ENOCH (e'nok), (Heb. khan-oke', initiated or initiating; perhaps teaching or teacher).
1. Son of Cain (Gen. iv:17), after whom the first city noticed in Scripture was called. (B. C. 4041.) It was east of Eden, and its name is thought to be preserved in Hanuchta, which Ptolemy places in the Susiana. The spurious Berosus, and Adrichomius after him, place the city Enochia, built by Cain, east of Libanus, to wards Damascus.
2. Son of Jared and father of Methuselah. Ac cording to the Old Testament, he walked with God; and, after 365 years, he was not, for God took hint (Gen. v :24). (B. C. 3550-3185.) The inspired writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews says, 'By faith Enoch was translated that lie should not see death, and was not found, because God had translated him' (xi :5). Walking with God im plies the closest fellowship with Jehovah which it is possible for a human being to enjoy on earth. As a reward, therefore, of his extraordinary sancti ty, he was transported into heaven without the experience of death. Elijah was in like manner
translated:and thus was the doctrine of immortali ty palpably taught under the ancient dispensa tion.
The traditions of the Jews have ascribed to Enoch many fabulous qualities. They have in vested him with various attributes and excellencies for which the Bible furnishes no foundation. Ac cordingly, he is represented as the inventor of let ters, arithmetic, and astronomy; as the first author, from whom several books emanated. Visions and prophecies were commonly ascribed to him, which he is said to have arranged in a book. This book was delivered to his son, and preserved by Noah in the ark. After the flood it was made known to the world, and handed down from one generation to another. Hence the Arabians call him Edris, i. e., the learned (Koran, Sur. xis).
3. The first city mentioned in Scripture (Gen. iv:17), built by Cain, east of Eden and in the land of Nod. S. D.