SPECIAL TOPIC: EDEN

SPECIAL TOPIC: EDEN (BDB 727)

Eden is a geographical location (i.e., in Sumerian, “steppe” or
“flatland”; in Ugaritic, “a plain”) in Genesis 2-3, which contained a special
garden planted and prepared by God (cf. Gen. 2:8) for fellowship with His
highest creation, mankind (i.e., created in the image and likeness, cf. Gen. 1:26-27;
5:1; 9:6). The special garden is also mentioned in Isa. 51:3; Ezek. 28:13;
31:9,16,18 (twice); 36:35; and Joel 2:3.

Apparently the word means “abundance” from an Aramaic root.
In Hebrew (BDB 727 III, KB 792 II) the root means “delight” or “pleasure” (lit). The
LXX translates it in Gen. 3:23 as “the orchard of delight” or “the garden of delight.”
After Genesis the term becomes imagery for a well watered, fruitful place.

The Garden of Eden came to represent the time of perfect fellowship
between God and mankind (i.e., Gen. 3:8). It, therefore, becomes imagery used
of the new heaven and earth (cf. Revelation 21-22).

For me, I have come to believe the special creation of humanity and
Eden were recent (i.e., 60,000-20,000 B.C.), not an initial creation
(i.e., Genesis 1). This view is called “progressive creationism.” At this
point in my life, it is a way to allow the Bible to assert the “Who” and Why” of creation
and allow modern science to inform me of the “how” and “when.” I am not
offended by “evolution,” but by “naturalism”!