Abstract
The 'Animal Apocalypse' in the Ethiopic Book of Enoch (1 Enoch) presents a fascinating rendition of human history, and Israelite history in particular, entirely in an extended metaphor of animals. This article argues that the author's animal symbols are systematically applied, based on his ethical understanding of the Law regarding clean and unclean animals. Under its symbolic imagery the 'Animal Apocalypse' offers an alternative view on human history which combines both the earthly and the cosmic realms. The animal symbolism reveals the author's worldview and carries a depth of meaning which otherwise would be lost in a story told in a literal sense.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 268-287 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2015 |
Keywords
- Apocalyptic literature
- Second Temple Judaism
- Book of Dreams
- kosher mentality
- animal metaphor