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Ecclesiastes 2 – Recreating the Garden of Eden?
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. This earth had a special “territory” called Eden; and within Eden was a dedicated spot for a garden. God was building His temple-palace as the King of all kings to come. The story is well-known about how mankind lost paradise. The stories could be multiplied as to how in vain we all have tried to recreate a facsimile of Eden ever since.
Could the King in Ecclesiastes be striving after the same futility?
In his pursuit for meaning, he achieved many wonderful physical things of this earthly reality. These included “gardens” (Eccles.2:5) with fruit trees (Eccles 2:5). He constructed reservoirs from which to irrigate a grove of trees (Eccles 2:6). Within his pursuit he acquired large herds and flocks (Eccles 2:7). Gold was amassed (Eccles 2:8). Even the delights of men, women were acquired (Eccles 2:8). “All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them” (Eccles 2:10). More things than listed here are part of his pursuit. In all this, the king is using the gifts of wisdom and knowledge (Eccles 1:17).
For God’s people, He planted a garden (Gen.2:8) which included every tree pleasing to appearance and good for food (Gen.2:9). These trees were watered by a mist (Gen.2:6) and river (Gen.2:10). Adam was given the task of naming the animals (Gen.2:19-20). Gold is mentioned within the narrative (Gen.2:12). At the end, God formed Eve so that Adam would not be alone (2:18). As we know, and as more facts are revealed, Eve did not deny herself what her eyes desired. That lack of restraint was in the pursuit of knowledge (2:17) and wisdom (Gen.3:6).
Because of sin, Adam and Eve lost God’s Garden and the pure relationship with God. They hid among the trees. How many people have been pursuing God’s “Garden” ever since…instead of pursuing God? Such striving under the sun is vanity, futility, and a pursuit of wind.
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