Abstract
The oracle of Jer. 4.5-31 is chiastic in structure, featuring within it a short, 'apocalyptic' poem (vv. 23-28). Comparison with the 'Book of the Watchers' (chs. 1-36 of 1 Enoch), suggests that the Enochic mythology of the fallen angels lies behind this poem. Seen within the full context of the 'Book of the Watchers', obscure elements of the larger Jer. 4.5-31 chiasm become clear, particularly if a double meaning of ? as 'city/watcher' is recognized. Since the relevant Enochic materials do not appear to be dependent on Jeremiah, Jer. 4.5-31 probably presupposes the Enochic mythology, which echoes elsewhere in Jeremiah.
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