Of Trees and Men: Of Trees and Men: What Shepherds Need to KnowWhat Shepherds Need to Know
An Interactive Self StudyAn Interactive Self Study Part 2Part 2
Presented byPresented byBarbara L. Klika, MSW Barbara L. Klika, MSW Personal Life CoachPersonal Life CoachUndershepherdUndershepherd
Set Apart MinistriesSet Apart MinistriesDecember 2009December 2009
Shepherds Need to Know About Shepherds Need to Know About Trees?Trees?
Scripture uses many images to teach us. Trees are Scripture uses many images to teach us. Trees are often mentioned but not often pointed out as a often mentioned but not often pointed out as a primary concern. To many of us, they just seem like primary concern. To many of us, they just seem like part of the scenery!part of the scenery!
As we study thematically, we begin to see the As we study thematically, we begin to see the
importance of themes such importance of themes such as that represented by trees. as that represented by trees.
A Beginning PrayerA Beginning PrayerOnce again, Abba, we come before you in a Once again, Abba, we come before you in a
desire to know more about Your Word desire to know more about Your Word and all that you have for us in it.and all that you have for us in it.
As one who leads your people, whether it As one who leads your people, whether it is in a family or a community, I want to is in a family or a community, I want to
understand all that You have provided for understand all that You have provided for me. Will you please guide me as I study me. Will you please guide me as I study
this matter of the message of trees? this matter of the message of trees?
I ask in the Name of our Messiah, Yeshua.I ask in the Name of our Messiah, Yeshua.Omayne!Omayne!
What “trees” come to mind?What “trees” come to mind?
Consider what you already know about trees from the Consider what you already know about trees from the Bible. You may want to write down a list of them Bible. You may want to write down a list of them with a brief note of what you know BEFORE you with a brief note of what you know BEFORE you start this study. When you have finished the study, start this study. When you have finished the study, see what you can add!see what you can add!
Then, perhaps you could go to an online Bible and Then, perhaps you could go to an online Bible and search out all references to trees. This can also be search out all references to trees. This can also be done with the done with the Englishman’s ConcordancesEnglishman’s Concordances for both for both Old and New Testaments. Old and New Testaments.
Rule of First MentionRule of First Mention
One guideline for the interpretation of Scripture is to One guideline for the interpretation of Scripture is to consider the first use of a term or concept.consider the first use of a term or concept.
As we know from other studies, our God has defined As we know from other studies, our God has defined His terms as He has presented all we need to know His terms as He has presented all we need to know “from the beginning.”“from the beginning.”
Trees are first mentioned on Day 3 when they were Trees are first mentioned on Day 3 when they were brought into existence.brought into existence.
Then God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, Then God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation,
plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them"; and it was so. them"; and it was so.
The earth brought forth vegetation, plants The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and yielding seed after their kind, and trees trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind;kind; and God saw that it was good. and God saw that it was good.
Beresheit/Genesis 1:11-12 Beresheit/Genesis 1:11-12 NASBNASB
The next mention of trees…The next mention of trees…The LORD God planted a garden toward the east, The LORD God planted a garden toward the east,
in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. had formed.
Out of the ground the LORD God caused to grow Out of the ground the LORD God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the for food; the tree of lifetree of life also in the midst of the also in the midst of the garden, and the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good tree of the knowledge of good and evil. and evil.
Beresheit/Genesis 2: Beresheit/Genesis 2: 8-9 NASB8-9 NASB
Narrowing our FocusNarrowing our Focus In the beginning, there were two trees of special In the beginning, there were two trees of special
interest!interest! These two trees affected all of creation.These two trees affected all of creation.
This brings up two big questions:This brings up two big questions:
How did they arrive at such importance?How did they arrive at such importance? Do they have any importance for us today?Do they have any importance for us today?
Let’s find out!Let’s find out!
Check all the verses Check all the verses that refer to both the “Tree of Life” that refer to both the “Tree of Life” andand the “Tree of the “Tree of
the Knowledge of Good and Evil.”the Knowledge of Good and Evil.”
(There are only a few of them!)(There are only a few of them!)
You can do this with an online Bible or an You can do this with an online Bible or an Englishman’s Concordance. Englishman’s Concordance.
Many people have several Bibles. Get out several Many people have several Bibles. Get out several
versions and check the verses side by side.versions and check the verses side by side.
Several Levels of UnderstandingSeveral Levels of Understanding Most commentators have noted that these two Most commentators have noted that these two
trees were there to provide a test or an trees were there to provide a test or an opportunity to walk in obedience or disobedience.opportunity to walk in obedience or disobedience.
One confirmation of this is through recognition of One confirmation of this is through recognition of the phrase “in the midst” which refers to the the phrase “in the midst” which refers to the location of the tree of life.location of the tree of life.
This phrase is the Hebrew word “This phrase is the Hebrew word “betokbetok” which is ” which is
Strong’s #8432, from the root word “Strong’s #8432, from the root word “tavektavek” ” which literally means “to center” and “midst” but which literally means “to center” and “midst” but can also be translated as “middle”, “separation” can also be translated as “middle”, “separation” and “deceive.”and “deceive.”
