The Book of Enoch for Beginners: A Guide to Expand Your Understanding of the Biblical World

by Phillip J. Long

Embark on a journey through the Book of Enoch

The Book of Enoch is a fascinating yet often misunderstood apocalyptic text. It contains unique material on fallen angels, the great flood of Genesis, the final judgment, and the prophecy of a future messiah. This guide provides you with the necessary historical framework to examine and understand it, delving into the key events and figures of its stories, from The Book of Watchers to The Epistle of Enoch.

An engaging introduction—Dive right in with an overview that clarifies Enoch’s non-canonical status, explains how the work was rediscovered, and breaks down its place within Judaism and Christianity.All five books—This guide explores all five books of 1 Enoch, providing valuable insight into the development of early religious beliefs.Thoughtful examination—Divided into easily digestible sections, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of Enoch through a combination of smart summaries, key verses, and enlightening commentary.

Demystify the Book of Enoch with this comprehensive and compelling guide.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2022

Reviews

[Kaya W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Clearly written.

[Rachelle Sperling · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was in Bible College I was given a fifteen-minute overview on the Book of Enoch which generally dismissed it as not being worth reading. Many years later I delved into The Book of the Watchers more deeply to try to understand the general knowledge and worldview of the Jews of Jesus day. I was particularly interested in how the Book of Enoch might have shaped the thinking of the apostles considering how it is referenced and quoted in the New Testament. There are all kinds of varying opinions on the work and when I saw this book available for review I thought it would be worth a read.

The author begins with the history of the book, when it was lost, how it was found and then gives an overview of how it was rejected as being part of the canon of Scripture by all but the Ethiopian church. The author also ventures to show why, even though the book isn’t itself Scripture, it is valuable for understanding the Jewish framework in viewing many theological ideas, some of which are included in the canon of Scripture. He also makes a point of illustrating how much the book is incorporated into modern ideas, entertainment and philosophy.

This text is exactly what it says, it’s a book for beginners. The book does not include the entire text of the book of Enoch, but instead pulls out key quotes. The author makes a simple and straightforward overview of the sections of the book. I was hoping for a little more depth and discussion of some of the things that are debated about the book, but again, this book is what it was advertised to be.

The book is written so that you don’t have to read it cover to cover, but can jump around through the sections. My full disclaimer is that I haven’t read all of the book. I read the sections I was most interested in. I also read through the full text of the book of Enoch alongside the chapters of this book so that I would have the full background to what the author was discussing.

If you’ve never heard of, or never engaged with the book of Enoch, but find yourself interested, then this might be a good place to start.

I received a digital copy of this book and in exchange I am giving my honest opinion in this review.

[Ty Rostvedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the Book of Enoch! How intriguing and elusive you have been! Jude seems to think Enoch really wrote the book. How is this possible? I almost bought a translation of the Book of Enoch instead of this, but decided this may be more helpful. Maybe I’ll get a copy someday, but Long’s helpful little book was wonderful.
The Book of Enoch has a long complicated textual history. Long explains the origins and authorship of the Book of Enoch and how it is essentially five separate books put together into one. He then divides his own book into five sections and explains each book individually.
At only about 150 pages, I think I read this in about two days. Whenever I finally get a translation of the Book of Enoch, Long’s helpful guide will undoubtedly come back and be read alongside any reading of Enoch’s book. Not sure if all my questions about its history and authorship will ever be answered, but, who knows?

[Kristjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As mentioned in the Intro, this is not a full translation of 1 Enoch, but is a guided summary into the history, content and context of this very interesting pseudepigrapha that helps to also set the milieu of the second temple period of Jesus. The author starts with a summary of each book (includes a Facts at a Glance bulleted call out) before reviewing the specific book in sections. These sections are further broken down into an historical and contextual review, followed by a “Key Verse” and commentary and often an added boxes digging a little more deeply into terms and concepts … such as “Who ARE the Watchers?” or “Demons in Early Judaism.”

