Ebele and her husband love Enoch and Mattawn so much they hate to see them go. Speaking with sadness she stands quietly before them and says,
‘There is one thing you need to know about Adam. He isolates himself from us: Ever since Eve died.’
Ebele tells Enoch that Adam does not receive guests unless he invites them into his home.
They were all amazed when Adam went to Mahalalel’s to meet Enoch. It was unprecedented. Only the Spirit of God could prompt such a thing.
All agree that Adam does not leave his home for such meetings. They know God facilitated it. It definitely goes against Adam’s typical behavior.
Enoch sees Adam’s home from a distance before he and Mattawn leave for home. A young man, Mattawn’s age, goes with them at Ebele’s insistence.
Each step takes them closer to home, family, work, and the town-but fear affects Enoch.
This journey distracts him a little bit with its adventure, comradeship, laughter, and toil. Flames dance in their eyes around the evening fires. Great conversation bolsters their spirits.
Nokh works hard helping Mattawn prepare for the life before him. But for Enoch it is not always about the destination, he makes the journey part of the fun.
Lying awake in the night, Nokh’s entire being cries out to God, not in a prayer but a conversation.
‘Do my families know their mother has died? Do our children follow God’s way? I am so weak! Help me Lord!’
The next day Enoch takes every opportunity to talk to Mattawn and his young friend.
‘I want all of my children, your older brothers and sisters and all of their children to walk with God.’
Mattawn responds,
‘Don’t they love and obey God?’
The young friend asks,
‘What does walk with God mean?’
Enoch pauses, then answers,
‘To walk with God one must know God’s revealed will, whatever that may be, and act on it in God’s way in order to enter into a strengthening relationship with God himself.’
Enoch struggles to put it in words. He includes the choice and the strong desire to be God’s person in every circumstance. It also involves knowing God and his word.
‘You must work hard, leave everything else behind, and study to do what God wants for you today.’
Mattawn asks,
‘Is it enough to know about God?’
‘No! God requires us, and he has the right to do so because he is God, to act on the things we know about him. We must follow his direction for each of our own lives. Then we will grow in our relationship with him.’
Mattawn is very quiet for much of the afternoon. Finally settling down after nightfall, Enoch’s mind does not rest easy.
‘Can I find peace in town? I want peace wherever I go. Oh God! Why does fear control so much of my life? My mind needs rest as much as my body.’
By morning he decides he will live a quiet life in town, mind his own business, work with his hands, and teach his family about God.
He adds,
‘I will submit to the leaders as long as they do not make me do something God has told me not to do.’
With excitement three men, two quite young, one of great age, walk toward Enoch’s place in town.
The life-giving waters look the same. Forests around the property have grown. His finely built home welcomes them, thanks to the older daughters who have maintained it well.
Enoch’s desire to gather the family together is realized in less than a week after his arrival. Celebration of Orna’s life lessens the pain of death. Mattawan holds a place of honor, the youngest child of Orna and Nokh. Enoch admonishes the entire family, without any apology.
‘I beg you to bring all of our children up in the wisdom of the Lord our God.’
His experience with the distant families near the garden of Eden empowers him to challenge all of them to follow God rather than the sensual ungodliness of town.
The young man from Ebele’s family shows great promise as he demonstrates godly character and skill in making arrows and helping Enoch at work and at home.
Methuselah, now over one hundred years of age, actively leads the family with godly living. Some of his siblings reject his leadership claiming he is too judgmental just like his father.
Relationships within the families become divided between those who obey God’s word and those who love the excitement of their monthly festivals.
Reconnecting with Haran and the work at their shop in the center of town proves challenging. Business is good. Enoch’s cousin has become the best maker of darts, javelins, and arrows. He treats Enoch fairly and maintains the business relationship.
But his mind is closed to any discussion about God or the revealed will of the Lord.
Haran frequently presses Enoch to participate in the festivals.
‘Enoch, you have to understand how the monthly gatherings help our family. Our participation places us among the most influential leaders of the whole city.’
It has become a city. Growth continued immensely while Nokh was away. Towers, plazas, large structures, and a new altar with blocks permanently mortared together, and steps on all four sides speak of power and control over the life of every person.
Enoch’s time with Ebele’s people and with Grandfather Mahalalel has grounded him so much he cannot help but speak God’s truth.
‘God is good! All the time! I accept the old stories. Sin in our deepest being produces murder, violence, lying, selfishness, and anger. But because of my faith in God, I confidently hope to see Orna in the presence of God someday.’
Each morning, Nokh sets out to build relationship with God and others. Without hesitation he generously shares with all around him. He gives of himself and his time with gifts and demonstrations of his love.
A prayer for reconciliation with Haran continually surfaces In Enoch’s mind,
‘Oh God! I love my cousin Haran. Please bring unity in our relationship with you and each other.’