Today, let's delve into the story of Enoch from the Book of Jasher, a fascinating text that expands on biblical narratives.
The Book of Jasher isn't part of the canonical Hebrew Bible, but it's referenced within it (Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18). It's considered by some to be a valuable historical source and by others a work of legend. Whatever its true nature, the stories within are captivating!
Our story picks up with Enoch at age 65. After the birth of his son, Methuselah, Enoch begins to walk with God, turning away from the wickedness of humanity. He immerses himself in divine instruction, knowledge, and understanding, choosing to withdraw from society for extended periods.
What was Enoch doing during these periods of seclusion? Well, according to the Book of Jasher, he was serving God and praying in his house. One day, an angel calls to him from Heaven, urging him to leave his solitude and reappear among humankind. The angel's mission is clear: Enoch is to teach humanity the path to God.
Enoch heeds the call. He emerges from his self-imposed exile and begins teaching the ways of the Lord. He sends out a proclamation: "Where is the man who wishes to know the ways of the Lord and good works? let him come to Enoch." And they came. In droves. People are hungry for spiritual guidance.
Enoch, it seems, becomes a leader. The Book of Jasher tells us that he "reigned over the sons of men according to the word of the Lord." People bowed before him and listened to his wisdom. Even kings, princes, and judges sought him out.
Imagine this scene: 130 kings and princes assemble, making Enoch their king. He brings peace and justice, guiding them in the ways of the Lord. For 243 years, Enoch reigns, leading by example and fostering peace across the land. Think about that for a moment: a world at peace, guided by wisdom.
But the story doesn't end there. We also learn of the death of Adam. In the fifty-sixth year of Lamech’s life, Adam passes away at the age of 930. Enoch, along with Methuselah and Adam's two sons, buries him with royal honors in the cave God had shown Adam. The Book of Jasher notes that the mourning for Adam was so profound that it established a lasting custom among humanity. It also states the reason for Adam's death: eating from the Tree of Knowledge, a consequence that affected all his descendants.
Interestingly, the Book of Jasher connects Adam’s death with Enoch’s decision to again withdraw from public life. In the same year Adam died, Enoch begins a pattern of temporary seclusion, spending three days in prayer and then returning to teach the people for one day. Later, he extends his absences to six days, then to a month, and eventually to a year.
Why this on-again, off-again approach?
The text suggests that as Enoch drew closer to the divine, a "Godlike awe" settled upon him. People feared to look at him, afraid of punishment. It's a fascinating depiction of the potential consequences of spiritual ascension.
Eventually, even this wasn't enough.
The story takes an even more extraordinary turn. An angel announces from heaven that Enoch is to ascend and reign over the sons of God, just as he reigned over the sons of men. Before his departure, Enoch gathers all the inhabitants of the earth. He imparts final instructions, teaching them wisdom, knowledge, and statutes to live by.
Then, a vision appears: a great horse descends from the sky. Enoch declares that the horse has come for him, signaling his imminent departure. He invites anyone who delights in knowing God to come to him before he's taken away.
What happens next is remarkable. Enoch ascends into heaven on this horse, accompanied by a massive crowd of followers – some 800,000 people! Initially, he urges them to return home, but some remain steadfast, declaring that only death will separate them.
On the seventh day, Enoch ascends into heaven in a whirlwind, with horses and chariots of fire. It's an awe-inspiring image, reminiscent of Elijah's ascent in the Bible (2 Kings 2:11).
When the kings return to collect the remaining followers, they find only snow and large stones. The followers, and Enoch, are gone. He had ascended into heaven.
What does this all mean? The story of Enoch in the Book of Jasher presents a compelling picture of a righteous man who not only walked with God but ultimately transcended the earthly realm. It raises questions about the nature of leadership, the pursuit of wisdom, and the possibility of bridging the gap between the human and the divine. It’s a story that invites us to consider our own paths and what it truly means to "walk with God."