The young man from Ebele’s community close to Adam’s home in the west near the source of the river, proves himself a faithful source of help, encouragement, and spiritual refreshment.
His beliefs and life of faith, even at an early age, bring peace to Enoch’s home. Disruptions resulting from Orna’s death, years ago now, are gradually replaced with fond memories and opportunities for a return to faithfulness to God and others.
Mattawn had by this time grown strong and shows ability to use his hands to make things. He is clear-headed, speaks well, and demonstrates a maturity beyond his years. His young friend deserves much of the credit for this good influence.
Enoch’s families help a lot too. Methuselah the oldest son, respects his father and takes great interest in the bringing up of his youngest brother.
However, Mattawn and the young man desire to return to their western community. Uneasiness around the big city with its increasing wickedness and violence disturb their peace, so they ask Enoch if they could all return together.
The young friend suggests,
‘Perhaps you will be able to spend quality time with Adam. I am praying that this will happen.
They all believe that God answers prayer.
By the time plans are completed for the three of them to depart, most of the city people know they are leaving.
Just as they settle in for the night before the next day’s journey, men come with torches and burst into the home.
‘We are taking your young man and your son Mattawn for the new month feast.’
Ywek’s son, Azar, speaks with dignity and firmness.
Khman, still a leader in the growing city adds with authority,
‘Now!’
With ten strong men against two much younger men and an older man there is little opportunity for battle.
Enoch’s gentle response amazes all who are present as he quietly says,
‘God will take care of you.’
Now alone in silence as the band moves off into the darkness, Enoch talks to the Lord throughout the night.
At first light, he stands patiently at Ywek’s gate. The guards stationed there remind him of what he knew about the cherubim at the entrance to Eden.
Nokh speaks aloud,
‘This is no garden of God. I am not sure God is here.’
It is unusual that a community leader needs this kind of protection. The whole house looks sinister and foreboding. More than two hours later a door on the side opens. Enoch is ushered into a large, highly decorated room that reveals power and wealth.
Azar explains,
‘We will not hurt your young men. In fact, they will be stronger and wiser after we train them. They are conscripted into God’s army.’
Another person dressed in purple satins speaks with a voice of authority.
‘They are among the most outstanding examples of God’s incredible creation.’
Ywek, Khman’s brother, says with a crooked smile on his face,
‘Wait until you see what they will become by the next moon-feast. You too will be amazed to see the sons of God and what they can do for your boys.’
A man draped in magnificent, beaded fabric steps forward and presents Enoch a parchment scroll on which is a statement of payment due which he now owes based on the goods sold from the shop in town.
In addition, each month he must bring the best year-old lamb from the flocks of his family. Enoch cannot hide his angry tension but calms himself by breathing deeply and saying under his breath,
‘I give my best lamb to God!’
He turns and leaves, shocked because all of this comes as a total surprise. He has questions,
‘Am I the first one receiving these demands? Does anyone in my family know about this? Does Haran know? Is this really what my world has become?’
After the feast days are over everyone returns to the reality of normalcy. Many people collapse into a state of piety recovering from their excess of drink, food, and frenzied activity.
Mattawn, now stronger and wiser, holds his father tightly in a long emotional hug.
His friend who has helped him grow in the Lord is somehow changed. He speaks to every one of the impressive athleticism of the festival.
‘There is a dignity in their reverence for God’s creative powers.’
This godly young man from the quiet land near Eden is drawn with eyes wide open into a new world. He loves consorting with the beautiful persons.
“Enoch and Mattawn,’
He pleads,
‘It cannot be wrong when I am so happy. Can’t you see how it celebrates God and his creation? And besides that, it is fun!’