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Saturday, 28 September 2024
what is the psychical body
44 It is sown a body of the soul, it is raised a body of the spirit; if there is a body of the soul, there is also of the spirit:--
45 Thus, also, it is written--The first man, Adam, became, a living soul, the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.
46 Howbeit, not first, is the [body] of the spirit, but that, of the soul,--afterwards, that of the spirit.
47 The first man, is of the ground, earthy, the second man, is, of heaven:
48 As, the man of earth, such, also, the men of earth, and, as, the man of heaven, such, also, the men of heaven;
49 And, even as we have borne the image of the man of earth, let us also bear the image of the man of heaven.
50 And, this, I say, brethren,--that, flesh and blood, cannot inherit, God’s kingdom. Neither doth, corruption, inherit, incorruption.
psychic
5591 psyxikós (an adjective, derived from 5590 /psyxḗ, "soul, natural identity") – properly, soulish, i.e. what is natural, as it relates to physical (tangible) life alone (i.e. apart from God's inworking of faith).
5591 /psyxikós ("natural") typically describes the natural ("lower") aspect of humanity, i.e. behavior that is "more of earth (carnality) than heaven." 5591 (psyxikós) then sometimes stands in contrast to 4152 /pneumatikós ("spiritual") – the higher, spiritual aspect of humanity that develops through faith (4102 /pístis).
a. having the nature and characteristics of the ψυχή i. e. of the principle of animal life," which men have in common with the brutes (see ψυχή, 1 a.); (A. V. natural): σῶμα ψυχικόν, 1 Corinthians 15:44; substantively, τό ψυχικόν (Winer's Grammar, 592 (551)), 1 Corinthians 15:46: since both these expressions do not differ in substance or conception from σάρξ καί αἷμα in 1 Corinthians 15:50, Paul might have also written σαρκικον; but prompted by the phrase ψυχή ζῶσα in 1 Corinthians 15:45 (borrowed from Genesis 2:7), he wrote ψυχικόν.
b. "governed by the ψυχή i. e. the sensuous nature with its subjection to appetite and passion (as though made up of nothing but ψυχή): ἄνθρωπος (equivalent to σαρκικός (or σάρκινος, which see 3) in ), 1 Corinthians 2:14; ψυχικοί, πνεῦμα μή ἔχοντες, Jude 1:19 (A. V. sensual (R. V. with marginal reading 'Or natural, Or animal'); so in the following example); σοφία, a wisdom in harmony with the corrupt desires and affections, and springing from them (see σοφία, a., p. 581b bottom), James 3:15. (In various other senses in secular authors from Aristotle and Polybius down.)
Last of all Baruch appeared unto Jesus, a shepherd boy, son of Joseph and Mary, a child of Christology. twelve years. And Jesus remained faithful to the teachings of Baruch, in spite of the enticements of Naas. And Naas in wrath caused him to be "crucified," but he, leaving on the "tree" the body of Eden--that is to say, the psychic body or soul, and the gross physical body--and committing his spirit or mind to the hands of his Father (Elohim), ascended to the Good One.
"Now there is much investigation devoted by them to this subject, and it is the starting-point of schism and disagreement. Hence their doctrine is divided in twain, and one teaching is called the Anatolic, according to them, and the other the Italic. They [who get their teaching] from Italy, of whom are Heracleon and Ptolemæus, say that the body of Jesus was [originally] of psychic constitution, and, because of this, at his baptism the Spirit, like a dove, descended upon him--that is to say, the 'word' of the Mother from above, Wisdom--and united with his psychic [body], and raised him from the dead. This is, says the writer, the saying: 'He who raised Christ from the dead will vivify also your mortal bodies'--that is to say, psychic [bodies]. For the clay it was which came under the curse. 'For earth,' says [Moses], 'thou art, and unto earth shalt thou return.'
Tuesday, 10 September 2024
God's Face and the Creation of Humans 2 Enoch 44
According to Genesis, humans are created in the image of God. 2 Enoch takes this idea and likens God's face to the human face, which is God's image, and which should not be treated with contempt.
