THE LORD PLANTED A GARDEN. The fact that it was called a garden (enclosure) would indicate that it was a walled area and not a wide open space. Gen. 2:8 This is important to us for the New Jerusalem is also to be walled. Rev. 21:17 The wall is to be measured. This to is of significance We will deal with the meaning of the wall in a study to come. The thought of it being a walled and therefore a separated place, is further strengthened when the Lord placed the Cherubim’s and the flaming sword at the gate that faced the East. Gen. 3:24 In the Cherubim’s and the sword we find a type of the Triunity. Man can only enter into the blessing and the garden of the Lord through the flaming sword. The word of God. It must be noted also that the gate was toward the East. The Tabernacle and Temple faced the East. The Lord Jesus will return from the East or the sunrising. Mt. 24:27 Throughout the Word of the Lord we find that He has a pattern that He constantly follows. We can only see it as we are permitted to view the larger or the over all picture.
HE NAMED THAT GARDEN, EDEN. The meaning of the name is, Pleasure. The rich blessing of the Lord was in that garden. It was developed and planted for Adam and Eve whom the Lord had created. Gen. 2:8 They literally lived in an atmosphere of the happiness and joy of the Lord. They had the path of life, living in the fullness of joy and enjoyed the great pleasures of the Lord. Ps. 16:11 The river of the Lord flowed in Eden to water the garden. Then it flowed out to form four rivers. Gen. 2:10 In the garden were the two trees of utmost importance. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which was forbidden. For if and when man partook of it he would lose his innocence, his place in the garden and the daily sweet presence of the Lord. In the MIDST was the most outstanding of all trees, the tree of life. Gen. 2:9
THE TREE OF LIFE is the vital tree. Wisdom and understanding are portrayed as a tree of life, to all who find and hold to that tree. The feminine gender is given to the tree.Prov. 3:13-18 The person of wisdom and understanding is blessed of the Lord. Her worth exceeds silver, gold and rubies. NOTHING that the heart of man can desire will in anyway compare to her. At her right hand is found eternal life. At her left riches and honor. Her pathways are pleasant and filled with peace. She is a tree of life to those embracing her. She is the source of true happiness to all who will lay hold of her. It will take the Bride and the Bridegroom to complete the tree of life. Jesus is life. John 1:4 He has given to His church ALL THINGS that relate to life and godliness, through the KNOWLEDGE of HIM. 2 Pet. 1:3 When we are in Christ and He abides within us the completeness of what He is can and will be manifest in us. He has called us to bear His image and likeness.