Category: The Faith of Enoch

By Kathy L McFarland

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:5-6)

The translation of Enoch had the testimony of the LORD God and pleased Him. We understand that Enoch was living one moment and then the next he was not. He passed over the chasm that separated him from God, and he went to Heaven without experiencing death. His victory of life without ever dying is a symbolic and typological representation of the End Times Rapture that Christians look forward to with great hope.

The Greek word used in Hebrews 11:5 for “translated” is “metathesis.” It is used three times in Hebrews only, and is used three different but similar meanings. In Hebrews 11:5 it means to transfer to Heaven, Hebrews 12:27 means that God “removes things by shaking, so that things that cannot be shaken can remain” and Hebrews 7:12 means a “change in the law”. So the Greek word means transfer, removal or change.

Today, that Greek word metathesis describes an “alteration of a word from one form to another” in an effort to make it more eloquent or easier to say, like a child calling spaghetti “pasghetti”. In the “Hollow Pursuits” episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Lt. Commander Data explains the meaning of metathesis after Captain Picard mistakenly calls Lt. Barclay “Mr. Broccoli”. After Barclay leaves, Data says to the captain, “metathesis is one of the most common of pronunciation errors, sir; a reversal of vowel and consonant; ‘barc’ to broc’…”. (Note to audience – the creator of this lesson is a Star Trek junkie; this blurb is added to increase job satisfaction even further, while at the same time connect with the students in understanding the word “metathesis.”)

So why is understanding the deeper meaning of the word “metathesis” so important to understanding the concept of translation? It is important, because it is such a rare event, we don’t quite know how it happened, what it looked like, or how quickly it took place. Therefore, we must examine every piece of evidence surrounding the word “metathesis” to sort of grasp the supernatural translation event of Enoch.

There is one more word that might help you understand the process of “translation” a little better. Metamorphous means a change in nature and form, like a caterpillar changing to a butterfly; in contrast, Metathesis is the change of the place or condition, like the exchange of bonds in a chemical reaction!

Now we are nailing down the deeper meaning of the word. When the translation of Enoch occurred, his place of existence was changed from one place to another. His body and nature were not changed; it was only the place, translating from earth to heaven, and the condition, living one moment, and nowhere found the next.

Now that we understand the word used to express the translation of Enoch, we are closer to understanding the process that will happen to believers during the rapture of saints. Enoch’s translation was a typological shadow of the event that will happen to living believers one day.

The word “rapture” is not actually located within the Word of God; yet, it is a well-known term by both religious and secular interests. It is a word that is used to represent the End Times event where Christians alive are raised up into the air by Jesus Christ, and taken immediately to Heaven, without experiencing death. The rapture event can be found prophesized in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1Thessalonians 4:13-17)

This rapture experience captures the metathesis example that was first revealed in the translation of Enoch. One day, which date is not known by anyone but the LORD God, the Lord Jesus Christ will descend from Heaven with a shout, the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God. When these sounds are heard, the dead in Christ will rise first, and then all of the Christians which are alive will be caught up together in the clouds and meet the Lord in the air. The body or the nature of the raptured Christians will not be changed. The change will be only the place and condition; the Christians location will be changed from earth to Heaven, and their condition of human being, will be changed to that of a risen saint.

Interestingly, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 makes further reference to this rapture event, and this reference connects to one of the deeper meanings of the word “metathesis” we studied earlier. Can you find this meaning?

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.” (2Thessalonians 2:1-2)

The concept of “shaken” was used with one of the three only meanings of “metathesis” in the Word of God! Remember? Hebrews 12:27 defined the word “metathesis” with the process of shaking!

Hebrews 12:26-28

“Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” (Heb 12:26-28)

The LORD God is going to be shaking the Kingdom of Heaven while He shakes mankind on earth. Those in Heaven that can be shaken, will be removed from Heaven. Only those which cannot be shaken continues to live in the restored Heaven. Now 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 tells us that when the day of Christ is at hand to not be “shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word!

