Enoch, the 365 Day-and-Year Man

Enoch lived sixty-five years before he became the father of Methuselah, the longest-lived man ever. Enoch lived 365 years all together, and then he was not; for God took him (from Genesis 5:24). The Bible says Enoch walked with God (Genesis 5:24).

Enoch is mentioned three times in the New Testament, as well: 

• As a direct ancestor of Joseph, Mary’s husband—Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan (Luke 3:37).
• As a man of faith, who pleased God and didn’t die a physical death—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 (Hebrews 11:5).
• As a prophet—And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him (Jude 1:14-15).

So, what’s the complete biblical picture of Enoch? It’s an example for every believer:

1. Walk with God—every day, every year of your life. (He lived 365 years, and God chose his time of “translation” to heaven. I don’t think this was a coincidence! One year for each day in a year—a complete life.) “Walking with God” means obedience, faith, and listening for God’s guidance. It is being in harmony with God, walking beside Him and with Him. It’s the way the Bible expresses perfect communion with Him.
2. Leave a godly legacy. Even though the Bible doesn’t use many words about Enoch and doesn’t give us details, the terms used are all about who he was as a believer. Enoch: walked with God, displayed extraordinary faith, pleased God, and prophesied (spoke) the Word of God about Jesus’ second coming.

At the beginning of this new year, Enoch is one of those Bible heroes I’d like to emulate. I would love to walk with God all of my days and years, please Him, and leave a testimony of faith. I think it would be wonderful not to taste death and to be taken to heaven in the Rapture. But, if it’s God’s will that I die, I want to die in faith and trust.

Old Testament Enoch’s faith was in his Messiah, Jesus Christ. We know that because the Scriptures quote his prophesy about the Lord’s return with His saints.*

May we all be inspired by this seventh generation saint, Enoch!

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* 1 Thessalonians 3:13.