Over all, this was an accessible academic work that I found absolutely fascinating from a historical and theological context that definitely can contribute to canonical biblical exegesis … or simply as a history buff interested in that time period. The only downside I had was that it apparently doesn’t include the complete text, so this is really more of a companion piece .. albeit one that you should definitely use with a complete copy if you care to read it. As an added bonus, it is currently available on Kindle Unlimited making it super easy to take for a test drive.

Part One: An Introduction
Part Two: Uncovering the Five Books
- Book I: The Book of the Watchers
- Book II: The Book of Parables
- Book III: The Book of Astronomical Writings (aka The Book of Luminaries)
- Book IV: The Book of Dream Visions
- Book V: The Epistle of Enoch

I was given this free advance review copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#Enoch #NetGalley #KindleUnlimited

[James Crawford · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are five major sections to the book. It refers to a per-Christian apocalypse and covers pre 165 BCE history.

Book 1 is the Book of the Watchers. It was written in the third century BCE and is related to Genesis 6: 1-4.

The Book of Parables is second, The Book of Astronomical Writings is the third book and covers a pre 365 day calendar.

The fourth book is the Book of the Watcher, dealing with fallen angels, giants, the giants taking human women as wives and having children, the Nephilim. (This is similar to more recent time stories of women being taken by space aliens and having babies by them.)

(This brings up a point here. Did the women voluntarily become wives to the giants or were they, probably more likely, taken by them without their permission? If it was forced relationships then there shouldn't have been any punishment of humans since the sexual nature was not voluntary.)

Enoch was the great grandfather of Moses.

The spirits of giants that died became demons.

(This brings up a point in logic. If God is all-knowing then God would have known this was going to happen but did nothing to stop it. Punishing people for something someone knows will happen in advance and does nothing about makes little sense.)

Why does God need servants?

Enoch saw 'all the secrets of heaven.'

The book goes into astronomical observations of the time. There will be some kind of apocalypse but Enoch's 'righteous community' will survive..

I don't really consider this book to be that good.

[Douglas Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Enoch has fascinated me for a long time and I have heard a lot about it from other authors. There has also been a lot of wild claims and interpretations written about Enoch. Long's book however is a wonderful introduction and commentary to this ancient and puzzling Jewish writing! The writing is very clear and easy to read, providing summaries of each section of the Book of Enoch and pulling out key passages, points and showing the connections with the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Refreshingly, Long does not divert into wild, speculative wackiness. This is not and academic book, but as the title says, a guide for "beginners". I highly recommend this book, for its clarity and thoroughness, to those interested in the Book of Enoch and the supernatural worldview of the Second Temple period and Scripture.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of Enoch for Beginners: A Guide to Expand Your Understanding of the Biblical World by Phillip J. Long is a remarkably interesting read! The author, Phillip J. Long, helps to bring some clarity to the timelines and some explanations of the vision of Enoch. You may want your copy of the Book of Enoch to follow along with this book as you read.
Those who enjoy researching books or writings by biblical prophets sometimes wonder why these books were not included as canonized or authentic writings included in most bibles. This author will give some insight into why the book was not accepted as an inclusion to the final authorized bible.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

[Annalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a basic study guide to the books of Enoch. It's filled with apocalyptic warnings and fallen angels. There is so much knowledge that has been hidden from us.
I was a little disappointed when I read through this intriguing book and realized that it is by no means The book of Enoch in it's entirety.

[Ltopo McFly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool commentary by a Christian scholar. It does offer a lot of facts and context but there's also a some interesting but really unhelpful Christian moralizing as if the Book of Enoch is more absurd than the Bible. I recommend it because its short and helped me see all the cross references Enoch has with the Old and New Testaments.

[Bookish_Pixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an accessible summary of the Book of Enoch. It is even available on Kindle Unlimited giving everyone an opportunity to go through this guided telling. I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All of these opinions are my own.

[Bailing Lue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't really buy it expecting a commentary than the actual book but the information was presented very well and honestly you get a lot of knowledge about the subject matter without having to read the book itself... I still want the actual book though

[JadersCorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

NetGalley Arc Review

This is definitely a desired read, with that if it’s for you then grab it. You won’t be disappointed, great for beginners but also advanced, might catch something you haven’t before.