So now you know what rapture will look like, feel like, sound like, and be like. From the deep study of the word, we know that rapture comes to those who cannot be shaken in mind nor troubled in spirit when the tribulations, persecutions and martyrdoms on earth begin. Stand strong and confident in the Day of Christ, and await your redemption. The translation of Enoch was the shadow of rapture, that will one day raise up believers, and change their location from earth filled with tribulation and wickedness, to Heaven in the presence of our Lord and our God!

Praise be to God!

Further Study Resources

The Book of Enoch

The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish book that many believe was written by the Enoch, father of Methuselah and grandfather of Noah, around 300 B.C. Jews and Christians do not regard it as Scripture; however, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church think it is canonical in nature.

While it is absent from the sacred books of the Word of God, many scholars believe that The Book of Enoch influenced early Christianity, and thus is profitable for study. Many early Church Fathers considered 1 Enoch as Scripture, such as Athenagoras, Clement of Alexandria, Irenaeus and Tertullian. In fact, Tertullian accuses that it was officially rejected by the Jews as Scripture because it contained early prophesy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There are five parts to The Book of Enoch. The first part describes the fall of angels, “the Watchers,” who became the fathers of the Nephilim. The remaining four sections cover Enoch’s visits to Heaven with descriptions of his travels, visions, dreams, and revelations.

* The Book of the Watchers (1 Enoch 1 – 36)

* The Book of Parables of Enoch (1 Enoch 37 – 71) (Also called the Similitudes of Enoch)

* The Astronomical Book (1 Enoch 72 – 82) (Also called the Book of the Heavenly Luminaries or Book of Luminaries.)

* The Book of Dream Visions (1 Enoch 83 – 90) (Also called the Book of Dreams)

* The Epistle of Enoch (1 Enoch 91 – 108)

It is important to note that The Book of Enoch is also said to be referenced in the Word of God through the account of his prophecy spoken about in Jude 14,15:

“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken” against him. (Jude 14, 15)

By Kathy L McFarland

Hebrews 11:5

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5)

Translated is represented by the Greek word “metatithemi.” This Greek word is used several times in the Word of God and it has several meanings, depending on context; it can mean to pass over, transfer, carry over, remove, change or turn. In the case of Enoch, we know that its meaning is most consistent with passing over the great chasm that separates man from God, without having to experience death. In literal words, at one moment he was alive and walking the earth and the next instant Enoch found himself in the presence of the LORD God.

Enoch was translated because he pleased the LORD God. He held this testimony that he brought the LORD God pleasure. The Greek word “martureo” is translated testimony, and means to bear witness and record.

It wasn’t that Enoch did well in speaking a little prophesy the one time it is mentioned in the Bible. Through the use of the word testimony, we can be certain that he had a spotless record of serving the LORD God, and that record was witness to his righteous service toward Him.

Note the Greek word “martureo” once more. It is a derivative of the word “martus” which is interpreted “martyr.” A martyr is one who proves the strength and genuineness of their faith in Christ by suffering persecution and violent death. It is not a far stretch to suspect that Enoch’s testimony had the nature of the martyrdom that would come later with followers of Jesus Christ.

Enoch’s “martuereo” brought great pleasure to the LORD God, and it was for that reason he was translated without death! His strength and genuineness of faith in the LORD God was so great, that He was noticed by the LORD God and used by Him to prophesy the things of last days from the beginning generations of His Creation!

NEVER BEFORE had another man been translated by the LORD God. He was the first! Since the day that Adam and Eve had sinned, death had to come to human being bodies to release sin’s hold upon them. It was the most unusual event in the midst of corruption and unrighteousness that was swirling around mankind.

This righteous man Enoch, known by all for his goodness and dedication toward God, might have died a common death, and then been taken to Heaven, and no one would have known. But through his translation, it was seen by many as Enoch living one moment amongst them, and the next, nowhere to be found. His translation became a testimony to the LORD God, that His providence for those that please Him can include eternal life without experiencing the physical sting of death.

The LORD God made sure that the reason He translated Enoch was clear to everyone that sought after His Word.

Hebrews 11:6

“But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

The LORD God translated Enoch so that those generations to follow could know how to please Him. There was only one way. It took faith in Him to please Him! He even explained further, by breaking that faith down to two areas of faith that Enoch possessed:

The faith of Enoch believed that the LORD God was who He IS

The faith of Enoch knew with certainty that the LORD God would reward those who diligently sought after Him

The Greek word “pisteuo” translates to the word “believe.” This powerful word denotes not only a surety in the LORD God, but also a conviction and trust inside a person’s soul that the He can be trusted completely. There can be no doubt in the type of faith that pleases the LORD God and moves Him to give great reward.