““In the Midst”In the Midst” This is the same word translated as “separate” or “divide” on This is the same word translated as “separate” or “divide” on
Day 2 of creation when the upper and lower waters were Day 2 of creation when the upper and lower waters were divided with an expanse set “in the midst.” This day has been divided with an expanse set “in the midst.” This day has been recognized as a day of division and unrest which was not recognized as a day of division and unrest which was not declared “good.”declared “good.” (Beresheit/Genesis 1:6-8)(Beresheit/Genesis 1:6-8)
This concept of separation is a recurring theme throughout This concept of separation is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, dividing what is of God and what is not or providing Scripture, dividing what is of God and what is not or providing the opportunity for two witnesses in a matter. One can be the opportunity for two witnesses in a matter. One can be separated out for what is good or separated out for what is bad.separated out for what is good or separated out for what is bad.
In this context, the choices of obedience or disobedience to In this context, the choices of obedience or disobedience to His instructions about the trees are the test -- “dividing” or His instructions about the trees are the test -- “dividing” or “separating.” “separating.”
The LORD God planted a garden eastward in The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He Eden, and there He put the man whom He
had formed. And out of the ground the had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food. pleasant to the sight, and good for food.
The The tree of lifetree of life was also in the midst of the was also in the midst of the garden, and the garden, and the tree of knowledge of tree of knowledge of
good and evil. good and evil.
Genesis 2: 8-9 Genesis 2: 8-9 NKJVNKJV
Second Mention of Trees is also the First Second Mention of Trees is also the First Mention of these Two Trees TogetherMention of these Two Trees Together
Did you notice something Did you notice something about these trees?about these trees?
They had They had TWOTWO things in things in common:common:
11.. Pleasant to the sight Pleasant to the sight22.. Good for food Good for food
The Tree of Life is said to The Tree of Life is said to be in the midst of the be in the midst of the
Garden. Was the Garden. Was the “other” tree there, “other” tree there,
too?too?(Opportunity for separation?)(Opportunity for separation?)
What made them What made them different from each different from each
other, then?other, then?
Then the LORD God took the man and put Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep
it. it.
And the LORD God commanded the man, And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you saying, “Of every tree of the garden you
may freely eat; may freely eat;
but of thebut of the tree of the knowledge of good and eviltree of the knowledge of good and evil
you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” of it you shall surely die.”
Genesis 2: 15-17 NKJVGenesis 2: 15-17 NKJV
The only apparent difference The only apparent difference is that YHWH said not to eat is that YHWH said not to eat
from from thatthat one. one. Although He did not give a reason, Although He did not give a reason, He did clearly state that death He did clearly state that death would result from doing so.would result from doing so. He is our Good Shepherd He is our Good Shepherd and we are to trust His leading.and we are to trust His leading.
Therefore, we know that this tree could Therefore, we know that this tree could also be considered a tree of death, in also be considered a tree of death, in
counterpoint to the Tree of Life.counterpoint to the Tree of Life.
At this point, there was no similar At this point, there was no similar caution about the tree of life from caution about the tree of life from
which they were free to eat.which they were free to eat.
But we all know that things changed!But we all know that things changed!
The next time we hear of the two The next time we hear of the two trees, it is in the context of the trees, it is in the context of the serpent’s subtle questioning. serpent’s subtle questioning.
(Notice the different words used)(Notice the different words used)
Now the serpent was Now the serpent was more subtle than any more subtle than any beast of the field which beast of the field which the LORD God had made. the LORD God had made. And he said unto the And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? every tree of the garden?
And the woman said unto And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of of the fruit of the trees of the garden.the garden.
But the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of But the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, of it, neither shall ye touch it,neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. lest ye die.
And the serpent said to the woman, Ye shall And the serpent said to the woman, Ye shall not surely die;not surely die;
For God doth know that in the day ye eat For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
And when the woman And when the woman saw that the tree was saw that the tree was good for foodgood for food, and that , and that it was it was pleasant to the pleasant to the eyeseyes, and , and a tree to be a tree to be desired to make one desired to make one wisewise, ,
she took of the fruit she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her gave also unto her husband with her; and husband with her; and he did eat.he did eat.
And the eyes of them both were And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made leaves together, and made themselves aprons.themselves aprons.
Genesis 3: 1-7 Genesis 3: 1-7 KJVKJV
Now there are Now there are 33 criteria? criteria?
1.1. Pleasant to the sight Pleasant to the sight
2.2. Good for food Good for food
ANDAND
3.3. Desirable to make one wise Desirable to make one wise
Where did the third one come Where did the third one come from?from?
They quickly They quickly learned that this learned that this was NOT desirable was NOT desirable after all as YHWH after all as YHWH confronted them confronted them and sent them out and sent them out of the Garden.of the Garden.
Didn’t He want Didn’t He want them to be wise?them to be wise?
