Aggada -- Translations into English; Bible. Old Testament -- Legends; Jewish legends; Midrash -- Translations into English
Enoch left his retreat and betook himself to the haunts of men. He
gathered them about him, and instructed them in the conduct pleasing to
God. He sent messengers all over to announce, "Ye who desire to know
the ways of God and righteous conduct, come ye to Enoch!" Thereupon a
vast concourse of people thronged about him, to hear the wisdom he
would teach and learn from his mouth what is good and right. Even kings
and princes, no less than one hundred and thirty in number, assembled
about him, and submitted themselves to his dominion, to be taught and
guided by him, as he taught and guided all the others. Peace reigned
thus over the whole world all the two hundred and forty-three years
during which the influence of Enoch prevailed.
At the expiration of this period, in the year in which Adam died, and
was buried with great honors by Seth, Enosh, Enoch, and Methuselah,
Enoch resolved to retire again from intercourse with men, and devote
himself wholly to the service of God. But he withdrew gradually. First
he would spend three days in prayer and praise of God, and on the
fourth day he would return to his disciples and grant them instruction.
Many years passed thus, then he appeared among them but once a week,
later, once a month, and, finally, once a year. The kings, princes, and
all others who were desirous of seeing Enoch and hearkening to his
words did not venture to come close to him during the times of his
retirement. Such awful majesty sat upon his countenance, they feared
for their very life if they but looked at him. They therefore resolved
that all men should prefer their requests before Enoch on the day he
showed himself unto them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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