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A Prophet the Bible Mentions Only Briefly
If you read the Bible, you might notice that very little is said about Enoch. In Genesis, we learn that he was the seventh generation from Adam, the son of Jared, and the father of Methuselah. The Bible simply says:
“Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
Although this brief account tells us that Enoch was a righteous man, it does not explain why he was taken by God or what he accomplished during his life.
Through latter-day revelation in the book of Moses, the Lord has revealed much more about Enoch’s ministry. These scriptures show that Enoch was a prophet, a preacher of righteousness, and the leader of a remarkable people whose entire city was taken into heaven because of their faithfulness.
God Called Enoch to Be a Prophet
When the Lord first called Enoch, he did not feel capable of the task.
Enoch described himself as a young man who was not skilled in speaking. He wondered why the people would listen to him. Yet the Lord assured him that He would be with him and give him the words to speak (see Moses 6:31–34).
The Lord then revealed Himself to Enoch and commanded him to preach repentance. He declared that the people should turn from their sins, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, receive the Holy Ghost, and follow the gospel (see Moses 6:37–68).
Enoch trusted the Lord’s promise. Instead of relying on his own abilities, he relied on God’s power. As he obeyed, the Lord strengthened him and helped him fulfil the work he had been called to do.
Enoch Helped Build a Righteous People
As Enoch preached, many people believed his message and chose to follow God.
Under his leadership, they established a city called Zion. The scriptures describe Zion as a people who were:
“of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.”
This description tells us that Zion was much more than a place. It was a community whose people loved God and cared for one another. They were united in purpose, lived righteously, and ensured that everyone’s needs were met.
Their unity and faith became an example of what God’s people can become when they fully follow Him.
Why Was the City of Zion Taken to Heaven?
The scriptures explain that the people of Zion continued to live in righteousness.
Because of their faithfulness, “Zion, in process of time, was taken up into heaven” (Moses 7:21). Later, the Lord declared, "Zion have I taken up unto mine own bosom" (Moses
This extraordinary event did not happen because the city was powerful or prosperous. It happened because its people were faithful to God. They had become a Zion people — united in love, righteousness, and devotion to the Lord.
The translation of Enoch and his city stands as a witness that God honours those who keep His commandments and remain faithful to Him.
Enoch Was Given Great Visions
Enoch’s ministry extended far beyond preaching to the people of his own day.
The Lord showed him remarkable visions concerning the future of the earth. Enoch saw generations yet to come, the coming of Jesus Christ, and God’s work continuing until the end of the world (see Moses 7:23–68).
These visions strengthened Enoch’s understanding of God’s eternal plan and testified that Jesus Christ would be the Savior of all mankind.
What Can We Learn from Enoch?
Enoch’s story reminds us that God often calls ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary work.
Although Enoch initially felt inadequate, he trusted the Lord and faithfully fulfilled his calling. Through his obedience, he helped establish a people who were united, righteous, and devoted to God.
The story of Zion also teaches that true strength is not found in wealth or numbers but in becoming one heart and one mind as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Enoch’s life is more than the story of a prophet who was taken to heaven. It is the story of a man who walked with God, trusted His word, taught the gospel, and led an entire community to live so faithfully that the Lord received them into His presence.
His example continues to invite us to become people who seek righteousness, follow Jesus Christ, and help build Zion wherever we live.
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