Excitement blossoms like flowers as the new town grows. Those who come are hungry for a peaceful world. Most are refugees escaping the violence of the large city on the Euphrates River.
When asked about their journey, fear causes them to speak cautiously. They are uncertain about details. Eyes reveal horrific memories.
Three big-eyed boys cling to their mother’s covering. The material is of the finest silken texture, very rare; colored extravagantly with an unusual green of the deep forest.
Eyes tell a great deal about people. Terrified, they had escaped with their lives. Bringing no possessions they cling to the tattered pieces of clothing they wear.
A baby hides in the arms of a robust man. His disciplined frame speaks of healthy living, good food, and faithful exercise. Survival is now all he wants. Pleading eyes are pure and demonstrate a culture of godly habits.
‘I felt this incredible tug on my heart to flee evil and come toward this new opportunity to build peace. My family did not want to come with me and struggled most of the journey. Now they are broken and need help.’
He respectfully asks to stay. Enoch does not decide who will stay. He speaks,
‘This is not my town. I cannot be the governor of all these people.’
Enoch has seen how controlling leadership corrupts. Recent events in his own family make him cautious. Those who live in peace must somehow overcome those who do evil continually.
Many families come from the East. Enoch offers these kind words.
‘Come! Find refreshment at our tables. You are welcome to stay if you work with your hands and love your neighbor.’
He trusts God for the outcome. The fertile fields, flocks, and resources of the earth provide a good life for all who are willing to accept the challenge.
Continual water of life and restful sleep bring peace even to the family with expensive clothing. They find an avenue of interest, work hard, and enjoy new friendships with neighbors.
Nokh plans to leave. This place will not become his permanent home. He yearns to move closer to the Lord at the Gates of Eden. It has been over a year since he left the faithful ones in the city. He will fulfill the promise he made.
‘I will go!’
Nokh speaks to a friend.
‘Will you continue the work I have begun? I do not know how large this town will become. Let’s plan to build new markers until we should stop. We will know when that time comes.’
The first marker, closest to the garden, still stands. It wears its age well and marks out the largest gathering of like-minded residents. They are shepherds. Lambs for sacrifice prosper under their care. The friend responds.
‘I will mark out the boundaries!’
They both have noted the sun’s movement along horizons from day to day. Since their world has no storms and no clouds, simple observation helps. Enoch concludes.
‘I have a sense that the sun will reverse by the time I return, and I do plan to return. Then you will know how many avenues or pathways we should have in this new town.’
With that, he prays for God to bless and strengthen each family, lifts his pack, and walks eagerly toward his beloved Eden.
Nokh’s special place is still secure. Somehow it always stays in perfect condition. He settles in for a time and seeks the face of God.
On the third day, a Cherub beckons him to approach.
The glory of God surrounds the Gate as he moves slowly, with much fear, in obedience to the messenger’s call.
‘My Master has instructed me to tell you that He will take care of his own. Just as your shepherds at the first marker care for their lambs, He will care for you.’
Then he adds this assurance.
‘Enoch, you are doing the right things. The Lord your God abides in you. Do not be afraid for He goes with you wherever you go!’
With these words, the Cherubim flash their swords of fire. Nokh retreats to the shelter of his place.
It takes several days to recover from this amazing experience.
Peace overcomes fear. Faith overcomes doubt. He is doing what God wants him to do. Enoch gladly welcomes this assurance of unconditional forgiveness.
Soon Nokh travels along his former favorite waterway toward the rising sun. He intends to encourage believers in the city. He steps out in faith, no matter what it costs. He will preach the word of God – all this wickedness will be judged. God is holy!
The journey amazes him. Each step of the way is filled with grace and truth. They carry him along as the waters flow ceaselessly away from God’s presence in the Garden.
People he meets are encouraged. Many make decisions to follow God’s words.
Ywek and his entourage of men smile with feigned patience as he tells them of the coming catastrophe – the judgment of God. A group of women in the street near his old dart shop give him water and fresh grain roasted in a delicious loaf.
Three moons complete their cycles and Enoch has returned to his new town. Peace surrounds this wonderful place.
The sun markers are no longer built. There are now twelve. The sun moves back toward Eden.
Enoch tells those who come out to meet him.
‘Gather the families that will protect us from wildness. We must protect our people, our animals, and our possessions.’
His skill in making darts leads him to move onto the pathway where the javelin and dart craftsmen live.
Longer, sturdier swords soon are found in the hands of those who protect this new town.
Genealogy papers have been kept and the cycles of the sun are integrated. The people now know that Adam died when it was nine hundred and thirty years after his creation on the sixth day.
It is now the year of creation – 962 CY!