Is Eden in the Underworld?

We long for Eden, a lush and perfect garden, a place we lost because of sin. Though none of us have ever seen it and know little more than what Scripture says, that doesn’t change our longing for perfection; our longing to be surrounded by opulence; our longing to be surrounded by God’s perfect peace, to be One with Him and all of creation.

Some suggest we will return to Eden—to paradise—because Revelation speaks of the Tree of Life:

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.

Revelation 22:1-4 (NIV)

If you read the New International Version Bible, the header for Revelation 22 says “Eden Restored,” but that header was added by the translators. Still, considering the perfection described in Revelation 22, it’s no wonder that one might say that this paradise is the Eden of old. However, since John never identifies it as such, we shouldn’t either.

Where is Eden today? Is it just the way it was when Adam and Eve were ejected, with a cherubim standing guard?

They Were What in Egypt?

I started reading Ezekiel 23 today, but I paused after reading this first passage:

The word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, there were two women, daughters of the same mother. They became prostitutes in Egypt, engaging in prostitution from their youth. In that land their breasts were fondled and their virgin bosoms caressed. The older was named Oholah, and her sister was Oholibah. They were mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem (emphasis added).

Ezekiel 23:1-4 (NIV)

The Lord says that Samaria and Jerusalem “became prostitutes in Egypt,” but neither Jerusalem nor Samaria had been founded when the Israelites were in Egypt. Considering this insight, how could God say they were prostitutes in Egypt, hundreds of years before they were founded?

Did They Ever Really Believe?

While reading Ezekiel 20 today, something “new” caught my eye:

“‘But they rebelled against me and would not listen to me; they did not get rid of the vile images they had set their eyes on, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and spend my anger against them in Egypt‘” (emphasis added)

Ezekiel 20:8 (NIV)

When I’ve thought about the Israelites and their rebellious and idolatrous attitude, I usually think of how they moaned, groaned, and complained each time they encountered difficulty. First, it was at the Red Sea; then it was at the waters of Marah and Elim. For the most part, I considered their attitude a reflection of their circumstances. Even though I thought they could do better.

Perhaps we might even let them slide a bit if we consider how long they looked forward to freedom. After all, I know what it’s like to hope for something and then suddenly have that hope crushed right in front of my eyes. Solomon put it this way:

Hang Them All and Let God Sort Them Out?

I can’t look at the news or social media lately without hearing about someone committing horrific and evil acts. Which, if I think about it, isn’t really a “new” thing. Still, what typically stands out—beyond the acts themselves and those who perpetrate them—is how society responds. Given my identity as a Christian, the algorithms show me more “Christian”-related content. This includes commentaries from those who wear the Christian moniker.

I expect society’s response to be all over the place. After all, we are a diverse culture with often very drastic viewpoints. Thus, it’s expected that there will be divisions, with one side calling for someone’s head while the other demands they go free. I may be naive, but I expect better from Christians.