Enoch

There are two Enoch's mentioned in Genesis (maybe even four): one is the son of Cain, the other is a descendant of Seth. When you hear "Enoch" you probably think of the one that was taken up to Heaven (the descendant of Seth). The contrast between these two men reflects the contrast between Cain and Seth, as well.

Introduction

Disclaimer: Liberty taken with the depiction
of Enoch. Please remember the Bible
does not specify a description for most individuals.

Genesis introduces us to at least two different Enochs (Genesis 4:17 and 5:18), though some argue atlas four, based on the translation of the text since Hanoch is of the same origin as Enoch (Genesis 25:4; and 46:9).^[1] Two of the Enochs, discussed below, are particularly interesting because of their contrasts. One is a descendant of Cain, while the other is a descendent of Seth. The Enoch most frequently referenced by believers is the Enoch that is descended from Seth.

The Two Enochs

Enoch: Son of Cain

In Genesis 4:17, Enoch is born to Cain and his wife. He is likely the firstborn son of Cain since he is the named son in the list. As such, when Cain goes off to live in exile, he names the city he builds after Enoch. This Enoch's lineage is continued through a son named Irad.

As a descendant of Cain, this Enoch represents the world and worldly things. Having a city named after you is sign of importance; anyone with a city named after this likely has power, prestige, and wealth. On rare occasions, people name cities after themselves, but often this is something someone else has to do. When someone bestows an honor upon someone, don't you think the honor of the bestower colors the situation? In this case, the only legacy the Bible gives us to remember this Enoch by, is bestowed upon him by the world's first murderer. Because the honor was given by man, rather than God, it is a temporary honor. The city named after Enoch was destroyed in the flood. Although we have his name preserved in the Bible, most people associate Enoch of the Bible with the Enoch mentioned below. This reminds us that from the beginning, honors and gifts bestowed upon us by men are short-lived.

Enoch: Great-Grandfather of Noah

In Genesis 5:18, we meet Enoch, father of Methuselah, grandfather of Lamech, great-grandfather of Noah, and a descendant of Seth. Unlike the Enoch descended from Cain, legacy of this Enoch has very little to do with the world or worldly things. While the other Enoch is merely associated with the name of a city, this Enoch is defined by personality. He is described as a righteous man with great faith. As a reward for his faith, Enoch was taken straight to heaven at the age of 365 and never experienced death. The honor bestowed upon this Enoch is from God and is permanent!

On a sidenote, does it seem odd to anyone else that Enoch walked the Earth for 365 before being taken up when there are 365 days in a year? It's probably just a coincidence since Biblical years only have 360 days, but I find it interesting, especially since God often converts days and years at a one to one ratio. An example off the top of my head is Israel had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years, one day for each day the spies of Israel explored the promised land (Numbers 14:34). There is also an example of the day for a year principle in Ezekiel 4:5, and countless examples in prophecy.

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.Hebrew 11:5

The book of Jude identifies this Enoch to be a prophet, as well.

Bible Verses about Enoch

• Genesis 4:17-18
• Genesis 5:18-24
• Luke 3:37
• Hebrews 11:5
• Jude 1:14

References

1. "Who was Enoch in the Bible?". GotQuestions.org; visited January 2018