Enoch leaves Ebele’s community thankful to God for victories in his young man’s personal life and the promise of godly leadership among the people.
Ebele continues to humbly submit to the new leadership and thanks Nokh, in a community-wide gathering, for his wisdom in preserving the group and bringing them back to faith in God to overcome discouragement.
Mattawn and the community leader, now known as Enoch’s man, have become friends forever. They cling to each other and weep at the time of parting knowing it may be years before they see each other again.
After stopping at Grandfather Mahalalel’s for a wonderful time of refreshment, feasting, and worship, including sacrifice at an altar, Nokh and his son arrive home just in time for the fifth full moon of Mattawn’s thirtieth year.
Many homes in the neighborhood show signs of neglect. Several are abandoned. Enoch thanks his large family for maintaining the property extremely well. They have become an island of peace and order in the middle of growing chaos.
Many neighborhoods have organized themselves to protect people and property. Ywek controls life in the city-center. Those who disagree move away to form associations in outlying regions. Tensions grow as people multiply.
Haran continues to manage the shop and has prospered with new products, services, and properties. He shares with Enoch. Old tensions between them seem to be gone.
‘Come with me, Enoch, for a journey to the forests of the north country.’
Nokh agrees with joy. He prepares his pack and arranges with Mattawn for his absence.
It is like days of long-ago; they share simple meals, swim in healing waters, and look into each other’s eyes without shame. Enoch sees a change toward grace in both of their lives and realizes,
‘God has worked in us while we have been apart. I praise you Lord for bringing my family together.’
Enoch acknowledges before God that it is not his job to change others. His responsibility is to honor God as holy and to faithfully walk with God in his own life.
He confesses before God,
‘I take too much on myself when I trust clever words. I wish to trust you in everything!’
Trees and forest still enchant Haran and Nokh. They return after time well-spent, having trekked great distance. Walking together!’
Haran helps Enoch realize he is controlling Mattawn too much.
‘He is your youngest child. You can let him go. People often cling to the youngest especially when the mother dies in giving birth.’
The challenge from Cousin Haran cannot be cast off by Enoch. He calls Mattawn,
‘Come to me, my son. You are the joy of your aged father. What can I do to bless you?’
Mattawn stands and looks off to the west with this answer.
‘Father, I will stay with you, care for you, and protect you all the days of your life.’
Enoch reaches over, picks up a twig, breaks it in his hands and answers.
‘Marriage is honorable. Find a wife, leave me, and honor her with steadfast love. She will be the one God gives you for the joy of life on earth.’
Turning abruptly the son responds with a gleam in his eye,
‘Ebele’s youngest granddaughter is amazing. She may be the one I would like to marry. Is it God’s will that we become one flesh, never to part?’
His father answers quickly,
‘God has told us marriage means that a man leaves his father and mother and becomes one with a woman who is perfectly suited for him.’
Even in their imperfect world, where every intention and thought of the heart were only evil continually, people still preserved God-given marriage customs.
Nokh’s voice catches when he says,
‘Son, I have hoped that you will take over my part of our dart and javelin shop and work with my cousin Haran.’
A sweet answer make sense to both of them.
‘You have taught me well father. I will use our craft for the Lord wherever he leads me.’
Gratitude overwhelms Enoch.
‘You are wise my son. Go with my blessing.’
The entire clan supports Mattawn. They celebrate with gifts to God at the altar and send Mattawn on his journey with provision for his future. Several from among Methuselah’s family accompany the young man to meet his bride.