In this respect another, even more striking parallel between the account of creation in 2 Enoch 30 and the Gnostic materials should be mentioned. In the longer recension44 of 2 Enoch 30.8 the deity commanded his Wisdom45 to create man out the seven components.46 Scholars have previously noted the parallels between this role of Wisdom (Gk. Sophia) in the creation of the first human in the Slavonic apocalypse and the Gnostic texts.47 Some scholars even suggested that the Sophia tradition in 2 Enoch 30 might be an early Jewish prototype of the later Gnostic developments.48
Enoch instructs his sons, that they might not insult the face of any person, small or great
2 Enoch 44:2 Whoever insults a person's face insults the face of the Lord;... Whoever treats with contempt the face of any person treats the face of the Lord with contempt.
In this passage, 2 Enoch likens the human face to the divine face, vers 1; reminds us of Gen 1:27 it has similar wording
44:1 The Lord with his hands having created man, in the likeness of his own face, the Lord made him small and great.
"in the image of God" That is, in the image of the Elohim whom the Father used in the work of creation. Man is In the Image And Likeness Of The Elohim, or angels . The word image means a shadow, or a likeness. The word is reproduced in Daniel 2 in relation to the image, and thus relates to form or appearance.
Genesis 5:3 states that "Adam begat a son in his likeness after his image" which illustrates its use here.
Man was made "in the image" of the Elohim, and inasmuch as they are "sons of God," the image is divine (though the nature of man is not).
Of the Lord Jesus Christ also, we read that he is "the exact representation of his (God's) very being" (Heb. 1:3). Yahweh has corporeal existence in heaven.
But whereas Adam was made in "the image and likeness of the Elohim," the descendants of Adam inherit the consequences of the Fall. Seth was "in the likeness after the image" of Adam (Gen. 5:3), and not that of God.
Therefore, since the Fall it has been impossible for man to reflect the divine excellence in its fullness, and this has required the formation of a New Man who should exactly reveal the divine image and likeness. This Christ accomplished by conquering the flesh (Rom. 1:3; Heb. 1:3; Col. 1:15).
Man is a facsimile of god that is of god's visible face
any disrespect for any human being is to disrespect God himself
2 Enoch 44:2 Whoever insults a person's face insults the face of the Lord; ....Whoever treats with contempt the face of any person treats the face of the Lord with contempt.
James 3:8 But the tongue, not one of mankind can get it tamed. An unruly injurious thing, it is full of death-dealing poison. 9 With it we bless God, even [the] Father, and yet with it we curse men who have come into existence “in the likeness of God
And now, my children, it is not from my own lips that I am reporting to you today, but from the lips of the Lord who has sent me to you. As for you, you hear my words, out of my lips, a human being created equal to yourselves; but I, I have heard the words from the fiery lips of the Lord. For the lips of the Lord are a furnace of fire, and his words are the fiery flames which come out. You, my children, you see my face, a human being created just like yourselves; I, I am one who has seen the face of the Lord, like iron made burning hot by fire, emitting sparks. For you gaze into (my) eyes, a human being created just like yourselves; but I have gazed into the eyes of the Lord, like the rays of the shining sun and terrifying the eyes of a human being.
Matter, Energy, and the Corporeal Nature of Spirit
### Matter, Energy, and the Corporeal Nature of Spirit
#### Matter and Energy: Interchangeability E = mc2
In modern science, the concept of matter and energy is deeply interconnected, as articulated by Einstein’s famous equation \( E = mc^2 \). This equation reveals that matter (m) and energy (E) are two manifestations of the same fundamental entity. The speed of light (c) squared acts as the conversion factor between mass and energy.
- **Matter**: Comprises physical substances with mass, such as protons, neutrons, and electrons, which form atoms and molecules.
- **Energy**: Includes various forms such as kinetic, thermal, and electromagnetic energy. The equation demonstrates that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa, emphasizing their interchangeability.
#### Corporeal Nature of Spirit
The concept of spirit, often viewed through metaphysical or philosophical lenses, can also be interpreted through a physical framework by aligning it with observable phenomena such as wind, fire, water, and electricity. In the Bible, the word "spirit" is metaphorically described using these elements, each symbolizing different aspects of the Holy Spirit. Linguistically and etymologically, the term "spirit" conveys meanings tied to breath, wind, and movement, which can be seen in these physical manifestations. These phenomena are corporeal, meaning they have physical properties and effects that can be measured and observed.
##### Wind
Wind is the movement of air caused by differences in air pressure. It involves the kinetic energy of air molecules and can be felt physically, making it a corporeal phenomenon.
