The Visions and Parables of Zenos present a complex theological narrative attributed to the prophet Zenos. While there are many familiar Old Testament themes and prophecies in the text, Zenos brings unique interpretations and additions. The text outlines a grand, sweeping history and future of God’s relationship with humanity, particularly focusing on the “seed of Joseph” (Ephraim and Manasseh). It delves into the role of a divine feminine figure Shekinah/Zion, and presents cosmic adversaries, the leviathan, Lilith, andCain. It describes a cyclical pattern of dispensations overseen by archangels. Zenos gives us detail visions and parables revealing God’s plan of salvation, judgment, and ultimate restoration, emphasizing themes of covenant, apostasy, repentance (teshuvah), and the final gathering in the last days.
The Brass Plates and Their Purpose
The text was translated from the plates of brass brought by Lehi and his family into the wilderness and to the promised land. This is a element familiar to those acquainted with the Book of Mormon. These plates are designated as “the Torah of YHVH,” the Law of the Lord to Israel, and the genealogy of the seed of Ephraim and Manasseh, the Stick of Joseph. A key purpose of these plates is to be “kept hidden from the World until the Last Days” and then brought forth to teach Israel during a “famine that shall come in the Last Days,” where they will “eat of the Word of God” (Seal or Title Page) . Those charged with keeping these records are instructed to “keep them safe, keep them hidden until the Fullness of Times; for in them are the manna to feed Israel.
Divine Revelation and Prophecy
The text is presented as a series of visions and parables given to Zenos by the angel of YHVH. These revelations often begin with Zenos praying and receiving a direct command from the angel (Chapter 1). The act of receiving and internalizing the divine word is symbolized by Zenos eating a scroll, which was both bitter and sweet (Zenos 1:19-20). The angel explicitly states that Zenos’s words are “for thy seed, and for thy brothers, even the seed of Joseph and of Ephraim, and of Manasseh” (Zenos 1:22). A core of the text message is the warning to God’s people to declare teshuvah (repentance) in Jesus’ name or face not being spared.
The Nature of God and His Attributes
God is frequently referred to as “YHVH” and “Elohim.” The Torah is central, with quotes echoing the Shema “Hear, O Israel: YHVH our Elohim, YHVH is One,” and the command to love God with all one’s being (Zenos 1:5-6). Holiness is a divine attribute commanded to humanity: “Holy ye shall be (or become), for I, YHVH Elohim, am holy” (Zenos 1:7). God is the Creator and is seen sitting on a throne in heaven with a feminine counterpart, Shekinah who sat upon the throne” (Zenos 2:4-5). Attributes like wisdom, knowledge, mercy, and judgment are associated with a vision of one like unto the Son of Man, a reference to Jesus Christ (Zenos 2:25-26).
Dispensations and Archangels
The text outlines a concept of seven dispensations, each overseen by a specific archangel. The vision of seven flames is interpreted as the seven angels of the seven dispensations which ruleth over the seven days of YHVH (Zenos 2:26). Specific dispensations and their corresponding archangels mentioned include:
- Adam and Eve, overseen by Michael (Adam)
- Noah and Na’amah, overseen by Gabriel (Noah)
- Moses and Miriam, overseen by Haniel (Moses)
- Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene, overseen by Zadkiel (John the Baptist)
- Joseph Smith Jr. and his wives Emma Smith and Eliza Snow, overseen by Ariel/Uriel (Joseph Smith)
Each dispensation appears to face its own challenges and judgments.
The Cosmic Conflict: YHVH vs. the Leviathan and Lilith
A significant theme is the ongoing battle between God and a malevolent entity referred to as “the leviathan” (often associated with a red serpent) and a female figure Lilith. Cain is also aligned with this adversarial force. The leviathan is associated with blasphemy deception, and the establishment of a false worship system (Zenos 3:5-9). The mark of the leviathan is introduced, which will prevent buying or selling, echoing the mark of the beast in Revelation (Revelation 13:16-17). This mark is identified as the Hebrew letters Vav, Samekh, and Mem (666 ,וסם), and the name of the leviathan is “Samael who is Samyaza” (Zenos 6:22). Lilith is portrayed as a seductress leading people to “commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols” (Zenos 7:4).
Shekinah or Zion: The Divine Feminine
A prominent figure is Shekinah, often paired with Ahmen on the heavenly throne (Zenos 2:4). Shekinah is identified with Eden, the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (wisdom), and the Tree of Life (Zenos 5:1). When the earth becomes corrupted by idol worship, “YHVH Elohim lifted up His Shekinah from the earth… and there Her name was Zion” (Zenos 5:10). Zion ascends to the high heavens and is described as “equal to one with another in faith, in righteousness, and in perfection” with those taken from the earth (Zenos 5:20). Shekinah is also referred to as the “mother tree” in the parable of the olive tree (Zenos 11:83). In the final chapters, Shekinah is depicted as the bride of the Lamb, prepared for the “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Zenos 10:54-56).
Judgment and Salvation
The visions frequently depict judgments being poured out upon the earth through vials held by the archangels, hail and fire, darkness, plagues, drying up of rivers, scorching heat. Salvation is linked to keeping the Torah, walking in teshuvah (repentance), and overcoming the influence of the leviathan and Lilith. Those who overcome are promised rewards, such as eating from the tree of life and receiving a new name (Zenos 6:6-7). The blood of the Lamb is promised to overcome the leviathan (Zenos 9:1-3).
The Parables of Zenos
Two parables are included in the text: The Parable of the Roots and the Branches (Chapter 11), and The Parable of the Banquet (Chapter 12).
The Parable of the Roots and the Branches
This intricate allegory uses the metaphor of a tame olive tree and wild olive branches to represent the House of Israel and the grafting in of Gentiles. It speaks of periods of fruitfulness and corruption, the scattering and gathering of Israel, and God’s persistent efforts to preserve His vineyard. Key themes include the interplay between the roots (representing the covenant and lineage) and the branches (representing the people), and the cyclical nature of apostasy and restoration. This seems to be an overview of the previous vision of the seven dispensations.
The Parable of the Banquet
This parable depicts a Lord of the vineyard preparing a banquet and inviting all. It highlights the contrast between a faithful son and an unfaithful son who spreads false rumors. It also criticizes those who are prideful and fail to prepare themselves for the Lord’s presence, emphasizing the importance of being ready when called. The parable concludes with a vision of a new heaven and a new earth and Zion descending from heaven. This parable seems to echo the vision given to Zenos after receiving the parables.
The Last Days and Final Events
The text emphasizes the last days as a significant period marked by increased wickedness and the final confrontation with the forces of evil (Zenos 10:1-2). The leviathan, Lilith, and Cain will come with “great wrath” knowing their time is short. A great beast, likened to a leopard, bear, and lion, will arise and receive power from the leviathan (Zenos 10:3). Another beast with lamb-like horns speaking as the leviathan will also appear (Zenos 10:7). The final dispensation, overseen by Ariel/Uriel, precedes the coming of Yahshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Christ (Zenos 10:23). Ultimately, there will be a final gathering, the marriage of the Lamb and Shekinah, and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth where death and sorrow will be no more Zenos 12:46-50).