Next Next SpecificSpecific Mention of the Tree of Mention of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evilthe Knowledge of Good and Evil
And unto Adam he said, Because thou And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto hast hearkened unto the voice of thy the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the wife, and hast eaten of the treetree, of , of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground cursed is the ground for thy sake;for thy sake;
in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;days of thy life;
Beresheit/Beresheit/Genesis 3:17 KJVGenesis 3:17 KJV
o Didn’t He want Adam to listen to his Didn’t He want Adam to listen to his wife?wife?
Cursed to eat of the ground?Cursed to eat of the ground?
A usual understanding of this verse is that we A usual understanding of this verse is that we are cursed to eat of the ground all the days of are cursed to eat of the ground all the days of our livesour lives
BUTBUT We did and would eat of the ground whether We did and would eat of the ground whether
cursed or not since that is where food comes cursed or not since that is where food comes from!from!
I suggest that there is a poetic parallelism here:I suggest that there is a poetic parallelism here:
Not the ground but the tree!Not the ground but the tree!
The phraseThe phrase “ “cursed is the ground for thy sake”cursed is the ground for thy sake” is just an interjection here between is just an interjection here between
the two references to the tree. the two references to the tree. The ground is cursed, as was satan.The ground is cursed, as was satan.
So it is the So it is the treetree that would be eaten that would be eaten of in sorrow all the days of life, of in sorrow all the days of life, having now eaten of the having now eaten of the seedseed of it. of it.
The fruit of the tree of the The fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is now a knowledge of good and evil is now a
part of all of our days of life.part of all of our days of life.
Yes, this ancient event Yes, this ancient event doesdoes apply to apply to us today.us today.
If so, we should know more about it!If so, we should know more about it!
What else can we learn about this What else can we learn about this tree?tree?
Next Specific Mention of the Tree of Next Specific Mention of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evilthe Knowledge of Good and Evil
And the LORD God said, Behold, the And the LORD God said, Behold, the
man is become as one of us, man is become as one of us, to know to know good and evilgood and evil; and now, lest he put ; and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever;tree of life, and eat, and live forever;
Therefore the LORD God sent him forth Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. ground from whence he was taken.
So he drove out the man and he placed So he drove out the man and he placed
at the east of the garden of Eden at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of turned every way to keep the way of
the tree of life.the tree of life. Genesis 3:22-24 KJVGenesis 3:22-24 KJV
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil The tree of the knowledge of good and evil will now be a part of all of our lives. It is will now be a part of all of our lives. It is equated with “being wise” and with death.equated with “being wise” and with death.
The tree of life is guarded and kept. The tree of life is guarded and kept.
Did you find any further Did you find any further specific references to specific references to either of these trees?either of these trees?
The Tree of the Knowledge of Good The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is not identified specifically by and Evil is not identified specifically by
this name again. this name again.
The Tree of Life is mentioned many The Tree of Life is mentioned many times by name in many contexts from times by name in many contexts from Genesis right through to Revelation. Genesis right through to Revelation.
Here are a few of them.Here are a few of them.
References to “Tree of Life”References to “Tree of Life”
She [wisdom] is a She [wisdom] is a treetree of of lifelife to them that to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.that retaineth her. Proverbs 3:18 KJVProverbs 3:18 KJV
The fruit of the righteous is a The fruit of the righteous is a treetree of of lifelife; ; and he that winneth souls is wiseand he that winneth souls is wise..
Proverbs 11:30 KJVProverbs 11:30 KJV
A wholesome tongue is a A wholesome tongue is a treetree of of lifelife: but : but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 KJVProverbs 15:4 KJV
(Note: ESV renders it a “gentle” tongue and NASB has (Note: ESV renders it a “gentle” tongue and NASB has “soothing.”“soothing.”
The Trees leave us with more The Trees leave us with more questions!questions!
If the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was to If the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was to be a part of our daily lives, why isn’t it mentioned be a part of our daily lives, why isn’t it mentioned again?again?
If the way to the Tree of Life is guarded, why is it a If the way to the Tree of Life is guarded, why is it a consistent concept throughout Scripture?consistent concept throughout Scripture?
There must be something else There must be something else here.here.
Observations from “Theological Observations from “Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament”Wordbook of the Old Testament”
The trees were not magical, but were the means of The trees were not magical, but were the means of confronting man with God’s will, giving “man a confronting man with God’s will, giving “man a decisive Yes or No to say with his whole being.” decisive Yes or No to say with his whole being.”
It is morally significant that God fenced these two It is morally significant that God fenced these two trees not with a wall but with his word!trees not with a wall but with his word!
It is no accident that human sin which began at the It is no accident that human sin which began at the foot of a tree, the “tree of the knowledge of good and foot of a tree, the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil,” found its resolution on another tree, the cross of evil,” found its resolution on another tree, the cross of Calvary….Calvary….
……Satan’s victory over the woman (and the man!) Satan’s victory over the woman (and the man!) beneath the branches of that primal tree led to his own beneath the branches of that primal tree led to his own
defeat beneath the crossed beams of another tree…defeat beneath the crossed beams of another tree…
TWOT Page 689TWOT Page 689
Thematically, then, the two trees can be Thematically, then, the two trees can be located in what we call the New Testament located in what we call the New Testament in this way though only the Tree of Life is in this way though only the Tree of Life is specifically mentioned. specifically mentioned.
