Texts in Conversation
In 1 Enoch 13 the fallen Watchers are too ashamed to look toward heaven and ask Enoch to pray for them. Luke uses similar imagery when a tax collector cannot lift his eyes as he asks for mercy, both using common ideas in honor and shame culture.
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1 Enoch 13:6
Pseudepigrapha
4 And they begged me to write a petition for them that they might find forgiveness, and to read their petition in the presence of the Lord of heaven. 5 For from then on, they could not speak or lift up their eyes to heaven because of the shame of their sins for which they had been condemned. 6 Then I wrote out their petition, and the prayer regarding their spirits and their deeds, and regarding their requests for forgiveness and a longer lifespan.
Date: 200-50 B.C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Luke 18:13
New Testament
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: extortionists, unrighteous people, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get.’ 13 The tax collector, however, stood far off and would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, be merciful to me, sinner that I am!’ 14 I tell you that this man went down to his home justified rather than the Pharisee. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Date: 75-85 C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
"... The description of the watchers’ attitude reflects the wording of Ezra’s classic prayer of confession (Ezra 9:6; compare with Luke 18:13). The surpassing enormity of their sin is reflected, however, in their inability to pray. The watchers’ petition is for forgiveness, which is consonant with the nature of the sentence against them in 12:5 ..."
Nickelsburg, George W. E.
A Commentary on the Book of 1 Enoch Chapters 1-36, 81-108
(p. 238) Fortress Press, 2001
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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