Modern scholars describe this book as belonging to a body of work called the Pseudepigraphia. 3 Enoch claims to be written by a rabbi, who became a ‘high priest' after he had visions of an ascension to heaven, 90 A.D. - 135 A.D. Rabbi Ishmael is a leading figure of Merkabah literature; however, a number of scholars suggest that it was in fact written by a number of people over a prolonged period of time. Merkabah writings had to do with the theme of ascension into heaven. The name is derived from a Hebrew word meaning “chariot,” referring to Ezekiel’s vision beginning in Ezekiel 1:4. Enoch's
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