Gardens of Eden: Planted by the Lord
Jump to: Torrey'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The Garden of Eden, often referred to as the "Garden of God," is a central element in the biblical narrative of creation, as described in the Book of Genesis. It is depicted as a paradise, a place of perfect harmony and beauty, where the first humans, Adam and Eve, were placed by God. The Garden of Eden is not only a physical location but also a symbol of divine provision, innocence, and the ideal relationship between God and humanity.

Biblical Description

The account of the Garden of Eden is primarily found in Genesis 2:8-17. According to the Berean Standard Bible , "Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man He had formed" (Genesis 2:8). This verse emphasizes that the garden was a direct creation of God, highlighting His role as the ultimate gardener and provider.

The garden is described as being abundant with trees that were "pleasing to the eye and good for food" (Genesis 2:9). Among these trees were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which played pivotal roles in the narrative of the Fall. The presence of these trees signifies the themes of life, choice, and moral responsibility.

Geographical and Symbolic Significance

The exact geographical location of the Garden of Eden has been a subject of much speculation and debate. Genesis 2:10-14 provides a description of a river that waters the garden and then divides into four headwaters: Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates. These rivers have led some to suggest a location in the ancient Near East, possibly in the region of Mesopotamia. However, the symbolic nature of the garden often transcends geographical considerations, representing a state of divine fellowship and blessing.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Provision and Abundance: The Garden of Eden is a testament to God's provision for humanity. It was a place where all needs were met, reflecting God's generosity and care for His creation.

2. Innocence and Purity: Before the Fall, Adam and Eve lived in a state of innocence, free from sin and shame. The garden symbolizes this original purity and the intended harmony between God and humans.

3. Human Responsibility and Freedom: The presence of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil introduces the concept of free will. God commanded Adam not to eat from this tree, highlighting the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience (Genesis 2:16-17).

4. The Fall and Its Consequences: The narrative of the Fall in Genesis 3 describes how Adam and Eve's disobedience led to their expulsion from the garden. This event marks the introduction of sin into the world and the subsequent separation from God's presence.

Legacy and Influence

The Garden of Eden has had a profound impact on Judeo-Christian thought and literature. It serves as a foundational account for understanding the human condition, the nature of sin, and the hope for redemption. The imagery of Eden is often invoked in biblical prophecies and eschatological visions, symbolizing the restoration of paradise and the ultimate reconciliation between God and humanity.

In Christian theology, the Garden of Eden is seen as a precursor to the New Jerusalem, a future reality where God's people will once again dwell in perfect harmony with Him. This eschatological hope is reflected in Revelation 22:1-5, where the imagery of a garden reappears, signifying the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 2:8
And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Genesis.
... And from the sacred gardens far removes. ... [1259] The "gladsome court"--"l??ta
aula"--seems to mean Eden, in which the garden is said to have been planted. ...
/.../unknown/fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/3 genesis.htm

Supposing Him to be the Gardener
... and flinty rock the Lord has made the Eden of his ... the gardens, let this be one of
the gardens in which ... the vineyard which thy right hand has planted." We ought ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/supposing him to be the.htm

The Garden.
... With which the spot is filled. Eden was Adam's dwelling place,. ... Each tree is planted
by his hand, Isa 61:3. ... Believing hearts are gardens too,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 95 the garden.htm

"My Garden" --"His Garden"
... into gardens; our wilderness is made like Eden, our desert ... that there are some of
the Lord's gardens which yield ... He planted every flower, and gave to each its ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/my gardenhis garden.htm

The Harvest of a Godless Life
... safe 'munitions of rocks' and the unsheltered security of these Damascene gardens! ...
He sets us in Eden to till and dress it, but ... They that have planted it shall ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the harvest of a godless.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... of God, that is instead of Eden, which is ... with the wine of the vineyard he planted,
and his ... to build houses, and plant vineyards and gardens,"the figurative ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

The Sluggard's Farm
... When God put Adam in the garden of Eden it was not ... that are quite sure to grow in
men's gardens when they ... in it, we shall be like barren trees planted in an ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the sluggards farm.htm

On the Words, Crucified and Buried.
... 1619] , I am come to feed them in the gardens. ... The Tree of life [1643] , therefore
was planted in the earth ... Paradise, God placed at the gate of Eden a flaming ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xiii on the words.htm

