Enoch The Prophet

Enoch is said to have been seventh from Adam, that is, the seventh generation from Adam. This distinguishes him from another Enoch who was the son of Cain. Enoch was born into the line of Seth, the generations were, as recorded by Moses in Genesis; Adam, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared and Enoch. There is no written-down prophecy of Enoch from this time. Jude may have gotten this prophecy from oral tradition, he mentions Enoch ‘saying’. A later writing bearing Enoch’s name is not authentic. 

Foretelling the future

It is clear Enoch was a prophet. He lived before the time of Noah and the flood. He called his son Methuselah which signifies ‘when he dies is the emission’, or the sending out of the waters. The flood did indeed occur the very year Methuselah died. There is no record of Enoch’s death. Like another prophet, Elijah, Enoch was transported into the presence of God without dying. We read in Genesis 5:24, ‘And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him’. 

Walking with God

The character of Enoch would make a fine study in itself. He ‘walked with God’ differs from the more usual ascription ‘walked before God’. This is no doubt significant. In the whole of scripture it is said only of Enoch and Noah, who is also called ‘just and perfect’. Walking with God is reminiscent of man’s fellowship with God in the Garden of Eden before the Fall and speaks of perfect communion with God. Jude is not the only New Testament writer to speak highly of Enoch. 

Pleasing God

We are told in Hebrews 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’. The word ‘translated’ suggests a sudden removal into God’s immediate presence. Immortality without tasting death. Enoch is therefore a picture of the saints who shall be caught up ‘to meet the Lord in the air’ when the last trump sounds.

Life beyond the grave

These unusual characteristics in the life of Enoch have long elevated this ancient believer in the minds of those who have carefully studied the scriptures. Enoch’s translation has been regarded as an early indication, and revelation from the Lord, of life after death. This, with the bodily removal of Elijah in the fiery chariot, was evidence to Old Testament believers that our physical bodies, made perfect, would continue to exist in God’s presence.  

Last-day judgment

The prophecy Jude refers to here is Enoch’s verdict on ungodly men who would trouble the church with false doctrine in the last days. We are told the Lord is coming to execute judgment upon all men with special notice taken of the ‘ungodly’ for their works and words. The fourfold repetition of ‘ungodly’ in verse 15 emphasises the contrast between the way of the Lord in Christ, and the way of natural man. From earliest times God’s people were taught to anticipated a final judgment.

Ten thousand saints

It is clear Jude understands the coming Lord to be the Lord Jesus Christ, ‘who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing’. The ten thousand saints could mean the souls of dead believers ready to reunite with their bodies at this time when ‘the dead in Christ shall rise first’ or else, holy angels who are sometimes called saints and whose presence with the Saviour and Judge will heighten the glory of Christ and overawe men and women in the world. 

Ungodly speech condemned

The nature of the ungodliness of those judged is specified by Jude. While they commit wicked deeds it seems rather to be their ungodly speech against the Lord God that the apostle takes notice of. They murmur and complain against God, and His church, and His gospel. They brag and boast of themselves. They have ‘men’s persons in admiration because of advantage’. They give pre-eminence to the rich and powerful for personal gain and promote likeminded supporters to positions of influence in order to further their own ends.

A supported argument

Jude has repeatedly employed Old Testament examples, individuals and events to emphasise the dangers facing the church from false teachers. He has made clear that judgment will come on those who subvert true faith, disturb Christ’s Bride and hurt God’s elect. There is little doubt Jude is referring to the false religion of works and freewill that dominates most churches today and masquerades as Christianity. False teachers use Bible words but they deny their scriptural meaning.

The faithful yet speak

Enoch the prophet lived long ago yet his wise sayings continued to be relevant to the Lord’s apostles in their own writings. The Holy Spirit has preserved Enoch’s prophecy, at least in part, as a warning for the church today. Enoch had a message for the antediluvian age but one that still resonates. The grave is not the end for man. God will hold men accountable for what they do and say. Christ is coming to judge the world and fulfil His gospel promises to those for whom He died. The false teachers amongst us will not prevail.

 Amen