##### Fire
Also the Holy Spirit is also described as fire.
Fire is the result of combustion, a chemical reaction that produces heat and light. The flames, heat, and byproducts of fire are physical manifestations of energy transformation, illustrating the corporeal nature of fire.
##### Electricity
Electricity is the flow of electric charge through conductors. This flow involves the movement of electrons and can produce various physical effects, such as heating and magnetic fields. Electricity is tangible and measurable, making it a corporeal phenomenon.
#### Spirit as Corporeal
Interpreting spirit as corporeal involves understanding it as a form of energy or physical substance, similar to wind, fire, and electricity. If we consider spirit to be composed of fundamental particles such as protons, neutrons, and electrons, it can be framed within the context of physical matter and energy:
- **Fundamental Particles**: Protons, neutrons, and electrons are the building blocks of matter. If spirit is conceptualized in terms of these particles, it implies that spirit could be viewed as a form of energy or matter.
- **Energy States**: If spirit is related to energy, it could manifest in various forms, such as electromagnetic fields or kinetic energy. Just like wind, fire, and electricity, spirit would then have measurable physical effects.
#### Conceptualizing Spirit
In this physical framework, spirit can be understood as a manifestation of energy that has tangible effects, similar to how electromagnetic fields or thermal energy operate:
- **Physical Effects**: Just as electricity powers devices and fire provides heat, spirit could influence physical states or phenomena in a measurable way.
- **Energy Manifestation**: If spirit is akin to energy, it would exhibit properties similar to other forms of energy—capable of affecting matter and producing observable effects.
#### Conclusion
In modern science, matter and energy are interchangeable as described by Einstein’s equation \( E = mc^2 \), reflecting their fundamental unity. When conceptualizing spirit through a physical lens, it aligns with corporeal phenomena such as wind, fire, and electricity. By framing spirit in terms of protons, neutrons, electrons, and energy, we recognize it as a physical entity with measurable properties and effects. This perspective provides a bridge between metaphysical concepts and physical reality, demonstrating how abstract ideas can be contextualized within the framework of modern scientific understanding.
Understanding Matter and Energy in Modern Science: A Comprehensive Overview
### Understanding Matter and Energy in Modern Science: A Comprehensive Overview
#### Introduction
In modern scientific understanding, matter and energy are two fundamental concepts that are deeply interconnected. The relationship between them is elegantly encapsulated by Einstein’s famous equation, \( E = mc^2 \ E = mc2). This equation reveals that matter and energy are interchangeable, fundamentally tying together these seemingly distinct aspects of the physical universe. This document explores the concepts of matter and energy, highlighting their corporeal nature and illustrating their roles in various physical phenomena.
#### Matter and Energy Interchangeability
##### Einstein’s Equation
Einstein's equation, \( E = mc^2 \), stands as a cornerstone in the field of physics. It states that energy (E) equals mass (m) times the speed of light (c) squared. This relationship implies that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa. In essence, this equation shows that mass and energy are different forms of the same thing and can be transformed into each other.
##### Physical and Corporeal Nature
Both matter and energy are fundamental to our understanding of the physical universe. Matter constitutes the "stuff" that makes up objects and substances, while energy is associated with the capacity to do work or produce change. The interconvertibility of mass and energy means that everything in the universe—whether it's a solid object or a wave of light—is part of a continuous physical reality.
#### Fundamental Particles: Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons
##### Building Blocks of Matter
At the most basic level, matter is composed of elementary particles, including protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles combine to form atoms, which in turn make up all matter.
- **Protons**: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They, along with neutrons, determine the atomic number and identity of an element.
- **Neutrons**: Electrically neutral particles also located in the atomic nucleus. Neutrons contribute to the atomic mass and play a crucial role in the stability of the nucleus.
- **Electrons**: Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus. Electrons are involved in chemical reactions and bonding, determining the chemical properties of an element.
These particles are not static; they interact and are governed by fundamental forces, making them dynamic components of the physical world.
#### Physical Phenomena: Wind, Fire, and Electricity
##### Wind as Physical Force
Wind is a physical force resulting from the movement of air molecules caused by differences in air pressure. The kinetic energy of moving air can affect objects, generate weather patterns, and influence the climate. Wind, therefore, embodies the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy, demonstrating the corporeal nature of energy.
