Walking in the Bible - the first mentions

It looks as though walking in the Bible is going to be an even more interesting study than I was anticipating.  I realised it was an important word with both practical and metaphorical senses at the heart of human experience, and of a true relationship with God.  The first mention of a word is often significant in the Bible, a well known example being "love" - Abraham being told to take son "whom you love" and to sacrifice him; one of the most telling Old Testament pictures of what it would mean to God the Father to send His Son to bear our sins.

It struck me that the first mention of walking was also of interest.  Checking out confirmed that indeed the first mention of walking is the account in Genesis 3 where the Lord God was "walking in the garden in the cool of the day" after Adam and Eve had eaten of the forbidden fruit.  The animal creation comprised "creeping" things.  Walking seems to be regarded as something altogether more elevated.  The fact that walking is first applied to God Himself is important, because it must surely be pointing to something greater than the mere physical activity.  Indeed, people would probably argue about there being any real physical footprints of God left in the garden.  It does record that Adam and Eve heard the sound of Him walking, which certainly gives the sense of a real physical presence. I believe it could be a theophany, one of the pre-incarnation appearances in bodily form of the Son of God.

The other fact is that Adam and Eve were hiding from the presence of the Lord God.  They did not enjoy the privilege of a walk with Him.  There is a certain standard of life that is required to be seen to be fit to be regarded as walking with God and having a relationship with Him.  Almost at the start, Adam and Eve lost this closeness and were instead trying to hide themselves away and at the same time trying to cover their shame.  The Lord God is never spoken of as walking with Adam and Eve, or they with Him.

The next references to walking are also very significant.  Twice in the remarkably brief account of the life of Enoch, he is referred to as walking with God.  He seemed to have enjoyed a unique experience of a relationship with God, so much so that he was taken to heaven before the judgement of the flood - surely a clear picture of the New Testament teaching of the rapture of the church before the tribulation judgements to come.  The quality and reality of this link with God is simply summed up in the term "walked with God".

This link is what God sought when He walked in the garden, but sin had brought about separation, and the fellowship was no longer possible.  Even mature Christians will confess that their walk with God is often inconsistent and full of falterings and failures, but all will also testify to the faithfulness of their Saviour, the Lord Jesus, who never leaves or forsakes, and is an ever consistent guide and friend on life's journey.  The fact that He walks with us far outshines the marvel that He brings us to a position where we are said to walk with Him.