Gan Eden
But You, Lord, are a shield around me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. Psalm 3:3 NASB
Shield – You wouldn’t know it from the English, but the Hebrew word translated “shield” evokes something primeval. The root is gānan, “ to defend.” Its derivative is first found in Genesis 2:8. That derivative is, of course, găn, “enclosure,” and appears in găn e’dĕn, the Garden of Eden. Why do we need to know about this connection? Because the idea of a shield in this verse is not a picture of something I put in front of me to protect myself from the onslaught of the enemy. No, this “shield” is an enclosure all around me, just as this verse in Psalms suggests. God surrounds me. That’s real protection.
And this idea evokes another primeval verse. Do you remember our investigations of Genesis 3:8-10? Here’s a review:
https://darkturquoise-snake-123296.hostingersite.com/2018/10/the-future-past/
https://darkturquoise-snake-123296.hostingersite.com/2015/01/choosing-alone/
https://darkturquoise-snake-123296.hostingersite.com/2022/10/air-time-3/
https://darkturquoise-snake-123296.hostingersite.com/2015/11/the-hebrew-edition/
Kushner’s analysis helps us see that “God surrounding” is right there at the beginning. The presence coming in all directions, the habituation of the voice, the “everywhere at once” topography in Adam’s experience is now restated, except this time as protection rather than judgment. How important it is that we view each line of Scripture within the context of the whole! How crucial that we discover the linked vocabulary of God’s Word! Should we make the mistake of relying on a translation, we will obscure the true depths of the text.
In the previous verse, the psalmist describes our apparent disastrous situation. God judges Mankind. Not one righteous person can be found. We are all doomed. Our enemies are quick to point out that we deserve whatever punishment falls from on high. In their view, rescue is not possible for someone like us. But as soon as that observation is made, the poet turns the tables on this ancient verdict. God surrounds us. Our first ancestor felt this reality but was unwilling to embrace it. He cowered in fear of the everywhere God. He need not have done so, and these thousands of years later neither do we for the everywhere God is also everywhere our Protector and Savior. găn e’dĕn is not some topographical Paradise lost. găn e’dĕn is anywhere and everywhere that God is.
Topical Index: găn e’dĕn, Garden of Eden, shield, māgēn, gānan, defend, gan, enclosure, Psalm 3:3
Tim Mackie has a YouTube video from 10/12/22 called “Paradise Now” that is very good…a great shot at describing the ineffable…
Thank you for writing this. There are a couple of ideas in it that are present before me everyday.
I maintain that the Torah is the enclosure and Yeshua is the gate. If you want to climb over the fence and play in the street then you do so at your own risk. You will be at the mercy of the world (and the world shows no mercy). If you stay within the enclosure then it accompanies you and protects you no matter the situation. Can “bad things” still happen to you? Sure, just ask Job, but the reason behind them has changed.
The other idea is how I approach the Scriptures. I mean, the book that is the Bible in its seemingly endless translations. I deem it, as a whole, as NOT the inerrant Word of God, but the inerrant Word is embedded within it, hidden first of all by the translation, then by multitudinous scribal additions, subtractions, errors, and outright deceptions. I kind of wonder if YHWH didn’t make it like a treasure hunt on purpose. Look at the map as a whole and link the various points and decipher the text.
I thank God for scholars like Skip and for those whose insights I have benefitted from in the comments.
Găn e’dĕn is anywhere and everywhere that God is… and the everywhere that God is also is the everywhere God is our protector and savior. Emet… thanks be to God!
Yet there is a healthy fear to be accounted also with God’s presence— I.e. everywhere that God is— in as much as “it is destined for people to die once, and after this, judgment.” While such judgement is assured, it is also executed within the context of Divine regard for sustained sanctity/holiness.
But also Christ, having been offered once in order to bear the sins of many, will appear for the second time without reference to sin to those who eagerly await him for salvation. (cf. Hebrews 9:27–28) And then may we be blessed to hear these words, “Well done, good and faithful bondslave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge over many things. Enter into the joy of your master! (Matthew 25:21)