##### Fire as a Physical Process
Fire represents a chemical reaction known as combustion, in which matter (fuel) reacts with oxygen to release energy in the form of heat and light. The visible flames and heat produced by fire are manifestations of the energy transformation from chemical bonds into thermal and radiant energy. Fire is a striking example of matter undergoing a physical change to release energy.
##### Electricity as a Physical Phenomenon
Electricity involves the flow of electric charge, typically carried by electrons moving through a conductor. This flow of charge can produce effects such as heating (as in an electric stove), magnetic fields (as in electromagnets), and illumination (as in light bulbs). Electricity showcases how the movement of fundamental particles (electrons) can lead to various physical effects and energy forms.
#### Energy Forms and Interactions
##### Thermal Energy
Thermal energy, or heat, is the energy associated with the random motion of particles within a substance. It is a direct consequence of the kinetic energy of molecules and is critical in processes like heating, phase changes, and chemical reactions.
##### Kinetic and Potential Energy
- **Kinetic Energy**: The energy of motion. Any moving object possesses kinetic energy, which can be calculated using the formula \( \frac{1}{2} mv^2 \), where m is mass and v is velocity.
- **Potential Energy**: The energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. For example, gravitational potential energy is determined by an object’s height and mass.
Both kinetic and potential energy are interchangeable, as described by the principles of energy conservation. This interchangeability illustrates the dynamic nature of energy and its fundamental role in physical processes.
#### Conclusion
Matter and energy are intertwined aspects of the physical universe, as described by Einstein’s equation \( E = mc^2 \). Both are corporeal and integral to our understanding of the natural world. From the fundamental particles that make up matter to the physical phenomena like wind, fire, and electricity, the interplay between matter and energy shapes everything around us. Understanding this relationship provides insights into the nature of physical reality and the fundamental processes governing the universe.
Understanding Valentinian Emanation and the Big Bang Theory: A Modern Scientific Perspective
### Understanding Valentinian Emanation and the Big Bang Theory: A Modern Scientific Perspective
#### Introduction
Valentinian Gnosticism presents a unique cosmological framework in which the universe emanates from a primordial, corporeal Deity. This document explores the Valentinian concept of emanation and contrasts it with the Big Bang Theory, incorporating modern scientific principles to describe the creation of the universe.
#### Valentinian Cosmology
##### The Pleroma
In Valentinian Gnosticism, the Pleroma represents the fullness of the divine realm. It is described as corporeal but fundamentally distinct from the natural world. The matter in the Pleroma, though corporeal, is imperishable and not subject to decay or entropy. This divine substance is characterized by its purity and sovereignty, far removed from the corruptible matter of the natural world.
##### The Emanation of Aeons
According to Valentinian thought, the universe emerges through a process of emanation from the Pleroma. Aeons, which are divine entities or principles, emanate sequentially from the One, the ultimate Deity. This emanation is analogous to the way light might emanate from a source, with each Aeon representing a divine aspect or attribute.
1. **The One (The Monad)**: The One is the supreme, primordial being from which all existence originates. This entity is corporeal in a divine sense, having a form and nature that transcend our natural world.
2. **First Emanation**: The first Aeon, or the First-Created, emerges directly from the One. This Aeon embodies a form of the divine essence, reflecting the perfection and purity of the original source.
3. **Further Emanations**: Subsequent Aeons emanate from the initial entity, each representing various attributes or aspects of the divine. The process continues until the full Pleroma, or divine fullness, is realized.
#### Modern Scientific Perspective: The Big Bang Theory
##### The Big Bang Theory
In modern cosmology, the Big Bang Theory describes the origin of the universe as a rapid expansion from an extremely hot and dense state. This event marks the beginning of space, time, and matter as we understand them. The theory posits that about 13.8 billion years ago, the universe began to expand from a singularity—a point of infinite density and temperature.
1. **Initial Singularity**: The universe started from a singularity, a state of infinite density where traditional concepts of space and time break down. This singularity is conceptually similar to the Valentinian idea of the One, though it is not corporeal or divine in the scientific model.
2. **Expansion and Cooling**: As the universe expanded, it cooled, allowing matter to form. This includes elementary particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons. Over time, these particles combined to form atoms, which eventually led to the formation of galaxies, stars, and other cosmic structures.
