and bdellium
Bdellium is a resin similar to myrrh, used in ancient times for incense and perfumes. Its inclusion in the description of the land's resources suggests the richness and variety of God's creation. Bdellium is also mentioned in Numbers 11:7, where it is used to describe the appearance of manna, the miraculous food provided by God to the Israelites in the wilderness. This connection emphasizes God's provision and the sustaining nature of His gifts. The presence of bdellium in the land can be seen as a type of the spiritual nourishment and fragrance of Christ, who is the bread of life and the sweet aroma of salvation.

and onyx are found there
Onyx is a precious stone often used in biblical times for making jewelry and ornaments. It is mentioned in the context of the high priest's breastplate in Exodus 28:20, where it represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The presence of onyx in the land signifies beauty and value, reflecting the splendor of God's creation. Onyx is also associated with the foundations of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:19-20, symbolizing the eternal and unshakeable nature of God's kingdom. The mention of onyx here can be seen as a type of Christ, the precious cornerstone and foundation of our faith, who adorns His people with righteousness and glory.

- “And the gold of that land is pure” (Genesis 2:12) introduces Eden as a place of tangible blessing. God places humanity in a setting where valuable resources already exist, underscoring His provision from the very beginning (cf. Genesis 13:2; Haggai 2:8).

- In Scripture, gold often symbolizes kingship and holiness—think of the gold used in the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 25:11; 2 Chronicles 3:7). By highlighting gold in Eden, Moses hints that the garden is not only beautiful but also a sanctuary where God meets His image-bearers (cf. Genesis 3:8).

- Gold’s presence before the Fall reminds us that material wealth, rightly ordered under God’s rule, is good (1 Timothy 4:4). Sin’s corruption comes later; here, creation is still “very good” (Genesis 1:31).

- The text stresses that the gold is “pure,” emphasizing quality without impurity. Purity in Scripture points to God’s own character (Psalm 12:6; Revelation 21:18).

- Eden’s untainted resources mirror the unblemished relationship Adam and Eve enjoyed with the Lord. What surrounds them reflects what they are called to be—undefiled in heart and conduct (cf. 1 Peter 1:15-16).

- The detail foreshadows the New Jerusalem, where purity and precious stones reappear (Revelation 21:18-21), showing God’s consistent design from Genesis to Revelation.

- “Bdellium” is a rare, fragrant resin also mentioned in Numbers 11:7, where manna’s appearance is compared to it. The parallel links Eden’s abundance to God’s later provision in the wilderness.

- Fragrance throughout Scripture often signals worship and divine presence (Exodus 30:34-35; Ephesians 5:2). Bdellium’s mention suggests that Eden’s environment was suited for communion with God, appealing to more than sight—rekindling all senses in worship.

- The inclusion of bdellium alongside gold shows that Eden’s wealth is not only monetary but also sensory and spiritual, reminding us that God delights to give good gifts beyond mere utility (James 1:17).

- Onyx, a precious stone, appears later in the priestly breastpiece (Exodus 28:9-12) and the foundations of the heavenly city (Revelation 21:20). Its placement on the high priest’s shoulders speaks of representation and intercession for Israel before God.

- By locating onyx in Eden, Scripture hints that priestly themes—service, access, and mediation—originate in the garden. Adam is the first representative charged to “work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15), language echoed in priestly duties (Numbers 3:7-8).

- The stone’s presence underscores Eden as the prototype temple where humanity was to enjoy continual fellowship with the Lord.

Genesis 2:12 captures more than a geographic note; it reveals Eden as a God-designed sanctuary rich in purity, provision, and priestly symbolism. Gold, bdellium, and onyx together highlight the material beauty, sensory delight, and spiritual purpose of creation before the Fall. From the first garden to the final city, the Lord consistently provides the very best for His people and calls them to reflect His own splendor and holiness.

Parallel Commentaries ...