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Genesis 2:8–17 — The planting of the Garden of Eden, the rivers that flowed from it, and the Tree of Life at its center.

🗺️ Episode Overview:

In this episode, we journey back to the beginning — to Eden — and explore the landscape, meaning, and ongoing echoes of the Garden in Scripture and history. What can Genesis 2:8–17 tell us about God’s design for creation, humanity’s place in it, and the rivers that once nourished the world?

We’ll discuss:

• The geography of Eden and possible modern locations of the four rivers — Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates.
• The spiritual connection between Jerusalem and the original Garden of God, supported by prophetic imagery and temple symbolism.
• The Tree of Life as a recurring biblical theme — from Genesis to Revelation — representing eternal life, divine wisdom, and restored communion with God.

The Geography of Eden

• Genesis 2 describes a real, physical setting — a garden “in the east,” nourished by a single river that divides into four.
• The Euphrates and Tigris (Hiddekel) are still known today, flowing through modern-day Iraq.
• Scholars and archaeologists have proposed possible remnants or riverbeds for the Pishon and Gihon — possibly in regions stretching from the Arabian Peninsula to Africa (Nile region).
• These rivers remind us of God’s original provision and abundance — water as a symbol of life flowing from God’s presence.

Jerusalem and the Echo of Eden

• Scripture often connects Eden and Zion (Jerusalem) as sacred spaces where God dwells with His people.
• Ezekiel 28:13–14 and Ezekiel 47 describe both Eden and the future temple using similar imagery — lush gardens, flowing rivers, and divine glory.
• Psalm 46:4: “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.”
• Revelation 22 completes this vision — the restored Jerusalem becomes the new Eden, with the River of Life flowing from God’s throne.
• In this sense, Jerusalem is not just a city — it’s a symbol of Eden restored, the place where heaven and earth meet again.

The Tree of Life — From Eden to Eternity

• The Tree of Life appears in Genesis, Proverbs, and Revelation.
• In Genesis 2–3, it represents eternal communion with God — the life humanity lost through disobedience.
• Proverbs reintroduces it symbolically — wisdom, righteousness, and fulfilled desire are each called “a tree of life.”
• Revelation 2:7 and Revelation 22:2 restore the tree at the heart of the New Jerusalem, where its leaves are “for the healing of the nations.”
• The cross of Christ can be seen as the ultimate Tree of Life, reconciling humanity to God and restoring access to divine life.

🔍 Takeaway Reflection:

Eden was not just a lost paradise — it’s a pattern and promise.
The rivers of God still flow through Scripture and through history, reminding us that His life and presence remain the true source of all flourishing.
From the garden in Genesis to the garden-city in Revelation, God’s story i

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