Animals, Humans, Angels and God: Animal Symbolism in the Historiography of the ‘Animal Apocalypse’ of 1 Enoch

Full title
Animals, Humans, Angels and God: Animal Symbolism in the Historiography of the ‘Animal Apocalypse’ of 1 Enoch
Updated By
Research notes

NR\Reader checked\08/07/2015

Reference type
Author(s)
Gore-Jones, Lydia
Year
2015
Journal / Book Title || Series Title
Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha
Volume
24
Issue / Series Volume
4
Pages
268-287
Work type
Label
03/08/2015
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.