So now, what about the Tree of the So now, what about the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil?Knowledge of Good and Evil?
You will remember that it is not mentioned again by You will remember that it is not mentioned again by name throughout Scripture!name throughout Scripture!
We have already seen that it is foretold to be a factor in We have already seen that it is foretold to be a factor in all of our days.all of our days.
How do we learn anything more about it?How do we learn anything more about it?
Thematic Study! Remember the Thematic Study! Remember the “twos!”“twos!”
Tree of DeathTree of Death
At the beginning, we At the beginning, we saw that the Tree of Life saw that the Tree of Life had a counterpart; the had a counterpart; the forbidden Tree of the forbidden Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Knowledge of Good and Evil.Evil.
We saw that to eat from We saw that to eat from it was equated with it was equated with “being wise” and with “being wise” and with death.death.
If Wise Counsel comes through the If Wise Counsel comes through the Tree of Life…Tree of Life…
Then clearly, unwise counsel must come Then clearly, unwise counsel must come through the “tree of death.”through the “tree of death.”
What was “unwise” about what came to What was “unwise” about what came to mankind through this tree of the knowledge of mankind through this tree of the knowledge of good and evil?good and evil?
Let’s review what happened there:Let’s review what happened there:
Then the LORD God took the man and put him in Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat;
but of thebut of the tree of the knowledge of good and eviltree of the knowledge of good and evil you you
shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” shall surely die.”
Beresheit/Genesis 2: 15-17 NKJVBeresheit/Genesis 2: 15-17 NKJV
Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?not eat of every tree of the garden?
And the woman said unto the And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden.of the trees of the garden.
But the fruit of the tree which is But the fruit of the tree which is inin
the midst of the garden, God haththe midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neithersaid, Ye shall not eat of it, neither
shall ye touch it, lest ye die.shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And the serpent said to the And the serpent said to the woman, Ye shall not surely die; woman, Ye shall not surely die;
For God doth know that in the For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.and evil.
And when the woman And when the woman saw that the tree was saw that the tree was good for foodgood for food, and that , and that it was it was pleasant to the pleasant to the eyeseyes, and , and a tree to be a tree to be desired to make one desired to make one wisewise, ,
she took of the fruit she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her gave also unto her husband with her; and husband with her; and he did eat.he did eat.
And the eyes of them both were opened, and And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
Beresheit/Genesis 3: 1-7 KJVBeresheit/Genesis 3: 1-7 KJV
And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the eaten of the treetree, of which I commanded thee, , of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the cursed is the ground for thy sake;ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;of thy life; Beresheit/Genesis 3:17 KJVBeresheit/Genesis 3:17 KJV
And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, as one of us, to know good and evilto know good and evil; and now, ; and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever;of life, and eat, and live forever;
Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. was taken.
So he drove out the man and he placed at the east So he drove out the man and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of sword which turned every way to keep the way of
the tree of life. the tree of life. Genesis Genesis 3:22-24 KJV3:22-24 KJV
ConsequencesConsequences
Knew they were naked and were ashamedKnew they were naked and were ashamed Felt compelled to cover themselvesFelt compelled to cover themselves Cursing of satan and the groundCursing of satan and the ground Put out of the GardenPut out of the Garden Toil, Pain and sorrowToil, Pain and sorrow Will eat of the tree of knowledge of good and Will eat of the tree of knowledge of good and
evil all the days of life.evil all the days of life. Way to Tree of Life now guardedWay to Tree of Life now guarded
They left the garden to live elsewhere.They left the garden to live elsewhere.
They didn’t die that day so how do we know They didn’t die that day so how do we know what was what was reallyreally wrong about all of this? wrong about all of this?
Was satan telling the truth then that they Was satan telling the truth then that they wouldn’t die while God wasn’t truthful?wouldn’t die while God wasn’t truthful?
Why was it wrong for Adam to listen to his Why was it wrong for Adam to listen to his wife?wife?
Why was it wrong for them to desire Why was it wrong for them to desire knowledge and wisdom?knowledge and wisdom?
Two Core Questions!!Two Core Questions!!
If they and their generations, meaning us, had If they and their generations, meaning us, had no access to the Tree of Life why does it still no access to the Tree of Life why does it still appear –both by name and inference--appear –both by name and inference--throughout Scripture?throughout Scripture?
If the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil If the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Death) was to be a part of mankind’s life why (Death) was to be a part of mankind’s life why isn’tisn’t it visible throughout Scripture? it visible throughout Scripture?
Physical and Spiritual ImplicationsPhysical and Spiritual Implications
Although it is true that Adam and Eve did not Although it is true that Adam and Eve did not physically die in that 24 hour period, they did lose the physically die in that 24 hour period, they did lose the ability to walk with and see YHWH our God. He did ability to walk with and see YHWH our God. He did allow them to continue to hear Him however, as we allow them to continue to hear Him however, as we can yet today, Praise Messiah!can yet today, Praise Messiah!