3. **Current Understanding**: Today, the universe continues to expand, and its structure is governed by fundamental forces and particles. The Big Bang Theory provides a framework for understanding the development of the universe from its initial state to its current form.
#### Bridging Valentinian and Scientific Views
##### Corporeality and Imperishability
In Valentinian thought, the Pleroma’s matter is corporeal but not subject to decay. In contrast, the natural world is characterized by entropy and degradation. While the Pleroma’s matter is a conceptual and idealized form of divine substance, the matter in the natural world, as described by modern science, is composed of atoms and subatomic particles that interact according to physical laws.
##### Creation Ex Deo
The concept of creation ex deo, or creation from the divine, parallels the Big Bang Theory’s notion of the universe emerging from a singular state. Both frameworks suggest an origin point from which all subsequent phenomena arise, though their interpretations and implications differ significantly. In the Valentinian view, creation emanates from a divine and corporeal source, while the Big Bang Theory describes a physical expansion from an initial singularity.
##### Matter and Energy
In modern science, matter and energy are interchangeable, as described by Einstein’s equation \(E=mc^2\). This principle aligns with the Valentinian view that the divine substance (though corporeal) is fundamentally pure and sovereign. However, the scientific view does not attribute consciousness or divinity to the matter and energy of the universe.
#### Conclusion
The Valentinian concept of emanation and the Big Bang Theory offer two distinct perspectives on the origins of the universe. While the former describes a divine, corporeal emanation from a transcendent source, the latter provides a scientific account of the universe's expansion from a singular, hot, and dense state. Both frameworks contribute to our understanding of creation, albeit through different lenses—one spiritual and the other scientific.
Enoch's Ascension into Heaven The Book of Enoch chapter 70
### Document 1: The Book of Enoch and the Symbolic Last Days
The Book of Enoch chapter 70
1. And it came to pass after this that his name during his lifetime was raised aloft to that Son of Man and to the Lord of Spirits from amongst those who dwell on the earth.
2. And he was raised aloft on the chariots of the spirit and his name vanished among them.
3. And from that day I was no longer numbered amongst them: and he set me between the two winds, between the North and the West, where the angels who measured for me the place for the elect and righteous.
4. And there I saw the first fathers and the righteous who from the beginning dwell in that place.
The Book of Enoch chapter 71 1. Afterwards my spirit was concealed, ascending into the heavens. I beheld the sons of the holy angels treading on flaming fire, whose garments and robes were white, and whose countenances were transparent as crystal.
The meaning of Enoch
Enoch, means--founder; teacher; instructor;. One Trained Up; Inaugurated that is, dedicated, initiated
Enoch was the man who walked with God and was translated, so has not to see death but that does not mean that he did not die (Heb. 11:5).
Enoch is symbolic of that which each of us can become, and for which all humanity was destined from the very beginning
The name Enoch means "founder," or "instructor," Enoch walked with God. He was translated into the spiritual consciousness. Enoch represents the gateway into and instruction in the new life in Christ.
In the book of Enoch we should understand Enoch's ascension into heaven has a state of of peace and harmony which is symbolised by heaven;
Enoch is the gateway into and instruction in a new state of thought, or understanding. In the case of Enoch who walked with God, the new state of thought would be spiritual consciousness, the new life in Christ.
Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham are represent states or conditions that are higher in the scale than the purely carnal or fleshly. By faith they all made connection with the abiding realities of the Gospel.
Enoch symbolises the highest or climactic point of the ascent for which man is destined to strive, and in this refined image perfect man is superior to the angels.
ascension--The ascending or progressive unfoldment of a believer from the carnal to the spiritual. It is measured by three degrees or states of consciousness: first, the carnal; second, the mental; and third, the spiritual. Enoch first manifested Himself as the man on the physical plane, from which He was translated to the mental; from thence He ascended to the spiritual. The ascension is the final step in the attainment of the Christ consciousness.
Why was “Enoch” taken up by a whirlwind into heaven? The ascent of Enoch was a precursor of the experience that Jesus went through, when at the ascension he was “taken up in a cloud.”
