The Apocalypse of Weeks: Periodization and Tradition-Historical Context

In the Enochic Apocalypse of Weeks (1 En. 93:1–10; 91:11–17) the numbers “ten” and “seven” are especially prominent and no obvious four kingdom scheme can be discerned. Nevertheless, the way time is structured in this tradition can be compared with chronologies and timeframes in parallel texts such as the Animal Apocalypse (1 En. 85–90; Daniel 7 and 9; and Si-bylline Oracles books 1–2 and 4). In drawing comparisons, it should not be assumed that Danielic chronologies have influenced the historiographical structures in the other texts. In view of the comparisons made, the Apoca-lypse of Weeks, especially in its combination of numerical schemes, reflects a certain integrity that cannot be merely explained by an underlying tradi-tion and, in any case, serves as one witness among many to a vibrant time-shaping activity in Jewish scribal culture during the 2nd century BCE.