Enoch

Lifespan

Uncertain (seventh generation from Adam).

Ministry

The people of Enoch’s day were straying. God called Enoch to call them to repentance, “lest I come and smite them with a curse, and they die” (Moses 7:10). He learned to teach with such power that his very voice would make the earth tremble, the mountains flee, and the rivers turn from their courses. The people of his city became so righteous, and the enemies of his city so afraid of his power, that “from that time forth there were wars and bloodshed among them; but the Lord came and dwelt with his people, and they dwelt in righteousness” (Moses 7:16).

Preparation and Calling

We know little of Enoch’s preparation, but he describes his calling in this way: “As I was jouneying, and stood upon the place Mahujah, and cried unto the Lord, there came a voice out of heaven, saying-Turn ye, and get ye upon the mount Simeon. And it came to pass that I turned and went up on the mount; and as I stood upon the mount, I beheld the heavens open, and I was clothed upon with glory; and I saw the Lord; and he stood before my face, and he talked with me, even as a man talketh one with another, face to face” (Moses 7:2-4).

Interaction with God

The Bible speaks of Enoch in ways unique to him, for Enoch “walked with God” (Genesis 5:22-24). He did not live as long on the earth as his contemporaries, for he was but 365 years old when “God took him” (Genesis 5:24). Ben Sira and Josephus in Jewish Antiquities similarly note that he was taken up by Deity, and the Book of Moses adds that the entire city in which he dwelt and taught was taken up with him.

Social Situation

Though there is little information about Enoch in the Old Testament, there is substantially more Enoch literature that has not made its way into the official canon. It is to those writings that we must turn for more of the Enoch story.

The most noteworthy event of Enoch’s ministry is without a doubt the translation not only of the prophet himself but also of the entire city of Enoch. As a prophet of power, Enoch has few peers, being a fearless teacher of the gospel with the faith to move mountains and defeat armies by virtue of the priesthood and the power of God.

Key Teachings

Enoch is known for his close relationship with God and for his own godly manner. In many ancient writings, as Steven D. Fraade points out in the Encyclopedia of Religion, “Enoch combines the functions of prophet, priest, scribe, lawgiver, sage, and judge.” Thus, his most powerful teachings may simply be that man truly has the ability to become a son or daughter of God and receive His fullest blessings, understanding that if we are children of God, then we can become “heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).

Living with the Prophet

Enoch “walked with God.” Sometimes, we run from the opportunity to allow God’s influence to “walk” with us. How can you invite God to walk with you this evening?

Sources:

Encyclopedia of Religion, ed. Mircea Eliade, s.v. “Enoch”

Book of Moses

Jewish Antiquities, Josephus

The Holy Bible (KJV)