5. The Son of Man–Enoch in the Similitudes of the Ethiopic Book of Enoch

Abstract

This chapter highlights the next prominent focal point of the Son of Man concept that originates from Daniel, the so-called Similitudes. The Similitudes are part of the Ethiopic Book of Enoch and are dated by most scholars at around the turn of the first century BCE to the first century CE. One of its main features is the interest in a messianic redeemer figure called the “Son of Man,” which is referred back to Daniel 7, or “the chosen one.” The chapter analyzes the “Head of Days” as the “Ancient of Days” or the “Ancient One” from Daniel, and the “one with the appearance of a man” as the “one like a human being” or “Son of Man” in Daniel. Enoch's question as to the identity and origin of this son of man is not directly answered, but the answer came somewhat later.