How does one get this type of faith? You must diligently seek after the LORD God. Seek diligently is represented by the Greek word “ekzeteo” and denotes a highly focused effort to search for the Will, Way and Word of God. The way this deep investigative seeking can be effected by Believers is through the study of the Word of God. The more study of His Word, the deeper the faith He gives you, and the more application that can be applied to your spiritual life.

The Faith of Enoch represents the believer’s sincere search and discovery of the things of the LORD God, and the application of those things into a life that honors and worships Him. Those who are able to diligently seek after the LORD God, and have confidence that He is who He is, will both please Him and receive reward from Him one day for their faith!

Faith of Enoch Today

So we return to the place from which we started…the Faith of Enoch. His faith was so strong and sure, that he did not see death, and was raised up by God to join Him in Heaven.

Hebrews 11:5-6

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:5-6 AV)

The LORD God brought great reward to Enoch for his faith, and caused a supernatural translation to happen to him for both him and all believers that come after him. The Faith of Enoch pleased the LORD God so much, that he was included as an example to us in the chapter of faith accounted in Hebrews 11. It is that faith we are focusing upon in this lesson, as we “translate” the things of Enoch’s faith, to our own faith in these difficult times.

The followers of Jesus Christ today must take the example of the Faith of Enoch and stand strong in the face of the wickedness and despair of mankind. It is through this strong faith that the witness of the Lord Jesus Christ is propagated throughout the world. And it’s quite a world, isn’t it? Our times are just as Enoch’s; we both live in times of great wickedness, where men turn against righteousness and obedience to the LORD God and His Will and Ways. In two short generations from Enoch, the entire world, save Noah and his family, were wiped from the earth. Believers today feel that same doomsday clock ticking, as the promised judgment of mankind by our Lord Jesus Christ grows nearer to unfolding according to the signs of the times!

Enoch pleased the LORD God because he had testimony. His testimony was maintaining a righteous presence in the midst of the terrible wickedness of mankind. His prophesy identified the nature of that wickedness as being the Way of Cain, the Error of Balaam, and the Gainsaying of Core. Take a moment, and consider these things that are prevalent in our own time, and growing worse each day.

The Way of Cain in the time of Enoch was the arrogant approach to the LORD God by those who demanded God bow down to them. They did not want to obey Him, but rather, expected Him to do as they willed. Today, we hear many speak freely about how they expect God to take them to Heaven because they are good; they are completely oblivious to His requirements to follow after the Lord Jesus Christ and do His things. We see prayers offered up to God to support this war or another, worldly cause over spiritual things, or things of fortune to be bestowed upon the prayers, without regard to His Will.

Godless people walk the earth today, focused on their attributes and needs over the will of the LORD God. The self-focused generation of disobedient people reassures themselves daily that they are good and deserving of the rewards that God has to offer, and that their money and efforts toward making a better world will guarantee them a spot in Heaven. They are vocal and condemning of any religion and any believer that goes against their belief in the way things should be with regards to reward from God and judgment.

It takes a very strong and brave Christian to stand up to the self-indulging kind, and announce to them that they must bow a knee to God regardless of their thoughts of the ways they think the reward and judgment of God should be. It is a testimony of faith when a believer speaks the Truth of God and reveals the only path to approach Him to be through Jesus Christ, even when it offends those who control their offerings to God with a demand of expected compensation and reward. The Way of Cain produced ungodly men lacking referential awe toward the things of God in the day of Enoch, and it has produced the same type of sinful, lewd, lustful and carnal natures within mankind today.

The similarities between our time and the time of Enoch do not stop with most of mankind embracing the Way of Cain. There are widespread instances of the Error of Balaam being reflected in our world today, with the same devastating effects of unrighteous, lewd and manipulative behavior being favored over righteousness. For instance, how many times have we seen pretend religious leaders receive wealth, power and prestige from their followers as they teach a corrupt lies that go against the Word of God. I’ll give you a hint…many are brought down by the excessive lustful and lewd acts that come from doing the error of Balaam!