Humbly Inscribed to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, one of his ...
... That planted Eden, and high bloom'd for man,. A fairer Eden, endless, in the skies. ...
Arches triumphal, theatres immense,. Or nodding gardens pendent in mid-air! ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/humbly inscribed to his grace.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... As husband-men, when they have planted young trees, they set ... He was placed in the
garden of Eden which was ... It is not gardens or orchards, or the most delicious ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Resources
Summary of the Book of Joel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of life? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Semiramis? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Gardens

Gardens of Eden: Called the Garden of God

Gardens of Eden: Called the Garden of the Lord

Gardens of Eden: Fertility of Canaan Like

Gardens of Eden: had Every Tree Good for Food

Gardens of Eden: Man Driven From, After the Fall

Gardens of Eden: Man Placed In, to Dress and Keep

Gardens of Eden: Planted by the Lord

Gardens of Eden: The Future State of the Jews Shall be Like

Gardens of Eden: Watered by a River

Gardens of the Church

Gardens: (Enclosed) of the Pleasantness, Fruitfulness, and Security

Gardens: (Well Watered) Spiritual Prosperity of the Church

Gardens: (When Dried Up) the Wicked

Gardens: Blasting of, a Punishment

Gardens: Jews Ordered to Plant, in Babylon

Gardens: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Cucumbers

Gardens: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Fruit Trees

Gardens: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Herbs

Gardens: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Spices

Gardens: Lodges Erected In

Gardens: Often Enclosed

Gardens: Often Made by the Banks of Rivers

Gardens: Often Refreshed by Fountains

Gardens: Often Used for Burial Places

Gardens: Often Used for Entertainments

Gardens: Often Used for Idolatrous Worship

Gardens: Often Used for Retirement

Gardens: Taken Care of by Gardeners

Related Terms

Olive-gardens (4 Occurrences)

Vine-gardens (41 Occurrences)

Planting (57 Occurrences)

Garden (68 Occurrences)

Irrigation

Etam (5 Occurrences)

En-gannim (3 Occurrences)

Engannim (3 Occurrences)

Stored (55 Occurrences)

Siloam (4 Occurrences)

King's (375 Occurrences)

Kidron (11 Occurrences)

Owners (19 Occurrences)

Orchards (7 Occurrences)

Water-holes (8 Occurrences)

Fruit-trees (5 Occurrences)

Stores (53 Occurrences)

Sparrow (4 Occurrences)

Aloes (5 Occurrences)

Babel (3 Occurrences)

Vine-garden (43 Occurrences)

Enrogel (4 Occurrences)

En-rogel (4 Occurrences)

Shiloah (1 Occurrence)

Siloah (1 Occurrence)

Joppa (14 Occurrences)

Fortunes (30 Occurrences)

Babylon (270 Occurrences)

Shelah (18 Occurrences)

Inhabit (29 Occurrences)

Planted (105 Occurrences)

Using (88 Occurrences)

Fountain (57 Occurrences)

Vine-growers (13 Occurrences)

Gareb (3 Occurrences)

Brook (75 Occurrences)

Walled (63 Occurrences)

Produce (140 Occurrences)

Sorts (65 Occurrences)

Nero

Grapes (74 Occurrences)

Vineyards (55 Occurrences)

Plant (92 Occurrences)

Settle (63 Occurrences)

Chaldea (8 Occurrences)

Valleys (38 Occurrences)

Neglected (10 Occurrences)

Undertook (14 Occurrences)

Uncut (5 Occurrences)

Unplowed (3 Occurrences)

Unplanted (3 Occurrences)

Olive-tree (17 Occurrences)

Oil-giving (2 Occurrences)

Oaks (14 Occurrences)

Olive-branches (2 Occurrences)

Olive-leaf (1 Occurrence)

Olive-trees (11 Occurrences)

Jubilant (13 Occurrences)

Lign-aloes (1 Occurrence)

Lod (4 Occurrences)

Lilies (15 Occurrences)

Lydda (3 Occurrences)

Lignaloes

Land (19790 Occurrences)

Lign (1 Occurrence)

Genneseret

Garden-house (1 Occurrence)

Gennesaret (3 Occurrences)

Ground (538 Occurrences)

Wormwood (10 Occurrences)

Inhabitant (54 Occurrences)

Firing (3 Occurrences)

Flowers (42 Occurrences)

Fig-tree (33 Occurrences)

Foxes (9 Occurrences)

Flowering (6 Occurrences)

Fount (1 Occurrence)

Frog (2 Occurrences)

Figtree

Gardens of Eden: Man Placed In, to Dress and Keep
Top of Page
Top of Page