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Could we but hope that, even in a limited sense, these words might be inscribed as the motto on our tomb, then we need not envy either the mausoleums of the Pharaohs, the tomb of Alexander or Napoleon, or the sepulchres of the Caesars! Our "record would be on high," and our memorial would live when the scroll of fame should be scattered by the winds of heaven, and perish forever in the conflagration of the world; for they who walk with God on earth shall reign with Christ in heaven.

I. CONTEMPLATE THE CHARACTER HERE GIVEN OF ENOCH — "HE WALKED WITH GOD." Let none suppose that, whatever this may imply, it was the exclusive privilege of Enoch, and, therefore, is not to be sought after by others; for of Noah it is written — he "found grace in the eyes of the Lord; for he was a just man, and perfect in his generation." And "Noah walked with God." To Abraham, also, it was commanded — "Walk before Me"; and this the father of the faithful actually described himself as doing, when he said, "The Lord, before whom I walk, will send His angel with thee, and prosper thy way."

1. It must imply the true knowledge of each other; for familiar intercourse is founded on knowledge. On the part of God, the knowledge is perfect and infinite. Well, then, might the Psalmist exclaim — "O Lord, Thou hast searched me and known me. Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising; thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compasseth my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo! O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether." But man is naturally ignorant of God. He knows Him not, nor desires to know Him; for "God is not in all his thoughts." How, then, shall he understand His being and perfections, His works and His ways? "Such knowledge is too wonderful" for him; "it is high," he "cannot attain unto it." "For who by searching can find out God? who can find out the Almighty to perfection?" But He has graciously revealed Himself to us by His Spirit, in His Holy Word.

2. The most sincere friendship.

3. The strongest proofs of devoted attachment. Without these, friendship itself is only a name; but with them, the very balm of life.

4. But, in one word, to walk with God includes a community of interests. Their aim is one. Now, as God necessarily exists for His own glory, and delights in its manifestation in the happiness of His creatures; so man, regenerated and sanctified, supremely seeks the glory of God in all things.

II. CONTEMPLATE HIS SPECIAL PRIVILEGE. He was removed to heaven, without tasting the bitterness of death. It might be sooner than he expected; for he had not attained to half the years of the life of his father — but he rejoiced to depart, and to be with "God, his exceeding joy," forever and ever! And was not this the richest boon he could possibly receive? Classic story has told us of two lovely youths that were found dead in their bed, soon after the prayer had been offered for them, that they might possess the best blessing heaven could bestow. And the Christian well knows, that "to depart, and to be with Christ, is far better" than anything here. Such was the privilege of Enoch — but as to the mode of his translation we know nothing. Yet, it must have been eminently gracious. Whatever was the manner of his translation, it was evidently supernatural — the doing of the Lord, and marvellous in the eyes of all. No rude storm of chaos, no fortuitous blast of atoms hurled him on high. But the Lord did it, in His own most gracious way. He had frequently conferred on him many distinguished favours — but then, to crown all, he took him as a special friend to Himself, to be forever with Him in heaven, in joys unutterable and full of glory. But do not expect the same kind of dismissal as Enoch. Only Elijah and he ever entered the eternal kingdom, without passing through the gate of death.

(J. Clunie, LL. D.)

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KJV: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

WEB: Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.