The Story
The Garden of Eden was planted by God in the east, a place of incomparable perfection and beauty. God placed there every tree pleasing to the eye and good for food, including the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden and divided into four headwaters. Adam was placed in the garden to work it and take care of it, living in perfect communion with God. Eve was created as his helper, and they both lived without shame.
Eden represents the original state of perfection in creation, before the entry of sin. After the Fall, cherubim with flaming swords were placed to guard the way to the tree of life.
Features
- 1Tree of life at the centre
- 2Tree of the knowledge of good and evil
- 3River dividing into four
- 4Every species of tree and animal
- 5Cherubim with flaming swords (after the Fall)
- 6Perfect harmony between man and nature
Biblical References
Genesis 2:8-17 - Description of Eden
Genesis 3:1-24 - The Fall and expulsion
Ezekiel 28:13 - Eden, the garden of God
Revelation 22:1-2 - Restoration of the tree of life
Spiritual Significance
Represents the original state of perfection and communion with God, to be restored in eternity.