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Before we can understand the import of this prophecy, we must observe the general
trend of the epistle in order to see the appositeness of Enoch's witness. If we glance at
the earlier verses of Jude we shall see not only a reference to human sin of a deep dye in
the mention of Sodom and Gomorrah, but a reference also to angels who kept not their
first estate, and are therefore reserved for judgment.
Looking to the end of the epistle, such outstanding apostates as Cain, Balaam and
Korah are brought forward as examples of the mockers who shall come in the last times.
It is time, therefore, that we consider the structure of the epistle to see just where Enoch's
prophecy comes.
Jude.
A | 1, 2.
Benediction.
B | 3.
Exhortation. Beloved. Earnestly contend for faith.
C |
4. Ungodly men "of old".
D
| 5. Remembrance. The Lord's act.
E | 5-16. Judgment.
a | 5-8. Three examples, Israel, angels, and Sodom.
b | 9, 10. Michael the archangel.
Unrecorded elsewhere.
References to Satan.
a | 11-13. Three examples, Cain, Balaam, and Korah.
b | 14-16. The Lord and holy myriads.
Unrecorded elsewhere.
Allusion to Satan.
D | 17. Remembrance. The Lord's word.
C | 18, 19. Ungodly of "last time".
B | 20-23. Exhortation. Beloved. Build up on faith.
A | 24, 25. Doxology.
It will be seen that Jude's testimony is directed to one point, viz., the judgment of the
Lord upon ungodliness. Yet he ranges the whole ground of Scripture, and, by bringing
forward the angels that sinned, and Michael's rebuke of Satan, penetrates into depths
beyond our understanding. It is also evident that to lift Jude 14 and 15 out of its context,
and generalize thereupon, will not help us to understand truth.
Enoch's prophecy is connected with a sin in which not only men, but Satan and fallen
angels are involved. There is no reticence on Jude's part to indicate something of its evil
character. The sin of the angels is likened to that of Sodom and Gomorrah, and those
who follow in their evil train are likened to brute beasts that corrupt themselves, being
called "spots in their feasts of love". Of both angels and men it is written that they have
been "reserved" in darkness for judgment (verses 6 and 13).
Ungodliness.
We have long seen that the words "ungodliness" and "godliness", by reason of their
antithesis in the epistles, and the expression "the mystery of godliness", must have a far