, it's an alternative origin
story for certain kinds of sin and suffering
tracing them back to this angelic fall and illicit
sharing of knowledge and there is And this oath
is cosmic. The text says it sustains creation.
Heaven, earth on water, mountains, sea bounds,
depths. The course of sun, moon, stars. It's
in Michael's hand. It enforces order. Holds the
fallen accountable. It's fundamental. Okay. And
there was joy when the Son of Man's name was
finally revealed. Great joy, yes. It was a key
moment in this unfolding revelation. So the final
act of the Son of Man in this parable. Sits on
the throne. Judgment given to him, sinners, the
fallen angels who led astray destroyed from earth,
bound, imprisoned, their works vanish. And the
final line is powerful. From now on, nothing
corruptible. Because the Son of Man has appeared,
taken his throne, evil passes away. His word
is strong before God. Wow. Okay, that was...
Quite the journey. Three parables packed with
visions, judgment the head of days, the son of
man, especially that pre -existence claim. Right,
the different fates for righteous and wicked,
the incredible detail on cosmic order, divine
control. And those secrets, fallen angels forbidden
knowledge, it's a lot to take in. It really provides
this unique, highly detailed framework for understanding,
well, one specific perspective on the end times,
how the cosmos is run, where certain evils came
from, and the ultimate stakes of it all. It really
does. And thinking about those specifics, like
the fallen angels teaching weapon making, writing,
cosmetics. Yeah. How does this text make you
think about knowledge itself? That's a great
point. Is all knowledge good? Or can certain
kinds maybe revealed properly or used wrongly
actually be dangerous. This text seems to suggest
the latter, tying specific knowledge directly
to sin and death via those angels. Yeah, put
the different spin on things. Or what about that
repeated idea the Son of Man named chosen, hidden
before creation? We said it makes him eternally
significant. But what does it suggest about history?
Is it just things happening? Or is it more like
the slow unveiling of a reality that was already
complete, already established with the Son of
Man at its center before time even began? That's
definitely something that you want. How does
that pre -existence change how you view the whole
cosmic drama unfolding in these parables? What
does this deep dive spark for you? Good questions
to leave us with. Thank you for going on this
deep dive with us today. Always fascinating to
unpack a text like this. Thanks for the conversation.