Only faithful Christians can stand up and reveal the lies and manipulations generated by glory-seeking individuals’ intent on gaining and benefiting from attaching themselves to the Kingdom of God. The error of Balaam was thinking that any favor of God shown to him, gave him freedom to manipulate that favor into personal reward. This error led to the worship of false gods and attention paid to soothsayers, fortune tellers, and witches. False idols were embraced when the LORD God refused to grant privileges to those who were embracing the error of Balaam.

Just as in the times of Enoch, many people have left their faith, and lustfully sought riches, prestige, and power instead of walking in the Ways of the LORD God. Their attitude led to worship of false gods, as they gained a false sense of entitlement through their manipulation attempts toward the True LORD God. They have empowered the false idol use of others through the manipulation of magic, soothsaying, and worship of false gods. The faith of Enoch stood bravely in the midst of such chaos, and declared their practices wicked and warned of coming judgment if they did not stop their embrace of idols. They ignored him, just as those who worship idols in this world will ignore a faithful Christian who warns of judgment to come. Regardless, it is that faith within a Christian, expressed fully in support of the things of God that brings great delight to Him and provides testimony of your walk with Christ.

Lastly, the gainsaying of Core brought death to 250 leaders and 14,700 followers of God because of JEALOUSY! Core convinced strong and powerful leaders that had God’s favor, to forsake the leadership that was placed by Him to lead them, and challenge the authority established by Him. Regrettably, this same attitude is prevalent in churches today, as congregations jockey for power and prestige, challenging leadership and creating turmoil through gossip and attacks. The disagreements between denominations pale when weighed against the utter chaos that is within the church settings. Jealousies against the leaders seem to propel more and more attacks within the institutions that God Himself has established.

How can Christian leaders reclaim the positions that God has placed them in, when jealous attacks come their way and attempt to destroy the righteousness of the appointments? They cannot do it alone; we do not have the advantage of the LORD God dwelling among us, where we can go before Him, and prove the holiness of a leader vs. the jealousy of another. However, those of strong faith, that emulate the faith of Enoch in their walk with Christ, can make a difference by boldly proclaiming and upholding those appointed to leadership positions in the Kingdom of God on earth.

The faith of Enoch was so perfectly expressed by Him, that it gave testimony of his belief in the LORD God’s will and ways. His stances of bold declaration against the ways of Cain, the error of Balaam and the gainsaying of Core expressed the complete dedication he held toward the LORD God. It is that faith of Enoch that each faithful Christian should emulate, as we struggle against the wickedness of this world, to declare the Truth from the Word of God.

The way of Cain was the choice of many of God’s people, as they demanded His worship of them and their works by refusing to offer worthy and righteous gifts to the LORD God. The error of Balaam was embraced by many of God’s people, when they lustfully sought riches, prestige and power instead of walking in the Ways of the LORD God. This attitude led to worship of false gods, as they gained a false sense of entitlement through their manipulation attempts toward the True LORD God. In this lesson, we are going to examine the gainsaying of Core, to complete our study of the three levels of errors that polluted many within the generations of disobedient people belonging to God.

The dramatic account of Core (known as Korah in Hebrew Old Testament) can be found at Numbers 16:1-50, which records his influence in causing 250 Israelite leaders to turn away from the LORD God. Ultimately, 14,700 were put to death as a direct result of the gainsaying of Korah, and the resulting plague against those who followed after him. It is this major event that leads Enoch to warn those of the coming wrath of the LORD God that is written about in Jude 1:14.

Let’s begin our deeper study by examining the meaning of “gainsaying” found in Jude 1:11 as a description of the error of Korah. The Greek word for “gainsaying” is “antiologia.” Note the two words combined which are “anti” and “logia” which translate literally to “ANTI LOGIC.” Other definitions of the word that lend deeper understanding include contradiction, opposition, and rebellion. The gainsaying of Korah meant that he was going against the logic of his belief in the LORD God, and the common sense that Moses was the leader established to lead him. Let’s look at the account of the revolution that Korah started, and the LORD God ended.