Physical realities are His way of showing us pictures Physical realities are His way of showing us pictures of spiritual truths. of spiritual truths.
Physical death is the natural outcome for one who has Physical death is the natural outcome for one who has lost access to the fruit of the Tree of Life.lost access to the fruit of the Tree of Life.
People and ShepherdsPeople and Shepherds Whether we find it “complimentary” or not, the truth is that Whether we find it “complimentary” or not, the truth is that
there are always going to be people who have need of leaders there are always going to be people who have need of leaders to help them find the good fruit and people who are called to to help them find the good fruit and people who are called to do so. Scripture warns of false shepherds among the good do so. Scripture warns of false shepherds among the good ones, just as we are told there are different kinds of “sheep.”ones, just as we are told there are different kinds of “sheep.”
We are not automaticallyWe are not automatically “ “assigned” to a group butassigned” to a group but need to exercise care andneed to exercise care and discernment as to what discernment as to what group or leader wegroup or leader we choose; another physicalchoose; another physical picture of spiritual truth as picture of spiritual truth as Shepherds are another kind Shepherds are another kind of covering for their people.of covering for their people.
The Tree of Life continues to be visible throughout The Tree of Life continues to be visible throughout Scripture because Messiah is always available to us Scripture because Messiah is always available to us through His Spirit.through His Spirit.
Mercifully, Adam and Eve were sent from the Garden Mercifully, Adam and Eve were sent from the Garden so that they did not eat from that Tree of Life in their so that they did not eat from that Tree of Life in their fallen physical state. If they had, they would have had fallen physical state. If they had, they would have had eternal physical life in that fallen state.eternal physical life in that fallen state.
As it stands now, when we receive the Messiah and His As it stands now, when we receive the Messiah and His work on our behalf, we are receiving the fruit of the work on our behalf, we are receiving the fruit of the Tree of Life which confirms our eternal life though Tree of Life which confirms our eternal life though we will still experience physical death.we will still experience physical death.
Since Messiah is always Since Messiah is always available to those who believe, available to those who believe, the spiritual representation of the spiritual representation of the Tree of Life is guarded in the Tree of Life is guarded in the sense of being kept FOR the sense of being kept FOR those who seek Him. those who seek Him.
When we love and obey Him, When we love and obey Him, we have access to the spiritual we have access to the spiritual reality of the Tree of Life; and reality of the Tree of Life; and eternal life with Him. eternal life with Him.
When He returns, those who When He returns, those who have walked with Him will have walked with Him will again have access to the Tree in again have access to the Tree in the New Jerusalem.the New Jerusalem.
I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.the end, the first and the last.
Blessed are they that do his Blessed are they that do his
commandments, that they may commandments, that they may
have the right to have the right to the tree of life, and may enter , and may enter in through the gates into the city.in through the gates into the city.
((Revelation 22: 13-14 KJV)Revelation 22: 13-14 KJV)
Now, what of the Tree of Death?Now, what of the Tree of Death? Yes, it wasn’t CALLED “tree of death” but by Yes, it wasn’t CALLED “tree of death” but by
thematic comparison, it had to do with death and thematic comparison, it had to do with death and stood in opposition to the Tree of Life.stood in opposition to the Tree of Life.
So back to one of our original questions: Why would So back to one of our original questions: Why would Knowledge of Good and Evil be equated with “being Knowledge of Good and Evil be equated with “being wise” and with death? Aren’t we supposed to be wise” and with death? Aren’t we supposed to be aware of these things throughout our lives?aware of these things throughout our lives?
Consider the process by which that 3Consider the process by which that 3rdrd criteria was criteria was added to God’s counsel.added to God’s counsel.
The Adversary Caused DoubtThe Adversary Caused Doubt
By inferring that God was somehow “holding out” or By inferring that God was somehow “holding out” or “keeping back” something of value, satan deceived “keeping back” something of value, satan deceived Eve into questioning His intentions and His character.Eve into questioning His intentions and His character.
He implied that Eve might have reason to fear she He implied that Eve might have reason to fear she was missing something important.was missing something important.
From there, it is only a few short steps to falling back From there, it is only a few short steps to falling back on our own reasoning ability.on our own reasoning ability.
Steps of EntrapmentSteps of Entrapment FEARFEAR of some kind of harm to self or loved onesof some kind of harm to self or loved ones
which easily leads towhich easily leads to UNBELIEFUNBELIEF Messiah can’t or won’t help meMessiah can’t or won’t help me
which easily leads towhich easily leads to SELF-SUFFICIENCY/PRIDESELF-SUFFICIENCY/PRIDE
I’ll have to figure it out myself…I’ll have to figure it out myself… (which can be out of arrogance (which can be out of arrogance oror desperation) desperation)
and finally, if unchecked along the way, leads toand finally, if unchecked along the way, leads to REBELLIONREBELLION … …so I will do it MY way.so I will do it MY way.
What Changed?What Changed?
