Genesis 2:8, 15

2:8    And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

2:15  And the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

God put man in a particular place where He wanted man to be, to dress and keep it. So, as a single man, I wanted to know the garden God put me in and how I was to dress and keep it. In order to do that I had to, first, find out what garden meant. This is important to know because all of us are put in a particular place and if we don’t know our purpose for being there, we’ll abuse and misuse it.

In Scripture, Eden is not only the name of the garden in which the first humans resided, but also a metaphorical representation of the Garden of God (i.e., Yahweh’s dwelling place; Isaiah 51:3; Ezekiel 28:12-15; 31:8-18).

The Garden of Eden is more than a place; it is also a way of life and a state of the soul. Because of what Jesus did for us, we are now the temple of God. That means we are Yahweh’s dwelling place. Therefore, the way in which you conduct yourself as a single person is to reflect God’s way of life as opposed to the world’s way. It is to reflect a soul (your mind, emotions and will) that is free from disease (sins nature and way of thinking).

The Entrance of Life

Genesis 1:26a

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”

The definition of “image,” means likeness, resemblance, a representative figure; from the root meaning to shade. From the word “shade” we get the word shadow: a reflected image; shelter from danger or observation; a copy; an inseparable companion or follower.

Psalm 91:1

91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place (or the Garden which is a covered or hidden place) of the Most High shall abide under the shadow (or the protection) of the Almighty.

Therefore, just like shadow means to shelter from danger, the Garden is a place of protection. In view of that, check out what the Hebrew word for Eden means. The word picture says it means, “Seeing the Entrance of life.” The Garden of Eden was created to be an enjoyable place. Even its name means “pleasant.” The Hebrew word picture for Eden tells us why it was pleasant, why it was “paradise.” Here, in the garden, Adam and Eve were able to see and experience the passageway, or entrance of life.

The most significant trait of the Garden of Eden was the presence of the Judge, “the Entrance to life.” The Hebrew word for judge is “dan.” The word picture created by the ancient letters tells us that a judge is the door of life.

Often when we think of justice or judgment, we think of condemnation. But the biblical view is that a judge is the door of life. God’s goal, even in judgment, is to offer refuge and direction. His goal is to bring life. We need to understand what it means and what will happen if we make Him our judge.

Another Aspect of “The Door of Life.”

Hebrews 4:12 (AMP)

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit and of the joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

The definition for word is a written or printed character or combination of characters representing a spoken word: the expressed or manifested mind and will of God. The Hebrew word picture describes “word” as the door of the Son, the door into a person, or the door of maturity (of a son). Isn’t that amazing!

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Selah Insight

When we study the Word of God to show ourselves approved, we are entering the door of life through Jesus Christ. And when we apply the Word in every aspect of our lives, the Word becomes our Judge: the door of life!

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A Ruler

A “judge” is also a Ruler - the person who determines right and wrong, and an Advocate - Psalm 68:5 says, “God is a father to the fatherless and a judge (advocate) for the widows.” Therefore, when you dwell in the secret place or the Garden of God, you must realize that He is your Judge. He is offering you refuge and direction. He is the One who determines who is right for you and who is wrong for you.

Eden lived up to its name, and Adam and Eve saw (experienced) the Door of life as long as they were looking to “the Judge” to determine what was right and wrong. But when Eve, and then Adam, decided to become their own judge, they turned their backs on the Door to life. God wants to be our Judge in the beginning of a matter rather than at the end. He wants us to turn to Him when we need justice, help, or discernment. The people who look to the Judge will find that His purpose as a judge is to open up for us the door of life. John 10: 9.

In the next article, “To Date or Not to Date: The Big Debate,” we’ll discuss dating and then tie it into this definition about the Judge.