Temple as Eden —

It seems that the Temple itself was built and decorated to reflect the Garden of Eden. In front of it stood the bronze sea reservoir, and the ten bronze water carts decorated with lions and cattle. These likely symbolized the water of creation and the rivers that flowed through Eden to water it. In predictions of the future Temple of God the prophets (Ezekiel, Joel, Zechariah, and Revelation) all refer to a river of life that flows from it. Perhaps the lions and the cattle on the carts symbolized prey and predator living peacefully together as in Eden and the future temple. There were also two 25-foot-tall pillars with capitals shaped like lilies and were covered in hundreds of pomegranates, perhaps representing the two special trees in Eden. The doors to the temple were made of wood with gold overlay, and carved with cherubim, palm trees, flowers––all garden motifs found in Genesis. The inside floors and walls of the Temple were covered with wood paneling, and carved with vegetables and flowers continuing the natural, paradise theme. In Solomon’s Temple, the one lamp stand of the Tabernacle was replaced by ten lamp stands. If these were created in the same fashion, they were decorated to look like stylized Almond trees. The back wall of the Temple that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple, and the Ark of the Covenant, which both seated and symbolized God’s presence, was decorated a bit differently with its cherubim, trees, and flower blossoms. Its door was also made from a special olive wood, carved with the same images, and covered in gold.

The idea of Gardens being holy places was widespread in the ancient near East. And its application was not limited to symbolism, building materials and carvings. Consider that the primary water source in Jerusalem was named the Gihon, which was one of the rivers flowing out of Eden. Ancient kings also had a habit of collecting trees from conquered or allied nations and planting elaborate gardens in their capital cities, palaces, and temples. In a palace in ancient Mari for instance, the courtyard before the throne room has multiple tree pits. In the middle of the room stood one artificial palm tree made of wood and decorated with gold and silver. As God is said to have planted the Garden of Eden, kings also took it upon themselves to be creators in their own right. Images of live potted trees being transported (hatshepsut) strikes a chord with careful Bible readers. Perhaps a similar practice occurred in the courts of Solomon’s temple (Psalm 52:8, Psalm 92:13-14, 1 Kings 4:32, Song of Solomon).