When Eve entertained fear she opened the door to the When Eve entertained fear she opened the door to the idea that our Father might not have good intentions idea that our Father might not have good intentions which she then saw as reason to employ her human which she then saw as reason to employ her human reasoning ability, add her own 3reasoning ability, add her own 3rdrd criteria, and come criteria, and come to her own conclusion.to her own conclusion.
This new conclusion was no longer based on her This new conclusion was no longer based on her confidence in God but on the experience of her own confidence in God but on the experience of her own senses of sight and reasoning.senses of sight and reasoning.
We might say Eve moved from being “God We might say Eve moved from being “God centered” and led by His Spirit to being centered” and led by His Spirit to being “human centered” and led by her own “human centered” and led by her own experience. experience.
She rejected God’s command based on She rejected God’s command based on her her observationsobservations. Adam did the same as he . Adam did the same as he followed suit, but Scripture says he did so followed suit, but Scripture says he did so knowingly, while Eve was “taken in” with the knowingly, while Eve was “taken in” with the deception.deception.
By the way, you did notice that satan told partial By the way, you did notice that satan told partial truth? They didn’t die physically immediately! (We truth? They didn’t die physically immediately! (We are told Adam lived about 900 years, which is still are told Adam lived about 900 years, which is still within God’s determination that a day is as a within God’s determination that a day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as a day.)thousand years, and a thousand years as a day.)
2 Peter 3:82 Peter 3:8 It is more that YHWH generally allows people to It is more that YHWH generally allows people to
experience consequences of their choices than that He experience consequences of their choices than that He puts them to immediate physical death.puts them to immediate physical death.
ReallyReally Turning Life Upside Down Turning Life Upside Down
Their spiritual life and their confident dependence on Their spiritual life and their confident dependence on God was undermined—literally overthrown or God was undermined—literally overthrown or flipped over--in favor of their own ability to use flipped over--in favor of their own ability to use information and experience to discern what was good. information and experience to discern what was good. We might say “upside down” when matters of flesh We might say “upside down” when matters of flesh take priority over spirit.take priority over spirit.
The Disciples were accused of being men who The Disciples were accused of being men who “turned the world upside down,” when in fact, “turned the world upside down,” when in fact, through Messiah, they were in the business of turning through Messiah, they were in the business of turning it right side up once again! it right side up once again! Acts 17: 6Acts 17: 6
Dependence on our own senses and ability to Dependence on our own senses and ability to reason can also be called self-sufficiency or reason can also be called self-sufficiency or pride, the third step in the entrapment process.pride, the third step in the entrapment process.
Since we are not omnipotent, omniscient or Since we are not omnipotent, omniscient or omnipresent how could our human omnipresent how could our human understanding even begin to compare to His? understanding even begin to compare to His? Clearly, this would be Unwise counsel!Clearly, this would be Unwise counsel!
Yet this entrapment and appeal to depend on Yet this entrapment and appeal to depend on our own experience or reasoning works as well our own experience or reasoning works as well today as it did then. today as it did then.
We might call it chasing after wisdom and We might call it chasing after wisdom and taking pride in our human abilities, preferring taking pride in our human abilities, preferring this over walking after our Messiah in His this over walking after our Messiah in His way. way.
Pride: arrogance or desperation?Pride: arrogance or desperation?
Because pride is a concept so often associated with Because pride is a concept so often associated with being arrogant, may I point out that in this instance, it being arrogant, may I point out that in this instance, it can be as much from personal desperation and can be as much from personal desperation and unbelief that anyone else cares, could or would help, unbelief that anyone else cares, could or would help, that this type of pride, or self-sufficiency can be born.that this type of pride, or self-sufficiency can be born.
The issue is the dependence on self to reason or solve The issue is the dependence on self to reason or solve the current question, rather than looking to YHWH’s the current question, rather than looking to YHWH’s Spirit and His Word in trust for our answers.Spirit and His Word in trust for our answers.
In our human understanding then we can In our human understanding then we can easily rationalize that we are not in rebellion easily rationalize that we are not in rebellion but just doing what “must” be done to avoid but just doing what “must” be done to avoid some kind of harm.some kind of harm.
Certainly, we are to use the talents and Certainly, we are to use the talents and understandings given to us but we are not to understandings given to us but we are not to assume that we “know better” than our assume that we “know better” than our almighty Creator!almighty Creator!
Elevation of Self?Elevation of Self? Satan succeeded in reproducing his Satan succeeded in reproducing his
own sin of pride through his desire own sin of pride through his desire to be “like God” in mankind, man to be “like God” in mankind, man and woman. You can see a word and woman. You can see a word picture of this pride in Isaiah 14 picture of this pride in Isaiah 14 where he determines that he will be where he determines that he will be lifted up and worshipped as God.lifted up and worshipped as God.
Just as he lost his position in the Just as he lost his position in the Garden as the covering cherub Garden as the covering cherub through pride (Ezekiel 28) so now through pride (Ezekiel 28) so now did mankind lose their position in did mankind lose their position in the Garden. the Garden.
It is not that man shouldn’t listen to It is not that man shouldn’t listen to his wife!his wife!
Adam should have been his wife’s “covering” but Adam should have been his wife’s “covering” but failed to act. failed to act.
