What is the tree of life? That has been a question that many people would like to know the answer to. We read about it in the beginning scenes of the Bible. Genesis 2:9, "In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil."
It might seem that humans had to choose between living eternal life OR receiving the gift of knowledge. Some might recognize the test of obedience presented early on; like a parent does with a toddler. Others might recognize the basic struggle all of us must deal with soon after showing up on earth—making choices!
God has given us enough to know what His will is for us. He wants us to trust His guidance throughout life, but that takes our involvement in the process.
Hebrews 5:12-14, "... solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
The Tree of Life gives life like an apple tree gives apples. The real question is where do I find life? Jesus addresses that, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. "(John 14:6)
But consider the imagery of life presented through trees in the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, trees are highlighted…perhaps for an interesting reason.
God often uses symbolic imagery to convey a message. And the Hebrew language is full of plenty of imagery. For instance, the Hebrew word for ‘tree’ is ‘Etz’ { }עץwhich is spelled and pronounced almost identically as the Hebrew word ‘Etzah’ { – {עצהwhich means ‘advice.’
Ponder the significance of that.
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