Who Was the First Prophet to Walk with God?

The concept of prophets is often unique to those cultures that have a rich tradition of prophetic foretelling. For those nations whose ancestors were not forewarned, the notion of counting prophets by their order can be quite strange. For instance, in Judaism, prophethood has always been a part of their history, and they do not necessarily count the number of prophets but rather their significance within their tradition. However, if we follow the Muslim approach, the first prophet would be Enoch.

Enoch as the First Prophet

Enoch, according to both Christian and Islamic traditions, was the first person to walk with God. The Hebrew word wayIfNeeded (way) is often translated as "walk," symbolizing a close relationship and intimate connection with God. In the Muslim tradition, Enoch is known as Idrees, and the Quran mentions him as a prophet, although no detailed narratives about his life are provided.

The Question of Enoch's Prophethood

The question naturally arises: was Enoch merely the first nutter or junkie (as some might colloquially term it) that the supposed God spoke to, or was the entire narrative a patriarchal con job orchestrated by the Jewish priestly caste, representing the biggest grift in history? This question invites much speculation and debate among scholars and believers.

Abraham as a Seasoned Prophet

Abraham, on the other hand, is recognized as the first prophet through whom God spoke with intimacy and safety. The news that God provided for Abraham, leading him to leave his country and follow divine guidance, was a wonderful reassurance. In Genesis, God promised Abraham that he would make him the father of a great nation, promising land and descendants. This land was to be a blessing for Abraham and his descendants, ensuring that all of his lineage would be blessed by God.

Prophets in Different Traditions

Islamic tradition also acknowledges other prominent prophets. For example, Prophet Adam (constructor: Adem in Arabic) is considered the first man and the father of all human beings. In the Quran, this narrative is described as one where Adam was the first to receive divine guidance.

In Christian tradition, Joseph Smith and Brigham Young are recognized as prophets, with Smith founding the restoration of Christianity in the 19th century. The Bible and early religious texts document the importance of prophets like Abraham, as seen in the passage from Genesis where the patriarch is described as a prophet who should be prayed for, and his return to his wife (Sarah) is demanded to ensure the prosperity of his people.

The Significance of Prophethood in Religious Traditions

Across different religious traditions, the concept of prophethood underscores the idea of divine communication and guidance. Prophets like Enoch, Idrees, Adam, Abraham, Joseph Smith, and Brigham Young are seen as bridges between the divine and the human world. Their narratives often highlight their unique relationship with God and the role they played in leading their people towards divine enlightenment.