Accidental Features of Apocalypse
February 14, 2012 – 12:12 amLists of early apocalyptic writings may be found in DS Russell (1964) Method and Message of Jewish Apocalyptic, London: SCM, pp 37f; C Rowland (1982) The Open Heaven, London: SPCK, p 15. Examples of the genre may be found in J. Charlesworth (ed.) (1983) OTP:1, 2. Of the works typically listed, the Ascension is essentially involved (ie. more than just being noted as the method of revelation) only in:
1, 2, 3 Enoch; 3 Baruch, Testaments of the XII Patriarchs (Levi); Ascension of Isaiah; Apocalypse of Abraham; Testament of Abraham.
There are a number of recurrent features of these texts, apart from those which have been identified as the essential elements of the Ascension plotline.
- There is uncertainty about whether the ascent is physical or spiritual.[1]
- The heavens are entered by gates or doorways.
- There is water in the 1st heaven (sea, snow, clouds, dew).[2]
- Rebellious angels are constrained in 2nd heaven.[3]
- The protagonist finds ‘paradise’ (in the 3rd heaven.)[4]
- There is a great light in the 7th heaven.[5]
- Angels are opposed to the ascent of the protagonist.[6]
- There are visions of (flaming) thrones, and God sits on one.[7]
- The protagonist is transformed (before the theophany)[8]
[1] Cf. dispute over nature of Mohammed’s mi’raj, Paul’s uncertainty in 2 Corinthians, xii, 2-4, etc.
[2] Testament of Levi (from XII Patriarchs), 2 Enoch.
[3] Testament of Levi (from XII Patriarchs), 2 Enoch.
[4] 2 Enoch; Ap. Moses; 2 Corinthians, xii, 2-4.
[5] Ap. Abr., Asc. Isa..
[6] Cf. also Mi’raj of Abu Yazid al-Bistami (in MA Sells (ed.) (1996) Early Islamic Mysticism, NY: Paulist, 242-250.)
[7] This genre is related to merkabah speculation.
[8] Asc. Isa. 7:24-27, 2 Enoch 20-22.
Tags: Apocalypse Ascension