Torah and Science
What is the Book of Enoch?
Question
I want to receive reliable information from the perspective of the Torah about Enoch who lived between Adam and Noah. He wrote a book called the Book of Enoch, at least that is what my cousin explained to me, as I am in the process of strengthening him and bringing him closer to the service of Hashem, but he insists on understanding the significance of this book after being exposed to it. So please, any information related to the subject would help me assist him, Be'ezrat Hashem.
Answer
With Hashem's help
Hello and blessings,
Enoch was a righteous man who lived in the generation of the Flood, and it is written that Hashem took him prematurely. The commentators explain that Hashem took Enoch at a young age because He knew that he would not withstand the trials of the generation of the Flood and would eventually sin.
The "Book of Enoch" is a source-less book written about two thousand years ago by an unknown author, and since it is not reliable and was not written with prophecy, it was not included in the Tanakh. Chazal referred to it as one of "the external books" and said it should not be read. It was passed down among various sects and Christians.
The book describes Enoch's personal story as a prophet, detailing prophecies and conversations with angels, reminiscent of the Book of Yezeikel.
Best regards,
Daniel Bles
