What is the book of Jubilees? Who was it written for?

The Book of Jubilees is a Jewish religious text that is believed to have been written in the second century BCE. It is also known as the Lesser Genesis or the Apocalypse of Moses. The book provides a detailed account of the biblical history from the creation of the world to the giving of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

The book is written in the form of a conversation between an angel and Moses, and it is believed to have been written for Jewish audiences who were struggling to understand the significance of their history and the laws given to them by God. The author of the book sought to provide a clear and comprehensive account of the events of the past and the significance of the laws that were given to the Jews.

One of the key themes in the Book of Jubilees is the idea of divine revelation. The author of the book believed that all of the events of human history were part of God's plan, and that the laws given to the Jews were a direct result of God's communication with humanity. The book also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's laws and the consequences of disobeying them.

Another important theme in the Book of Jubilees is the idea of the Sabbath. The author believed that the Sabbath was not only a day of rest, but also a symbol of the covenant between God and the Jews. The book provides a detailed account of the origins of the Sabbath and its significance in Jewish religious life.

The Book of Jubilees also includes a number of stories and legends that are not found in the Bible. For example, it includes a detailed account of the creation of Adam and Eve, and provides additional information about their lives before and after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The book also includes stories about the patriarchs, such as Enoch and Noah.