Genesis 1 presents the conceptual sequence of events. Reading it as factual chronology is a modern idea, not part of the author's intent. Beginning in Genesis 2:4, we have a distinct statement about a different sequence: The earth was formed, moisture was provided by a mist and plants had not yet grown. God formed the first man from the stuff of the ground, and then provided all manner of vegetation for food. There was also the one tree of Forbidden Fruit.
2:4-14 -- The location of Eden is really not answered in terms we recognize. If we take the flow in Eden to be a literal river; then we run into a problem, because rivers run together but rarely separate into two or more distinct streams, except in a delta where the flow is slow and shallow. At least two of these rivers are known by name -- Tigris and Euphrates -- and are quite substantial. If we allow the word to mean a simple "flow" then perhaps as a water-shed we are closer to something we can envision. The identity of the other two rivers remains a mystery. Indeed, the names of the territories mentioned as adjacent to their courses, in so far as they can be identified, are quite far from the Tigris-Euphrates Valley.
All of this is academic to begin with, as the topography of the earth has surely changed and probably quite radically, since ancient times. It may be that the modern Tigris and Euphrates Rivers are ancient names of other times and places given to more recent geographical features. Our author in Genesis 2 and 3 is much more interested in what took place than in geographical location. The terms used to describe the place may be little more than figures of speech, meant to prevent such questions. We don't need to place it geographically since Eden represents an existence we cannot approach from our fallen state.
2:15-17 -- We cannot imagine what sort of work is implied by "cultivating" Eden. The feeling is more of management, rather than hands-on labor. We know that a part of the curse was that man would be required to perform hard physical labor (ch. 3:19). This indicates a change from his previous situation. It's probably safe to assume he used the same thing to manage nature that made it: the Word of God, as the expression of His will. Adam spoke the purpose of God and nature obeyed. This accords well with Paul's statement in Romans 8:19-21. After the Fall, nature became unmanaged, as there was no one to apply God's guidance in His name.
Since the name "Eden" essentially means "paradise," and the word for "garden" is more like a "private park," we do well to avoid trying to fix a concrete image and settle for a general feel for opulence and comfort. Again, this is imagery, not a precise description.
2:18-25 -- It would appear that the animals were created from the same earthy stuff as Adam, but came after he was alive. As a mark of his position and authority, it was his to name these creatures. And being like God, being able to commune with Him, man also needed one with whom to fellowship on his own level. The role of this "helper comparable" for the man is less of subordination and more of an extension of himself. The emphasis is hard to miss, stated in some translations as "they shall become one flesh"
Thus, we see mankind as he ought to be.
[Return to Lesson Index]
[<-- Previous Lesson] [Next Lesson -->]
Ed Hurst
04 December 2003, revised 08 January 2013
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: People of honor need no copyright laws; they are only too happy to give credit where credit is due. Others will ignore copyright laws whenever they please. If you are of the latter, please note what Moses said about dishonorable behavior -- "be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23)