Obsei-ve that (1) the dualism we have noticed above has already led to its logical results. (2) Thus the Messianic kingdom is apparently for the first time in literature conceived of as temporary. (3)Sheol has for the first time become the equivalent of hell (yet see Eth. En. 22"). (4) The resurrection is for the first time regarded as of the spirit only. (5) Even the heavens need to be created anew.
Tobit. — The eschatology of this book, like that of Sirach, belongs to the O'l . The same view of the after-life prevails (4'°). It entertains, like the OT, high hopes for the nation. Thus Jerusalem and the temple will be rebuilt with gold and precious stones, the scattered tribes restored, and tlie heathen, forsaking their idols, will worship the God of Israel (13"i-'8 14<"»).
Sibylline Oracles, Prooemium and 3"-«". — This book contains many details concerning the last times ; but as it belongs to Helleni-stic Judaism, it is only of secondary interest in this study of Jewisli Palestinian e-schatology. It contains, however, a vivid account of the Messianic kingdom. Very soon the i)eople of the Mighty God will prow strong (3""'"*), and God will send the Me.^iah from the East, who will put an end to evil war, slaying some and fulfilling the promises in behalf of others, and he will be guided in all things bv God. And the temple will be resplendent witli glory, and the earth teem with fruitfulness(3'''*"*'"). Then the nations will muster their forces and attack Palestine (S"*""*") ; but God will destroy them, and their judgment will be accompanied l^v fearful portente (3*""»»'). But Israel will dwitl safely under the divine protection (S"""'™); and the rest of the cities and the islands will be converted, and unite with Israel in praising God (3"°"'''"). The blessings of the Messianic age are recounted 3'«-'M ; cf. also i*n-«a- «'»-6a>. And the kings of the earth will be at peace with one another (S'"'™)
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ESCHATOLOGY
ESCHATOLOGY
And God will establish a universal kingdom over all mankind, with Jerusalem as centre (3"'"'"'"')> and the prophets of God will lay down the sword and become judges and kings of the earth (3"*'""*-), and men will bring olJerings to the temple from all Darts of the earth (S™-'").
Testaments of the XII Patriarchs. — Until a critical edition of this composite work is published, it is dangerous to quote it as an authority. While it contains many sections that appear to be as early as B.C. 140, the body of the work seems to have been written about the beginning of the Christian era. There are, moreover, numerous Christian interpolations. TUl a critical edition of the text and contents is published, it is best not to cite it as evidence on tne present subject. Its evidence, though valuable, is in no respect extra- ordinary, or unvouched for elsewhere.
Judith. — This book is singularly barren in eschat- ological thought. It speaks of the judgment of the heathen (16").
(B) 1st cent. B.C.
Ethiopic Enoch 37-70 (B.C. 94-64).— These chap- ters form the well■kno^vn ' Similitudes,' the most important element in the Book of Enoch. The writer's eschatological views are as follows : — In the latter days sin will flourish in the world ; sinners will deny the name of the Lord of Spirits (38- 4P) and of His Anointed (48") ; and the kings and the mighty wUl oppress the elect of the children of (iod (62"). But suddenly the Head of Days vnll appear, and \vith Him the Son of Man
(46--
' 4S-), to execute universal judgment. And
all Israel will be raised from the dead (51' 61°), and all judgment will be committed to the Son of Man (41" 69^), who will possess universal dominion (62") and sit on the throne of God (47' oP). And he will judge all the angels, nnfallen and fallen (61* 55^), and the righteous and the sinners amongst men (62'^- '), and the kings and the mighty (62»-" 63'-*- "). And the fallen angels will be cast into a iiery furnace (54'), and the kings and the mighty will be tortured in Gehenna by the angels of punish- ment (53'"° 54'- "), and the remaining sinners and godless will be driven from off the face of the earth (38* 4P 45«) ; the Son of Man will slay them by the word of his mouth (62'). And heaven, and earth will be transformed (45''- •), and the righteous will have their mansions therein (39" 4P). And the Elect One wUl dwell amongst them (45^). And they will be clad in garments of life (62"- "), and become angels in heaven (51*), and grow in know- ledge and righteousness (58°).
Observe that (1) the Messianic kingdom is here of everlasting duration, but its scene is no longer the present earth, as in the literature of the pre- ceding century, but a transformed heaven and earth. Thus in the process of evolution Messianic thought has become more transcendent. (2) The Messiah for the first time in Je%vish literature is represented as a supernatural being and as the Judge of men and angels. (3) The hopes of a Messiah, which in the 2nd cent. B.C. were practi- cally dead, have, owing partly to the circumstances of the time, risen to a new and vigorous life. See the review of the Pss. of Solomon, below. (4) Several Messianic titles appear in this book for the first time in literature : ' Christ ' (48'" 52<), ' the Kighteous One' (38^ 53°), 'the Elect One' (40° 45'- ■■), ■ the Son of Man ' (46^- '■ * 48' etc. ). (5) All questions affecting the future destinies of the Gentiles are ignored, if we regard 50 as an interpolation ; but if it belongs to the context, the \vriter teaches that when the kings and the mighty and the sinners are destroyed, the remaining Gentiles will be saved if they repent and forsake their idols. God will have mercj on them, but give them no honour or glory.