The anti-logical revolution began when Korah encouraged 250 famous princes to challenge the authority of Moses and Aaron. These leaders with renowned reputations among all of the people in all of the Tribes of Israel were convinced by Korah that Moses was taking too much holiness for himself. The anti-logical 250 leaders led by the nose with the hand of Korah were convinced that all of the people that were congregated together within the Tribes of Israel were just as holy as Moses. They angrily charged Moses that he acted as if he were “better than others” (in common speech of today), and chided him to step down.

“Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?” (Numbers 16:1-3)

When Moses heard this, his immediate reaction was to fall on his face. One could sense his despair at the suggestion that he led God’s Chosen People with his will rather than through the LORD God’s direction. His solution for the determining whether the charges were truthful was both brilliant and risky. He called upon Korah and his followers to appear before the LORD God the next day, with Aaron and him, and allow the LORD God to decide who was right.

What had caused this anti-logical rebellion against a beloved leader who had helped free them from the oppressive control of Egyptian taskmasters and freed them for their journey to the Promised Land?

Two events foreshadowed the angry uprising to usurp the authority of Moses. Moses had ordered the stoning of a Sabbath breaker by every member of the congregation after the LORD God instructed this punishment.

“And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp. And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.” (Numbers 15:32-36)

Then to cause them to remember all of the commandments of the LORD God, He instructed them through Moses to place fringes on their garments. These fringes were to help them:

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.” (Numbers 15:37-41)

Interestingly, the very mindset that the LORD God wanted them to possess concerning the things of heart that he instituted with the fringes on the garments, was violated through the anti-logical rebellion of Korah and the princes. They did not want to think anyone holier than them. They sought after their own hearts, and were jealous of the holiness of Moses, and the priests established to serve the LORD God. Whether the stoning of the Sabbath breaker, and the requirement for fringes upon their garments sparked the uprising is not known; however, the rebellion questioned the authority of Moses, Aaron and the Priests, and kept the anti-logic of rebellion towards God’s ways moving throughout the camp.

There could be no doubt about their jealous resentment of the leadership forming around Moses. They were angry with them because they were wandering the wilderness and never arriving to the Promised Land which flowed with milk and honey as they appointed themselves in holy judgment against all others. The rebels wanted the position of Moses and Aaron and the Priests to end, and they wanted themselves to replace the exiled leadership immediately.

The gainsaying of Korah was against the setting apart of the family of Aaron for the duties and privileges of the priesthood. Moses wisely challenged them to appear with him before the LORD God and let Him choose. It would be the LORD God’s choice that would declare the holiness of the man, whether it was Moses and Aaron, or whether it be Korah and the 250 Princes who challenged the position Moses held.

They gathered together the next day; Moses, Aaron, the priests with Korah and the 250 princes, standing in the Tabernacle door with incense in censers to bring a pleasant smell as they approached the LORD God. The congregation of Israelites surrounded the Tabernacle, awaiting the decision of the LORD God. That decision came quickly. The LORD God spoke to Moses and Aaron and advised them to separate immediately from the congregated people, because he was going to destroy them.

Moses quickly pleaded to the LORD God to allow them to give the congregation of people gathered to watch the proceedings a chance to save themselves. The LORD God agreed. Moses told everyone:

“Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.” (Numbers 16:26)

Then Moses said:

“Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the Lord hath not sent me. But, if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. (Numbers 16:28-30)

At the end of Moses’ speech, the earth opened up her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. Moses was confirmed to be the holy leader, established by the LORD God, in full view of the congregation of Israelites, as he lived, and the rebels died.

“And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me. But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also. And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.” (Numbers 16:28-35)

Unbelievably, many of the Israelites charged Moses with the death of the troublemakers, rather than acknowledge the destruction of them at the hands of a wrath-filled LORD God. It took the intercession of Moses to save the entire people of Israel from destruction; in the end, 14,700 people died in a divine plague before Moses’ prayers became effective.

“But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD. And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared. And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces. And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah. And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.” (Numbers 16:41-50)

And that is the result of the gainsaying of Korah. The rebellion made the LORD God angry, and caused the destruction of him, the 250 princes that rebelled with him, and 14,700 people who followed after their ways. It was a rebellion against religious and political authority, coupled with the jealousy of men who wanted things to be the way they chose, rather than the way that the LORD God willed, that caused the destruction of so many.

