Eden, Garden of: The Paradise of God's Original Creation
Eden, the delightful place at the centre of God's creation, represents the perfect harmony between the Creator and His creation. It was here that humanity, the crowning glory of His creation made in His own image, experienced intimate and unbroken fellowship with Him. In this pristine paradise, before the entrance of sin, Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the day, enjoying relationship with their Creator in a world of unparalleled beauty, abundance, and peace.
The Perfect Paradise was Humanity's First Home
Eden was a place of unparalleled beauty and abundance. God planted a garden in Eden, placing there every tree that was pleasing to the sight and good for food (Gen 2:9). In the midst of the garden stood two special trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river watered the garden, flowing from Eden and dividing into four headwaters, bringing life to the entire region.
After forming man from the dust of the ground and breathing into him the breath of life, God placed Adam in the garden to work it and take care of it (Gen 2:15). God then formed Eve from Adam's rib to be his suitable helper. Together, they enjoyed perfect harmony with God, each other, and creation. They walked with God in the cool of the day, experiencing intimate fellowship with their Creator in a world untainted by sin or suffering.
The Fall and Expulsion
Tragedy struck when Satan, in the form of a serpent, deceived Eve. She ate fruit from the forbidden tree and gave some to Adam, who also ate. At that moment of disobedience, sin entered the world, bringing shame, fear, and broken fellowship with God. God pronounced judgment on the serpent, the woman, and the man. Then, to prevent them from eating from the tree of life and living forever in their fallen state, God drove Adam and Eve out of the garden and stationed cherubim to guard the way to the tree of life (Gen 3:24).
Reflection and Application:
- Eden reminds us of God's original intention for humanity—perfect fellowship with Him in a world without sin or suffering.
- The presence of the tree of life points to God's desire to give eternal life, a promise ultimately fulfilled through Christ.
- The expulsion from Eden demonstrates the serious consequences of disobedience and the holiness of God.
- The hope of restoration is hinted at even in judgment, as God begins His plan of redemption that will one day restore all things.