The Vision of the Glory of God in The Apocalypse of Baruch ( 3 Baruch )

Abstract

A common occurrence in apocalyptic literature is the heavenly ascent of a revered figure, followed by a theophany. The divine image the seer beholds is often described as the ‘glory of God'. The Apocalypse of Baruch (3 Baruch) is unique among apocalyptic literature in that Baruch, the main character and heavenly sojourner, receives no vision of God, despite all signs within the narrative pointing to a theophanic climax. The most significant indication is an oft-repeated promise by his angelic guide that he would ‘see the glory of God'. Scholars are divided as to how to explain this unfulfilled expectation in the narrative. In this essay, it is argued that the ‘glory of God’ concept is broader and more multi-faceted in 3 Baruch than in other apocalyptic works. In this regard, Baruch does see the glory of God even without experiencing a theophany.