We will delve into learning about the abhorrent ways of a sinful nation of disobedient people that developed as a result of these errors entering into their ways, as we examine the Prophesy of Enoch in our next lesson.

By Kathy L McFarland

The second degree of errors done by those who followed after Cain was done by greedily running after the error Balaam for reward. The generations to follow Cain were not satisfied with their status in the world; they looked for reward, and chased after false things to replace the Grace of the LORD God that they had rejected and turned into lewdness.

Jude 1:11

“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” (Jude 1:11)

Balaam of Beor was a soothsayer who took advantage of God‘s people and counseled them to sin against the Lord. Unfortunately, many were so driven by lust toward receiving reward that they followed after the error of Balaam without restraint. Read your Bibles of the account of Balaam recorded in Numbers 22-24, and prepare to deeply study this error that tricked some people that had previously walked with God.

Don’t be confused at the “positive” account of Balaam that seems first to portray Balaam as a saint carrying out the perfect will of the LORD God. As you read the actions of Balaam, you will soon recognize him to not only oppose Israel, but also as one to seek out money rather than serve the Will of God. The continual mention of money within these accounts suggests that Balaam used “indifference” to encourage that his palms were greased with fortunes to buy his efforts toward God.

You will soon recognize that the LORD God has control over this situation, even as Balaam tries to control Him. It is this conflict that develops the error of Balaam to its full intensity, and tempts men to follow after his ways.

The seeking of riches to perform works of God that He has not directed is a common tactic of many even today as televangelists and leaders of big churches and hierarchy of religious institutions follow after the Error of Balaam.

Balak, the son of Zippor, was King of Moab. He had watched as the Israelites had conquered the Amorites. He saw that God had delivered the Amorites into the hands of Moses and God’s people, and saw King Sihon and his sons killed for possession of their land through the offensive attack of the Israelites. King Balak was scared that the Moabites would be destroyed in the same manner as the Israelites advanced into their lands. He hatched a plan to prevent this invasion and massacre by hiring a “prophet” of the LORD God that was not attached to the Israelites from Egypt.

Numbers 22:1-6

“And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho. And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.” (Numbers 22:1-6)

King Balak sent the elders of Moab and Midian to bring a reward of divination to Balaam, in exchange for his cursing of the Israelites through his God, to prevent them from overcoming the Moabites and their land. It is apparent that King Balak knew Balaam served the same God that the Israelites worshipped, and trusted that he was an important prophet to the powerful LORD God.

Numbers 22:7-8

“And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak. And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.” (Numbers 22:7)

And they were partially right! Balaam did indeed have the ear of the LORD God. The LORD God forbade him to go with the Moabite errors to curse the advancing Israelites, who were blessed by God.

“Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people for they are blessed.” (Numbers 22:12)

Balaam heeded the orders of the LORD God, and sent the Moabites back with his refusal to help them.

Reward was added upon more reward, and Balak sent a new delegation of more powerful princes to pay Balaam for his services. Balaam was promised to receive a promotion of great honor, and the King promised to do his bidding, if only he would curse the Israelites and bring the wrath of God upon them. Balaam told them that:

Numbers 22:18

“If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.” (Numbers 22:18)

So far, so good! Balaam was holding to his faithful stance toward the LORD God, and being a good prophet that was obeying his LORD God.

Just like he had done before, he instructed the delegation to stay the night, while he inquired of the Lord. The LORD God came to Balaam that night, and told him:

Numbers 22:20

“If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.” (Numbers 22:20)

It was the next morning that the Error of Balaam was formed, when Balaam decided to disregard the instruction of God to wait for the men to call, and then give the Words that God speaks through him.

Instead, Balaam skewed the LORD God’s instructions to benefit him, and rose up, saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab; he was not called by the princes, nor did he possess the Words that the LORD God wanted him to speak. Like many pretend faithful today, Balaam manipulated the Words of God to His advantage. Certainly the Princes had called him before, and certainly God had given him Words before, so technically speaking, Balaam apparently convinced himself that he was right with God’s instructions.

