Genesis 2:10 A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters.
Two things strike me about today’s verses: The river with its four headwaters and the mention of gold and onyx. Water, symbolically, can represent birth, rebirth, new life. A river watering the Garden that separated into four headwaters could have some significance with taking the goodness of the Garden and spreading it outwards–the goodness of this new utopia, flowing for all.
Genesis 2:11-12 The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.)
Gold is a precious metal, symbolizing value and worth. Onyx is a symbol of protection and strength, and in some cultures is used as protection from evil. These items could symbolize the richness, the rebirth, the sanctity, the value of this place, this Garden. Or they could just be a lovely description of all that God created.
Genesis 2:13 The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush.
Precious Savior, Thank You for the gift of looking more deeply into Your word, searching for meaning, searching for connection. Thank You that we bring meaning to Your word through our lives. Help us to see You, to see Your creation, more clearly, to draw closer to You as we read Your word. Help us, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 2:14 The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Ashur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
Have a blessed day.