THE CITY OF ENOCH

THE CITY OF ENOCH

The city of Enoch is the first city mentioned in the Bible. Its location is unknown. It was founded by Cain (Gen. 4:17), a fugitive in the land of Nod (“wandering”), who named the city after his son, Enoch (“dedicated” or “initiated”). The city was probably small, perhaps even a settlement of several families, but nonetheless called a “city” (Hebrew, ir), implying an enclosed space with permanent dwellings, in contrast to the tents of nomadic shepherds. Possibly it was the birthplace of civilization, specialized occupations, and the arts (4:20–22).