Enoch was taken by a whirlwind into heaven: that is the positive or dominant element of the mind of Enoch must be taken by Yahweh into a state of peace and harmony which is symbolised by heaven;
What is the meaning of the taking of Enoch into heaven in the chariot of spirit? It represents a change that takes place in consciousness,
The carnal mind of Enoch is lifted up in Spirit,
the place for the elect and righteous is the spiritual consciousness which is symbolised by heaven;

Monday, 9 September 2024
Sheol Hell in the book of Enoch

Sheol Hell in the 1st book of Enoch
Sheol
Translated from Ethiopic by Richard Laurence, London, 1883.
http://www.johnpratt.com/items/docs/enoch.html#Enoch_22
http://qbible.com/enoch/22.html
22:1 And from there, I went to another place, and he showed me in the west a large and high mountain, and a hard rock, and four beautiful places.
the hard rock could be a cave within the mountain were the four beautiful places would be
Hell is described as being in the earth, and in the foundation of the mountains - the foundations being under the earth (Deuteronomy 32:22). Hell is deep - underground (Job 11:8). The direction of hell is down (Psalms 55:15, Ezekiel 32:21,27). Hell is low (Psalms 86:13). Hell is beneath us (Proverbs 15:24, Isaiah 14:9). Hell is a pit (Isaiah 14:15, Ezekiel 31:16). We must dig into hell (Amos 9:2). Hell (the grave) follows death (Revelation 6:8).
22:2 And inside, it was deep, wide, and very smooth. How smooth is that which rolls, and deep and dark to look at!
22:3 Then Raphael, one of the holy angels who was with me, answered me, and said to me: "These beautiful places are there so that the spirits of the souls of the (righteous and the unrighteous,) dead, might be gathered into them. For them they were created; so that here they might gather the souls of the sons of men.
22:4 And these places they made, where they will keep them until the day of judgement, and until their appointed time, and that appointed time will be long, until the great judgement (seat of Christ) comes upon them (the righteous and unrighteous).
1peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 “And if the righteous is being saved with difficulty, where will the ungodly [man] and the sinner make a showing?
2cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
22:5 And I saw the soul of a dead man making suit, and his voice went forth to heaven and made suit.
The slain soul, in a figure, cried for vengeance. the soul of a dead man was not, and is not an "immortal soul". Had this been so, it would have been symbolized as alive and not as a dead man slain.
22:6 Then I asked Raphael, the angel who was with me, and said to him: "Whose spirit is that, the voice of which reaches to heaven, and complains?"
22:7 And he answered me, and said to me, saying: "This spirit is the one that came out of Abel, whom Cain, his brother, killed. And he will complain about him until his offspring (the seed of Cain, the "Seed of the Serpent,") are destroyed from the face of the Earth, and from amongst the offspring of men, his offspring perish."
The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground" (Gen. 4:10). So God said to Cain concerning the slain soul of Abel his brother. This was a cry for vengeance upon Cain. So in this symbolic prophecy.
It is a principle in Scripture that "the life (soul, 'nephesh') of the flesh is in the blood". (Lev. 17:11). By personification, a slain person's blood is said to "cry" or "speak". (Gen. 4:10 cf. Heb. 12:24).
The word soul is an equivalent expression for life in many places. Leviticus 17:11 states: "For the soul of the flesh or the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." In this place, blood represents life or soul. Enoch, therefore, saw the blood of the slain man which was representative of the life, or soul, poured out in death.
The figure is obviously drawn from Leviticus 17.
22:8 At that time therefore I inquired respecting him, and respecting the general judgement, saying, Why is one separated from another?
22:9 And he answered me, and said to me: "These three places where made, in order that they might separate the spirits of the dead (the unredeemed) might be separated (from the Redeemed). And thus the spirits of the righteous have been separated; this is the spring of water, and on it the light.
LUKE 16:26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’
The passage states that there was a great chasm fixed between Abraham and the rich man, yet they could both see and converse with each other (vs. 26). Is the great chasm to be taken literally?
LUKE 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
If you were being tormented in flames of fire, as the rich man was, would you request only a "drop of water" to quench your agony? Would not a jug or jar, or even a handful of water be more logical?
That it cannot be concluded from this parable that Hades itself is a place of blazing fire is made clear at Revelation 20:14, where death and Hades are described as being hurled into “the lake of fire.” The death of the rich man and his being in Hades must therefore be figurative, figurative death being mentioned elsewhere in the Scriptures. (Lu 9:60; Col 2:13; 1Ti 5:6) So the fiery torment was experienced while he was figuratively dead but actually alive as a human after a resurrection to judgement), being in torment
22:10 Likewise, a place has been created for sinners (the unrighteous), when they die, and are buried in the earth, and judgement has not come upon them during their life.
