Enoch
| Enoch | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Period | The Time of Adam |
| Family | Father: Jared (6th generation from Adam) Son: Methuselah |
| Major achievements | Walked with God for 300 years and ascended to heaven without experiencing death |
Enoch (Hebrew: חֲנוֹךְ[1], Hanokh) is a figure in the Old Testament who walked with God[2] and was taken to heaven without experiencing death. He was the seventh generation from Adam, the first man, and the father of Methuselah. Enoch is distinct from another biblical figure of the same name, the son of Cain, who was Adam’s firstborn. The name Enoch is commonly interpreted to mean “dedicated,” “obedient one,” or “follower.”[3] In the Old Testament, only Enoch and the prophet Elijah are described as having ascended to heaven without dying.[4]
Historical Background
According to the book of Genesis, Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden after disobeying God’s command. They later had two sons, Cain and Abel. When both brothers presented offerings to God, Abel’s animal sacrifice was accepted, but Cain’s offering of crops was not. In anger, Cain killed Abel, committing the first murder recorded in the Bible.[5] As punishment, Cain was banished to the land of Nod, east of Eden.[6] After the loss of both sons, Adam and Eve had another son named Seth. From Seth’s lineage came Jared, who became the father of Enoch.[2]
The Life and Character of Enoch
Walking With God
When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters.
According to Genesis, Enoch became the father of Methuselah at the age of 65 and afterward “walked with God” for 300 years, living a total of 365 years. This means he spent the majority of his life in close fellowship with God. Enoch’s great-grandson Noah was likewise described as walking with God[7] and was regarded as a righteous man who obeyed God’s commands, building the ark that saved his family from the flood. Enoch is traditionally viewed as having lived a life of purity and faithfulness to God’s will. His exemplary faith is highlighted in the New Testament, where he is included among the ancestors of faith in the book of Hebrews.[8]
Ascension Alive
While the Bible often records that individuals lived a certain number of years and then died, the account of Enoch is exceptional. After living 365 years, the text does not state that “Enoch died,” but instead records, “Enoch was no more, because God took him away.”[9] The book of Hebrews further affirms this, stating:
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
This account confirms that Enoch ascended to heaven without experiencing death, as he was commended for pleasing God. In the Old Testament, only Enoch and the prophet Elijah are recorded as having been taken to heaven without dying; Elijah was carried up in a chariot of fire with horses of fire.[4] In the New Testament, Jesus is described as ascending to heaven forty days after His resurrection, which took place three days after the crucifixion.[10]
Lesson
Enoch is regarded as a forefather of faith for “walking with God” over a period of 300 years. In biblical interpretation, to walk with God signifies living in accordance with God’s will and remaining in fellowship with God. In the New Testament era, this concept is often understood as following the example of Christ, who revealed the way of salvation.[11] Throughout history, those who walk with God are portrayed as recipients of His blessing and salvation,[12] a theme echoed in the depiction of believers who follow Christ wherever He leads.[13]
See also
References
- ↑ Strong's Hebrew: 2585. חֲנוֹך, Bible Hub
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Genesis 5:1–23.
- ↑ Enoch, Bible Study Tools
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 2 Kings 2:11
- ↑ Genesis 4:1–8.
- ↑ Genesis 4:16
- ↑ Genesis 6:9
- ↑ Hebrews 11:1–5.
- ↑ Genesis 5:24
- ↑ Acts 1:8–9
- ↑ John 13:15
- ↑ Hebrews 11장.
- ↑ Revelation 14:3–4.