In an interesting New Testament parallel, the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews mentions the translation of Enoch in his discussion of the faith of the ancients. The intent of this paper is to compare traditions that utilize similar themes relating to the idea of communal ascent to heaventhe ultimate goal of the ascent is not of particular relevance here. 10. (Leiden: Brill, 1999), 2:465. Young, Brigham. , And I looked and beheld a tree; and the beauty thereof was far beyond, yea, exceeding of all beauty. Enoch - The Encyclopedia of Mormonism - Brigham Young University Because of Enoch's preaching and leadership, the people of the City of Enoch were so righteous that "the Lord came anddweltwith his people" while they were on the earth (Moses 7:16). Rather my hope is that in reading and applying his message and the lessons of the story of the city of Enoch we will remember that the glorious day of the return of heavenly Zion to the earth depends on the degree to which each of us individually embrace the truth and look upward (JST Genesis 9:22). * In the last days, the city and its people will return to earth and be part of the New Jerusalem. Based on the translation by Newsom in Discoveries in the Judaean Desert XL, 166. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Although the Pearl of Great Price is relatively short, its scope is remarkably broad, recording revelations to prophets in several dispensations from Abraham and Moses to Joseph Smith. Samuel I. Thomas, The Mysteries of Qumran: Mystery, Secrecy, and Esotericism in the Dead Sea Scrolls (Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2009), 209. Temples are some of the most beautiful places on earth, but the work that takes place inside of them is what makes them sacred. In columnX, line15, the text reads: But you have made me a banner for the elect of righteousness and an expert interpreter [or mediator of knowledge] of wonderful mysteries.28 Samuel Thomas notes that we see in these texts that the protagonist is called upon to translate or interpret his own experience to those under his tutelage.29, 1QHodayota XII is an example of the fourth motif mentioned, in which the teachers disciples are permitted to ascend to heaven to have a similar experience to that of the teacher. This is the connection that the author of Hebrews makesthat Jesuss priesthood is the priesthood of Melchizedek. Three authors who are experts in ancient cultures bring you this verse-by-verse, even word-by-word commentary, the most thorough and reader-friendly treatment available. According to Mackie, all of this would have been performed by actors or described in a way that the participants could vividly imagine themselves as being in the heavenly temple and visualize Christ on his throne and so on. Why did God take Enoch and Elijah to heaven without them dying? [1] https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-01-01/president-russell-m-nelson-suggests-3-resolutions-in-his-first-message-of-2022-238652 . Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2004. Fortunately, the scriptures, especially the Pearl of Great Price, provide details about the divine destiny and history of the City of Enoch.