3 Enoch, also called The Third Book of Enoch, The Hebrew Book of Enoch, and The Book of the Palaces, purports to have been written in the second century A.D. by a Rabbi, who became a 'high priest' after he had visions of an ascension to Heaven, 90 AD - 135 A.D. The book is part of the Merkabah tradition, which are writings with the theme of ascension into heaven. The name is derived from a Hebrew word meaning chariot, referring to Ezekiel's vision beginning in Ezekiel 1:4. The Third Book of Enoch is also part of the Temple or Hekalot body of literature. The name Sefer Hekhalot means, Palaces or Temples. 3 Enoch is one of the supreme sources of Jewish mystical knowledge. The Hebrew Book of Enoch (3 Enoch) has been translated using Hebrew source materials and contains commentary to further explain the text. This volume contains copious notes designed to guide the reader through the difficulties of language, theology, and mystical references. It is a necessary resource for those engaged in the study of religion, religious history, or mysticism.
