11:5 {5} By faith Enoch was translated that he should not {c} see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
(5) Enoch.
(c) That he should not die.
11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death. See Ge 5:24 Jude 1:14. His faithfulness was rewarded by a translation to heaven without first becoming a victim of death.
For before his translation he had this testimony. The testimony is that he walked with God, and God took him, because he was pleased with him.
11:5 Enoch was not any longer found among men, though perhaps they sought for him as they did for Elijah, 2Kin 2:17. He had this testimony - From God in his own conscience.
11:4-7 Here follow some illustrious examples of faith from the Old Testament. Abel brought a sacrifice of atonement from the firstlings of the flock, acknowledging himself a sinner who deserved to die, and only hoping for mercy through the great Sacrifice. Cain's proud rage and enmity against the accepted worshipper of God, led to the awful effects the same principles have produced in every age; the cruel persecution, and even murder of believers. By faith Abel, being dead, yet speaketh; he left an instructive and speaking example. Enoch was translated, or removed, that he should not see death; God took him into heaven, as Christ will do the saints who shall be alive at his second coming. We cannot come to God, unless we believe that he is what he has revealed himself to be in the Scripture. Those who would find God, must seek him with all their heart. Noah's faith influenced his practice; it moved him to prepare an ark. His faith condemned the unbelief of others; and his obedience condemned their contempt and rebellion. Good examples either convert sinners or condemn them. This shows how believers, being warned of God to flee from the wrath to come, are moved with fear, take refuge in Christ, and become heirs of the righteousness of faith.