22:11 And (they have lived the good life, but) here their souls will be separated (in sheol) for (after a resurrection to judgement), being in torment) this great anguish (the General concept of judgement, with painful consequences.), at the Great Day of judgement and Punishment and Torment for those who curse, forever, so that there may be retribution for their souls. And there he (Jesus Christ) will bind them forever.
22:12 And this division has been made for the souls of (the righteous) those who complain, and give information about their destruction, about when they were killed, in the days of the sinners.
22:13 Thus a place has been created, for the souls of men who are not righteous, but sinners, accomplished in wrongdoing, and with the wrongdoers will be their lot. But their souls will not be killed on the day of judgement, nor will they rise from here (to be judged with the righteous and unrighteous."
The Angel Raphael answers this question in Verse 9. above when he says
"Three of the four places have been reserved for the unrighteous, and only one place is reserved for the righteous."
This is a 3-to-1 ratio, which means that out of the over seven billion people who are alive on the earth today, only about 1.75 billion of the people on the earth today will enter into the kingdom of Heaven. To say noting of the billions who have lived on the earth for the past 6000 years of generations that have gone before us,
22:13 Thus a place has been created, for the souls of men who are not righteous, but sinners, accomplished in wrongdoing, and with the wrongdoers will be their lot. But their souls (life) will not be killed on the day of judgement, nor will they rise from here (to be judged with the righteous and unrighteous.") the sinners remain in sheol forever
Thus, the Scriptures speak of the DEATH-STATE into which all go when they depart from among the living. While "in death" they are said to sleep. From this sleep some never awake; which is equivalent to saying, that they are never the subject of resurrection. This is evident from JER 51:57 where, speaking of the princes, wise men, captains, rulers, and mighty ones of Babylon, the eternal spirit saith: "they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake": and Isaiah, speaking of the same class, says, "they are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise;
1st book of enoch 51:1 And in those days the Earth will return that which has been entrusted to it, and Sheol will return that which has been entrusted to it and that which it has received. And destruction will return what it owes.
1st book of enoch 56:8 And in those days Sheol will open its mouth and they will sink into it and their destruction; Sheol will swallow up the sinners in the presence of the elect ones."
1st book of enoch 99.11 Woe to you who extend evil to your neighbours; for you will be killed in Sheol.
22:14 Then I blessed the Lord of Glory, and said: "Blessed are you O Yahweh, Lord of Righteousness, who rules over everything forever."
the names of the fallen Watchers
These are the names of their chiefs: Samyaza, who was their leader, Urakabarameel, Akibeel, Tamiel, Ramuel, Danel, Azkeel, Saraknyal, Asael, Armers, Batraal, Anane, Zavebe, Samsaveel, Ertael, Turel, Yomyael, Arazyal. These were the prefects of the two hundred angels, and the remainder were all with them. (6)
(6) The Aramaic texts preserve an earlier list of names of these Watchers: Semihazah; Artqoph; Ramtel; Kokabel; Ramel; Danieal; Zeqiel; Baraqel; Asael; Hermoni; Matarel; Ananel; Stawel; Samsiel; Sahriel; Tummiel; Turiel; Yomiel; Yhaddiel (Milik, p. 151)
The names of the Watchers from the Book of Enoch, particularly as preserved in Aramaic, likely hold symbolic meanings tied to the historical and religious context of the time. Since you’re exploring a potential connection to the Levitical priesthood or figures from Jewish history, let’s approach this from a symbolic and interpretive angle.
### Potential Symbolism in the Names of the Watchers
The **Watchers** in the Book of Enoch are often seen as representing fallen leaders who transgressed their divine roles. This can be compared to the **corruption of the Jewish priesthood** at various points in history, especially during the period leading up to the Maccabean revolt and the **Hellenistic influence** on the priesthood. Antiochus IV Epiphanes (who desecrated the Temple) and the priestly figures who supported him may be reflected symbolically in these Watchers.
