This section of 1 Enoch, an ancient Jewish apocalyptic text, details a vision experienced by the patriarch Enoch. It features a vibrant depiction of the “Son of Man,” a messianic figure seated on the throne of God’s glory, and receiving adoration from angels and the righteous. This vision offers a detailed portrayal of judgment, emphasizing the rewards for the righteous and the punishments for the wicked. The imagery employed is often symbolic and draws upon astronomical and natural phenomena.
This specific textual portion holds significant importance within Enochic studies and offers valuable insights into Jewish messianic expectations during the Second Temple period. It sheds light on the development of angelology and demonology, as well as concepts of the afterlife and the final judgment. Furthermore, it provides a glimpse into the socio-religious context of the time, reflecting anxieties concerning justice and the ultimate fate of humanity. Its influence can be traced in later Jewish and Christian literature, including the New Testament.