The Rise of Ancient Jewish Apocalyptic Imagination by Paul Meyer offers a compelling journey into the birth and evolution of apocalyptic thought in ancient Judaism—a worldview that reshaped religion, history, and hope amid crisis. Drawing on a rich tapestry of texts like 1 Enoch, Daniel, and Jubilees, Meyer reveals how Jewish thinkers confronted exile, oppression, and injustice by envisioning cosmic battles between good and evil, secret heavenly revelations, and a divine timetable for ultimate justice.

This book uncovers the powerful narratives of angelic rebellions, symbolic histories, and visionary journeys that not only explained suffering but fueled the enduring hope of a righteous remnant awaiting salvation. From the shadowy courts of Babylon to the turbulent days of the Maccabees, Meyer shows how apocalyptic imagination provided spiritual resilience and a new way to interpret time, history, and destiny.

Accessible yet scholarly, The Rise of Ancient Jewish Apocalyptic Imagination will captivate readers interested in biblical studies, religious history, and the roots of eschatological thought. It illuminates the profound impact of apocalyptic visions on early Christianity and offers fresh insights into how ancient peoples made sense of their world—and inspired hope for the ages to come.