Just before Noah in Genesis chapter 5 we find another interesting person named Enoch. We will find his name included in the “Heroes of Faith” in Hebrews chapter 11.
First, Did you know there were two Enoch’s? Cain had a son, Gen 4:17 “And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.”
Prov 22:1 “Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.”
“How much better to be remembered for your reputation of faith, dedication and having walked with God than having a city named after you.”
In Jude chapter one we see the genealogy given to this Enoch (Gen 6). He lived in the seventh generation from Adam.
Jude 1:14-15 “Enoch, who lived in the seventh generation after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said, “Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of his holy ones to execute judgment on the people of the world. He will convict every person of all the ungodly things they have done and for all the insults that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”
Genesis chapter five starts with the genealogy from Adam to Noah. We can note that many of these men had children later in life and then lived a very, very long life. It is here in 5:21 we find the name Enoch. When we compare the length of life that Enoch lived (365 years) we can note that it was far fewer than the others mentioned.
Gen 5:21-24 “When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah. And after he had become the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. So Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God had taken him away. “
We can note something here that sounds familiar from last week when we looked at the life of Noah. Prior to this we have little understanding about Enoch other than he was 65 years old and became the father of Methuselah. The next words we see, “Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters.”
Perhaps the one scripture that we remember most from Hebrews where Enoch is mentioned in the Heroes of Faith is simply said, “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”
Heb 11:5 “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”
Interesting that we find Enoch mentioned in the Book of Jude. We are told that Enoch prophesied of the second coming of Christ. “He said, “Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of his holy ones to execute judgment on the people of the world.”
Some have asked how could Jude speak to this concerning Enoch? It was suggested that there was a “Book of Enoch” written. We do not see this included in the books that we find in our bible. Was this a “tradition” that was passed down? Was this given through the Holy Spirit by divine revelation to Jude?
We have limited understanding to the previous 65 years of Enoch life. We can draw some conclusions from what “evidence” we are given from the scriptures to his character and conduct. As I consider the life of Enoch these are my key take a way’s.
1. The name Enoch means consecration, dedicated.
2. He walked with God. (Gen, Heb)
3. He pleased God (Heb)
4. He Preached the second coming of Christ (Jude)
5. He did not see death (Gen, Heb)
6. God took him (Translated, taken up) (Gen, Heb)
As we follow many others in this chapter their beginning to their end is chronicled for us. They were born, they had children, they lived a long life and then died. One important difference for Enoch’s story, he walked with God, he did not die, for God took him.
The world would say that Enoch has disappeared, but God tells the world, “I took him.” This would encourage us that the end of a righteous person’s life is not found in death but knowing this, “God takes them to be with Him.”
Ps 73:24 “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”
What a beautiful promise my dear friends, for those who “walk with God.” Those who walk with God on earth, will also walk with him in Eternity.