From Eden to the New Jerusalem: An Introduction to Biblical Theology

by T. Desmond Alexander

the main similarities between the Garden of Eden and the tabernacle and/or Jerusalem temple:17 • Eden and the later sanctuaries were entered from the east and guarded by cherubim (Gen. 3:24; Exod. 25:18–22; 26:31; 36:35; 1 Kgs 6:23–29; 2 Chr. 3:14).18 • The tabernacle menorah (or lampstand) possibly symbolizes the tree of life (Gen. 2:9; 3:22; cf. Exod. 25:31–35).19 Arboreal decorations adorned the temple.20 • The Hebrew verbs ‘ābad, ‘to serve, till’, and šāmar, ‘to keep, observe, guard’, used in God’s command to the man ‘to work it (the garden) and take care of it’ (Gen. 2:15), are found in combination elsewhere in the Pentateuch only in passages that describe the duties of the Levities in the sanctuary (cf. Num. 3:7–8; 8:26; 18:5–6).21 • Gold and onyx, mentioned in Genesis 2:11–12, are used extensively to decorate the later sanctuaries and priestly garments (e.g. Exod. 25:7, 11, 17, 31).22 Gold, in particular, is one of the main materials used in the construction of the tabernacle and the temple.