How blessed we are thatHow blessed we are that the second “Adam” did the second “Adam” did not fail to cover His Bride! not fail to cover His Bride! We have only to depend on Him!We have only to depend on Him!
Please see article series on Shepherds Need to Know Please see article series on Shepherds Need to Know the Biblical Meaning of Restraint/Nakedness at the Biblical Meaning of Restraint/Nakedness at www.setapartmingb.orgwww.setapartmingb.org for more information on this for more information on this aspect of “covering.”aspect of “covering.”
Is there a Scriptural picture of what it Is there a Scriptural picture of what it looks like to depend on human looks like to depend on human abilities?abilities?
YES!YES!
There are many, but here is one that is a There are many, but here is one that is a central “organization” of most of these central “organization” of most of these behaviors.behaviors.
Proverbs 6: 16-19Proverbs 6: 16-19
There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: seven which are an abomination to Him:
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, And hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers. And one who spreads strife among brothers.
Again, we turn to the words of Solomon, the wisest Again, we turn to the words of Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived:man who ever lived:
Haughty eyes and a proud heart,Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin. The lamp of the wicked, is sin.
Proverbs 21:4 NASBProverbs 21:4 NASB
These behaviors are of those who walk in sin. Their These behaviors are of those who walk in sin. Their way is lit by the ‘lamp’ of a way other than God’s. way is lit by the ‘lamp’ of a way other than God’s. John tells us that sin is lawlessness, or rejecting the John tells us that sin is lawlessness, or rejecting the commandments of God. commandments of God. (1 John 3:4)(1 John 3:4)
Rejecting YHWH’s ways and substituting human Rejecting YHWH’s ways and substituting human reason and understanding is easily seen as part of this reason and understanding is easily seen as part of this walk in sin!walk in sin!
Choose Life…Choose Life… Mankind lost direct access to the Tree of Life in Eden Mankind lost direct access to the Tree of Life in Eden
due to sin and the elevation of self over and against due to sin and the elevation of self over and against dependence on God, yielding to unwise counsel.dependence on God, yielding to unwise counsel.
Yet, when we yield to Messiah, we are partaking of Yet, when we yield to Messiah, we are partaking of the fruit of Him as our Tree of Life in a spiritual re-the fruit of Him as our Tree of Life in a spiritual re-birth and life.birth and life.
Those who believe andThose who believe and walk after Him will havewalk after Him will have the right to the physicalthe right to the physical Tree of Life again in the New City.Tree of Life again in the New City.
…….or death.or death
Those who reject YHWH’s Spirit and His commands Those who reject YHWH’s Spirit and His commands are yielding to the fruit of the tree of the knowledge are yielding to the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, depending on their own senses and of good and evil, depending on their own senses and experience above looking to Him. They may look experience above looking to Him. They may look with haughty eyes on what is of YHWH, in favor of with haughty eyes on what is of YHWH, in favor of their own ideas. Unwise counsel!their own ideas. Unwise counsel!
It IS there all through Scripture though not by that It IS there all through Scripture though not by that name! Every reference to these behaviors is name! Every reference to these behaviors is thematically linked to this tree of death from the thematically linked to this tree of death from the Garden. Like the adversary himself, it is subtle.Garden. Like the adversary himself, it is subtle.
The Tree of Life is now guarded and kept for The Tree of Life is now guarded and kept for those who yield to Messiah and thus the way those who yield to Messiah and thus the way of Life is described throughout Scripture. He of Life is described throughout Scripture. He continues to call us!continues to call us!
The influence of the tree of the knowledge of The influence of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil depends on subtlety and good and evil depends on subtlety and innuendo. Its fruit led to the rejection of the innuendo. Its fruit led to the rejection of the Tree of Life.Tree of Life.
It no longer needs to be identified by It no longer needs to be identified by name because it became a part of fallen name because it became a part of fallen man’s nature.man’s nature.
It is what “takes over” in the absence of It is what “takes over” in the absence of the Tree of Life!the Tree of Life!
The overriding influence of The overriding influence of rejecting His commands in favor rejecting His commands in favor of personal experience and senses of personal experience and senses remains a primary battle for all of remains a primary battle for all of mankind today, all the days of our mankind today, all the days of our lives, as foretold in the Garden.lives, as foretold in the Garden.
Because the focus is on human Because the focus is on human behavior, THAT tree is no longer behavior, THAT tree is no longer mentioned by name but all it mentioned by name but all it involves leads to dependence on involves leads to dependence on experience, personal “wisdom” or experience, personal “wisdom” or the world and eventually to deaththe world and eventually to death—both physical and spiritual.—both physical and spiritual.
Didn’t God want us to be wise?Didn’t God want us to be wise?
It was not that God didn’t want us to have It was not that God didn’t want us to have knowledge of good and evil, but rather that knowledge of good and evil, but rather that what knowledge we have about it should come what knowledge we have about it should come through His leading and direction;through His leading and direction;
not by our self-sufficiency;not by our self-sufficiency;
reaching out for it in our reaching out for it in our
timing and based on our timing and based on our
desire or fear.desire or fear.