The Lord God does not like His Word or Will to be manipulated! He was very angry with Balaam and He placed the angel of the LORD to stand against him and in the way of the ass ridden by Balaam and the two servants that accompanied him.

Numbers 22:21-27

“And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.” (Numbers 22:21-27)

The ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in front of them, prohibiting their walk forward. Each time the ass bolted and refused to move past the angel of the LORD, Balaam beat him, hoping to stir him forward; he was unaware of the presence of the angel. At one point the ass thrust herself into the wall to prevent walking into the angel, causing Balaam’s foot to be crushed against the wall. It was a dramatic scene unfolding as the ass refused to move forward and Balaam continued to beat the animal into submission.

Then the LORD God did something to the ass that was so spectacular, defining and rare, that the message that He was given could not be mistaken. He made the ass speak! The ass spoke real words given to Him by the LORD God!

Numbers 22:28-30

“And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.” (Numbers 22:28-30)

Clearly, the LORD God could speak His Word through any beast or man He chose; it was certainly apparent that the ass was more obedient to Him, than the man Balaam who had risen in stature as a prophet of God. The LORD God opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in his way.

Numbers 22:31-34

“Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.” (Numbers 22:31-34)

Balaam realized with great repentance that he had sinned against the LORD God, and promised to obey Him once again. The angel of the LORD instructed him to go with the princes of Balak, but to only speak the words given to him by God to speak.

Numbers 22:35

“And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.” (Numbers 22:35)

Balaam was spiritually blind and powerless against the LORD God. He could do nothing without God’s Words and Will; yet he stupidly thought he could. Numbers 23 and 24 show him preparing enchantments to tempt the LORD God to speak the words Balaam needed to speak to please Balak. He would build seven altars and burn seven sacrificed oxen and seven sacrificed rams three times; surely this would please the LORD God enough to allow Balaam his moment of prestige and power in front of the King! Yet, each time Balaam went to curse the Israelites, words of blessing were placed in his mouth by the LORD God, and great prophesy spoken concerning the happiness, protection and strength of God’s chosen people.

Numbers 24:4-9

“He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters. He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.” (Numbers 24:4-9)

King Balak was furious! He had paid Balaam well, and given him great prestige in his kingdom, for the cursing of Israel. Yet, Balaam blessed, rather than cursed, Israel each time he opened his mouth. Balaam was frustrated beyond measure. He had done everything he could think of to trick the LORD God into cursing Israel, but God would not budge. Balak and Balaam separated company, and departed to their own places.

Although Balaam was unsuccessful in his attempts to manipulate the LORD God, he gained great success in bringing a death curse to a part of God’s people. Although he could not change God’s Words or Will, he was able to create an atmosphere of enchantment and manipulation toward false gods that would persuade many in the tribes of Israel to follow after these things that were against the LORD God. As the Israelites advanced into the Moabites lands, they began to create whoredom with the daughters of Moab. This led to the sacrifice and worship of the false gods of their land by many disobedient Israelites, and resulted in the LORD God anger and order to slay all who submitted to these wicked ways.

Numbers 25:1-5

“And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor.” (Numbers 25:1-5)

The wickedness that Balaam brought upon the Israelites and the resulting turning of many toward false gods was noted by Moses as he ordered all the Moabite women to be killed.

Numbers 31:16

“Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD God in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.” (Numbers 31:16)

It was that realization by Moses, and by those who hear this account today, that exposes the heart of Balaam completely, and defines his actions against the LORD God perfectly. Here was a man that had elevated position and was able to speak to the LORD God, receive His Words, and speak them to other people. Yet, he was not satisfied. He desired the fortune and the prestige that the world could offer, and he sought after it continuously. He attempted to elevate himself above the LORD God, by attempting to trick and manipulate Him into doing Balak’s bidding through Balaam’s request.

When Balaam could not manipulate the LORD God, he went against Him, by counseling the women of Moab to entice the men of Israel to come to them with sexual enchantments. Balaam knew, as surely as the demons know today, that sexual lust is the perfect condition for enchantments to lead those of God astray. It was very successfully implemented, and as a result, many of the perverse Israelite men walked toward false gods because of the pleasure and reward they could receive.

