06 - The Ministry of Enoch

Contextual Background: Discussion revolves around Enoch, a key figure in the Pearl of Great Price.
Enoch and Melchizedek: Both Enoch and Melchizedek are two of the most enigmatic figures in the Old Testament as described through the lens of Joseph Smith's revelations.
Key Participants in the Discussion: Professors from BYU's Department of Ancient Scripture, including Michael Rhodes, Andrew Skinner, Richard Draper, Joseph McConkey, and host Robert Millet.

Genesis Account:
- Genesis 5:21-24: "Enoch lived sixty and five years and begat Methuselah. And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years and begat sons and daughters. And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years. And Enoch walked with God and he was not, for God took him."
- Context: Enoch's lifespan noted to be 365 years; his unique relationship with God led to his translation.
New Testament References:
- 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."
- Jude 1:14-15: Discussion arises about Enoch prophesying of judgment related to ungodly deeds.

Books of Enoch: Passionate discussions in academic circles involve ancient texts attributed to Enoch, including remnants found in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Ethiopic Book of Enoch.
- Ethiopic Book of Enoch: Discovered in the 19th century, significant content raising ideas about Christ predating the New Testament.
- Joseph Smith's Lack of Prior Knowledge: Joseph Smith could not have known these texts yet revealed their truths in the Restoration.
Theories Around the Disappearance of Enoch's Texts:
- Scholars discuss agreements between early Jews and Christians to exclude Enoch due to uncomfortable predictions about Christ's role.

Enoch's Family Background: Moses chapter 6 references Enoch's teachings from his father, Jared, showcasing the importance of generational transfer of godly knowledge.
Ordination of Enoch:
- Age of Ordination: Enoch was ordained to the priesthood at age 25 through his great grandfather Adam.
- Direct Lineage: Unique positioning of Enoch's ordination compared to other prophets, suggesting a direct father-son priesthood lineage.
Initial Call to Prophethood: Enoch received a divine call from God, arranging for him to prophesy and preach repentance.

Message to Enoch’s People: The Lord’s words command Enoch to prophesy repentance due to the wickedness of his society: "For thus saith the Lord, I am angry with this people…"
Description of Wickedness: Society is portrayed with imagery of hardened hearts, dull ears, and blind eyes—displaying spiritual blindness in contrast to Enoch's foresight.
Power of Enoch's Words:
- Divine Empowerment: The promise from God to Enoch that no man would harm him and that his mouth would be filled with the words of truth, bestowing on Enoch a gift of seership.
Transformation Through Faith:
- Reflection of Enoch evolving from a reluctant, fledgling prophet into a mighty figure capable of commanding nature and leading his people.

Encounters with God: Enoch’s vision and ability to see beyond natural sight emphasized as significant traits of a seer, stating: "A seer hath the Lord raised up unto his people."
The Lord often initiates interactions with Enoch, signifying the divine nature of his calling.
Miraculous Signs: Enoch’s command over nature such as mountains fleeing and rivers altering course—illustrates the authority vested in a true prophet.

Divine Tears and Suffering: Enoch experiences the profound emotional connection God has for humanity; highlights the tension between God’s omnipotence and His compassion for flawed humanity.
The Dialog between Enoch and God:
- Significant emotional depth in their exchange, with Enoch questioning why the heavens weep and God affirming His deep concern for the work of His hands.

Prophetic Visions of the Last Days: Enoch's foresight includes descriptions of future generations, envisioning dark, destructive times alongside the promise of preservation for the righteous.
God Promises Gathering of the Elect: Enoch delineates that a future period will see a convergence of righteousness and truth from both heaven and earth, leading to a powerful global mission to gather the elect.
- Final Gathering into Zion: To be juxtaposed with the foundations laid by Enoch’s teachings and prophecies as a precursor to the establishment of Zion in the latter days.

Summary of Enoch’s Legacy: Enoch's life encapsulates key principles of divine calling, the transformative power of faith and obedience, and the enduring legacy of prophetic witness—setting a standard for all future prophets, culminating in the restoration of the gospel by Joseph Smith, affirming that scripture continues to reveal God’s purpose and plans to humankind through the ages.