### Symbolism and Connection to the Levitical Priesthood
1. **Samyaza (Semihazah)** – Traditionally seen as the leader of the Watchers, Samyaza’s rebellion might symbolize **Jason**, the high priest who adopted Greek customs and led the Jewish people astray by aligning with Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Jason, a Hellenized version of his original name Jesus (Yehoshua), used his influence to undermine Jewish tradition, much like Samyaza did with heavenly law.
2. **Urakabarameel** – This name could symbolically refer to **Menelaus**, who supplanted Jason as high priest with the help of bribes and treachery. Menelaus’ actions were seen as even more corrupt than Jason’s, contributing to the defilement of the Jewish priesthood.
3. **Danel (Danieal)** – Although this name evokes **Daniel**, a righteous figure from scripture, it might be used here symbolically to represent a corrupted priest who had once been good. This could align with figures like **Alcimus**, a later high priest who sought power but was not well-respected for his religious integrity.
4. **Azkeel (Asael)** – Asael (or Azazel) in apocalyptic literature is often associated with **scapegoats** and sin-bearers. This might be a metaphor for priests who compromised Jewish law, becoming "scapegoats" for their collaboration with Antiochus IV. Asael could represent corrupt high priests who bore the sins of leading Israel astray.
5. **Saraknyal** – A name like this, associated with fallen leadership, might point to the **Sadducees**, the priestly sect that often aligned with foreign powers, including the Seleucids, to maintain their political status and control of the Temple.
6. **Samsaveel (Samsiel)** – This name, meaning “Sun of God,” might symbolize a priest or leader who sought to blend **Hellenistic solar worship** with Judaism. This could refer to those who attempted to syncretize Greek religion with Jewish tradition, desecrating the Temple with foreign gods.
7. **Ananel (Anane)** – Ananel was the name of a historical high priest under Herod, who was seen as illegitimate by some. Symbolically, this name could point to any figure who took the priesthood through political means rather than through the rightful Levitical lineage.
8. **Batraal (Baraqel)** – Baraqel means “Blessed by God,” which could symbolically represent a **priest who claimed divine favor** but had lost their legitimacy through collaboration with foreign powers. Figures like Menelaus might fit this archetype.
9. **Hermoni** – This could be a symbolic name referring to **Mount Hermon**, a site associated with the Watchers’ descent. Hermon’s connection to the priestly class could symbolize a priest who "descended" into sin or collaboration with foreign powers.
### Connection to Hellenistic Priests
The Hellenistic rulers, especially **Antiochus IV Epiphanes**, appointed high priests based on their political loyalty rather than their lineage or devotion to the Jewish law. This directly parallels the Watchers, who are often seen as **leaders that betrayed their sacred duties** and became corrupt. These high priests not only defiled the Jewish Temple but also led the people into Hellenistic practices, symbolizing a fall from their divine responsibility, much like the Watchers in Enoch.
### Possible Interpretation of Names in Relation to the Priesthood
1. **Corruption of Divine Law**: Many of these Watcher names represent rebellion and the fall from grace, which can symbolize the **corrupt priesthood** during the Hellenistic period. The priestly office, once sacred, had become politically compromised, leading to spiritual corruption.
2. **Hellenistic Influence**: The Watchers' names could represent those priests who were seduced by **Hellenism**, betraying the Jewish people by introducing Greek customs, much like the Watchers taught forbidden knowledge to humanity.
3. **The Maccabean Conflict**: The names of the Watchers may also symbolically connect to the historical figures of the Maccabean period, who fought against the influence of these corrupt priests and their Hellenistic overlords. The struggle between the **Maccabees** and the Hellenized priesthood mirrors the celestial struggle between the Watchers and the faithful angels.
The 200 fallen angels could represent factions within the priesthood who supported Hellenistic reforms, as their number may symbolize a significant, organized group.
### Conclusion
The names of the Watchers in the Book of Enoch likely symbolize various leaders or priests who compromised their divine calling in pursuit of political power or personal gain. This corruption resonates with the historical accounts of **Hellenized priests** during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, as recorded by Josephus and other historical sources.
The symbolic use of these names might reflect the **spiritual battle** between faithful Jews, represented by the Maccabees, and the **corrupt priesthood** who aligned with foreign rulers. This period of Jewish history is marked by a struggle for the **purity of the Temple** and the **restoration of true worship**, themes echoed in the narrative of the Watchers.