Concept of the tree of the knowledge of Concept of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil good and evil isis present throughout present throughout
Scripture.Scripture. It is evident by the human behavior that is described It is evident by the human behavior that is described
in Proverbs 6:16-19 in Proverbs 6:16-19
The effect of the Tree of the knowledge of good and The effect of the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil as the basis for human “superiority” is the evil as the basis for human “superiority” is the rejection or absence of the Tree of Life.rejection or absence of the Tree of Life.
Now, Life and Death will continuallyNow, Life and Death will continually be at war within Believers.be at war within Believers.
The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil has been seeded into our very nature. has been seeded into our very nature.
When we receive Messiah/Tree of Life, we When we receive Messiah/Tree of Life, we have the ability to resist the fruit of that have the ability to resist the fruit of that OTHER tree, though we should not be OTHER tree, though we should not be surprised at the daily challenges. surprised at the daily challenges.
Without His Life in us, we are so vulnerable in Without His Life in us, we are so vulnerable in our arrogance or desperation to the our arrogance or desperation to the manipulation of the evil one!manipulation of the evil one!
The Devil made me do it???The Devil made me do it??? Too often, people want Too often, people want to attribute poor choicesto attribute poor choices to demonic influence whento demonic influence when our unsubmitted flesh aloneour unsubmitted flesh alone is capable of very poor is capable of very poor choices; even without unholy pressure.choices; even without unholy pressure.
Conversely, it is also true that when we are walking in Conversely, it is also true that when we are walking in unsubmitted flesh or immaturity, the evil one has many open unsubmitted flesh or immaturity, the evil one has many open doors to maneuver in and through us! Sometimes it takes only doors to maneuver in and through us! Sometimes it takes only a “nudge” to fall into the 4 stages of entrapment.a “nudge” to fall into the 4 stages of entrapment.
In Messiah, our Tree of Life, we can be overcomers!In Messiah, our Tree of Life, we can be overcomers!
Shepherds!Shepherds! Which Tree will you Which Tree will you
yield to in your own yield to in your own life?life?
What kind of counsel What kind of counsel can your people expect can your people expect from you?from you?
Will you stand firm as a Will you stand firm as a tree and speak His Truth tree and speak His Truth into the lives of your into the lives of your people?people?
People!People!
What “tree” are you eating from?What “tree” are you eating from?
Will you be wise in your Will you be wise in your
own eyes or draw on ourown eyes or draw on our
Elohim’s wisdom?Elohim’s wisdom?
Will you use His discernment about what teachings or Will you use His discernment about what teachings or leaders you look to for covering, or fall back on your leaders you look to for covering, or fall back on your own reasoning?own reasoning?
Choose Life!Choose Life!
1How blessed are those whose way is blameless,1How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the LORD. Who walk in the law of the LORD.
2How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,2How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart. Who seek Him with all their heart.
3They also do no unrighteousness;3They also do no unrighteousness;
They walk in His ways. They walk in His ways. 4You have ordained Your precepts, 4You have ordained Your precepts,
That we should keep them diligently. That we should keep them diligently. 5Oh that my ways may be established 5Oh that my ways may be established
To keep Your statutes! To keep Your statutes!
6Then I shall not be ashamed6Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Your commandments. When I look upon all Your commandments. 7I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of 7I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of
heart,heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments. When I learn Your righteous judgments.
8I shall keep Your statutes; 8I shall keep Your statutes; Do not forsake me utterly! Do not forsake me utterly!
Psalm 119 NASBPsalm 119 NASB
May you be blessed and strengthened as May you be blessed and strengthened as you learn more about Trees and Men!you learn more about Trees and Men!
For more information, please contact us at:For more information, please contact us at:
P. O. Box 5584P. O. Box 5584De Pere WI 54115De Pere WI 54115
(920) 336-7005(920) 336-7005
www.setapartmingb.orgwww.setapartmingb.orgsam@[email protected]
ResourcesResources The Complete Word Study Old TestamentThe Complete Word Study Old Testament Zodhiates, AMG PublishersZodhiates, AMG Publishers The Complete Word Study New TestamentThe Complete Word Study New Testament Zodhiates, AMG PublishersZodhiates, AMG Publishers Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible Jeff A. Benner, VBW PublishingJeff A. Benner, VBW Publishing ““A Study of Beresheit: The Book of Beginnings” A Study of Beresheit: The Book of Beginnings” Bradford Scott, Audio & notes, Wildbranch MinistriesBradford Scott, Audio & notes, Wildbranch Ministries www.biblegateway.orgwww.biblegateway.org online Scripture resource online Scripture resource Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament WordsVine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words W.E. Vine, Nelson PublishersW.E. Vine, Nelson Publishers Theological Wordbook of the Old TestamentTheological Wordbook of the Old Testament Harris, Archer, Waltke; Moody PressHarris, Archer, Waltke; Moody Press The Creation GospelThe Creation Gospel, , Dr. Hollisa Alewine; Dr. Hollisa Alewine; www.thecreationgospel.comwww.thecreationgospel.com