That is the Error of Balaam. He thought he could control the LORD God through enchantment and manipulation. He desired riches, power, and prestige more than he cared about his obedient relationship with the LORD God. As a result, many of God’s people “ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward,” which became the second of three errors that developed to separate the people of God from Him, and part of the prophesy focus that Enoch spoke. (Jude 1:14)

By Kathy L McFarland

The Faith of Enoch is captured perfectly in His prophecy against those who walked in the Way of Cain, ran after the Error of Balaam, and perished in the Gainsaying of Core. (Jude 1:11)

To understand the nature of most mankind during the time of Enoch to provoke prophesies spoken by him, we will study each error of mankind separately.

The Way of Cain was revealed in his arrogant offering to the LORD God on that fateful day, when he demanded God to worship him and his efforts. When the LORD God refused, and gave a blessing to the offering of his brother Abel, Cain murdered Abel.

Genesis 4:8
“And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.” (Genesis 4:8)

This begin the disintegration of mankind, as the offspring of Cain and the generations to come intermingled together, and developed the Way of Cain even further.

Have you ever heard of the philosophy where a butterfly’s wings in the jungles of South America have the potential of creating a hurricane across the oceans, depending upon the conditions in nature at the time of flight? The “Way of Cain” reflects this philosophy perfectly. One man gone terribly wrong because of his self-focused efforts to glorify his own works from the cursed ground, coupled with the sinful de-evolution of mankind, resulted in very wicked generations coming forth from his emulating his ways.

The nature of the wicked generations that evolved from this error in the Way of Cain is described dramatically in Jude 1:6:

Jude 1:4
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4)

The Way of Cain condemned one man and removed him from the presence of the LORD God. Cain’s way evolved into a total denial of the LORD God and Lord Jesus Christ, which became the profane error of the wicked mankind that followed after him.

Cain was cursed from the earth after he murdered his brother Abel.

Genesis 4:9-13
“And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.” (Gen 4:9-13)

This condemnation was ordained upon those whom followed his ways, which in turn, which eventually crept into the spiritual lives of the Faithful followers of Jesus Christ. That is how powerful the Error of Cain became! It extended through generation after generation, finally reaching the point to cause the denial of both God and Christ!

The “Way of Cain” produced “ungodly men.” The Greek Word used to describe this type of men is “asebes.” “Asebes” is the destitute lack of reverential awe towards the LORD God. Those who are ungodly, condemn God, and are impious. “Impious” means a total lack of respect toward the LORD God.

Remember your study of the Faith of Abel? Abel offered the choicest life created by the LORD God, back to its maker. It was the only gift worthy to be given by the LORD God; man was unable to create anything greater to God, and Abel knew it would be disrespectful for him to even try.

Cain, on the other hand, lacked reverential awe towards the LORD God. He created fruits from his own labors and demanded the LORD God to accept them. This lack of respect toward the LORD God is termed “ungodly”, and perfectly represented by the Greek word “asebes.” And guess what this disrespect of God led to! Scripture says that it turned the grace of our LORD God into lasciviousness!”

Lasciviousness means lustfulness, lewdness and lechery! The Greek word for this is “aselegia,” and identifies the absolute outrageous and shameless insolence that those who follow the Way of Cain hold toward the LORD God. The grace given to Cain by the LORD God was changed in the most wicked way, when he decided to elevate himself above God. Today, we see the result of that lewdness in the behaviors of the carnal, wicked people in the world. Our televisions, games, speech, politics and religions often reflect that lewd and lustful behavior that first developed as a direct result of the Way of Cain!

This lewdness eventually led to the denial of the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ. It was that problem that first began with the Way of Cain, and it was one of three problems that caused wickedness to run rampant during the time of Enoch’s prophesy.

Jude 1:14-15
“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” (Jude 1:14-15)

We will study the other two problems next, that together caused most of mankind to become ungodly complainers that walked about shooting their mouths off against the LORD God and His people, and brought the promise of judgment to come to bear against them.

The Ways of Cain started the process, but the Error of Balaam, and the Gainsaying of Core added to the problem to create a horrible and wicked mess.

Jude 1:11-16
“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.” (Jude 1:11-16)