Throughout history and in many cultures and religions trees have

played a significant role in the history of mankind.  The worship of

trees as gods was prevalent throughout the ancient world (Hall

XCIV).  Temples were often built in sacred groves and religious  

and cultic ceremonies were conducted under the branches of great

trees.  In many instances, trees were believed to possess the

attributes of divine power and intelligence and were often

worshipped and decorated in honor of their patron deities (Hall

XCIV). 

     Throughout many religions and cultures of the world a belief in a

tree of life or a cosmic tree or world tree exists.  This tree of life was

believed to be located at the horizontal center of the earth and is the

source of life.  This tree is protected by supernatural guardians and

is the source of terrestrial fertility and life.  The fruit of this tree offers

everlasting life and if it were cut down all fecundity on earth would

cease (Encyclopaaedia Britannica 758).  Many religions also

believe that the cosmic tree represents the sacrality of the world, its

creation, continuation and fertility (The Encyclopedia of Religion 28). 

The Japanese, Persians, Chaldeans and Greeks have legends of an

Axle tree or reed upon which the earth revolves (Hall XCIV).

     A second tree, or the tree of Knowledge, is the vertical center that

binds heaven and earth.  This tree is the vital connection between the

world of the gods and the earth (Encyclopaaedia Britannica 758).

     The Warao Indians of South America believe the patronesses of

the cosmic tree are grandmothers that are deities associated with

seasonal change and the winter solstice.  These deities also

symbolize sustenance and fertility (The Encyclopedia of Religion 28).

     According to Hindu belief, the universe was believed to be a

divine tree growing from a single seed sown in space (Hall XCIV).  In

the Vedas, Varuna raised the tree of life in his hand and by

squeezing its fruit between two stones obtained soma, or amrta, the

drink of immortality (The Encyclopedia of Religion 28).

     Ancient Egyptians also believed in a tree of life.  The fruit of this

tree kept the gods and the souls of the dead in eternal youth and

wisdom.  From this tree emerge divine arms in which some bear

gifts while the water of life pours from the urn of other branches.  This

tree was also associated with fate.  Also, The Egyptian goddess

Sekhait, sits at the foot of this tree where she records on the leaves

and the tree itself future and present important events (The

Encyclopedia of Religion 28).  Additionally, the Great Pyramid

symbolized the tree of life, in an inverted position, with its roots at the

apex and its branches diverging in four streams towards the base

(Hall XCIV).

     In Zoroastrian religion there is also belief in a type of tree of life. 

This Tree of All Seeds or Tree of All Healing grows in the cosmic

sea Vourukasha and is responsible for life on earth (The

Encyclopedia of Religion 28).

     In Scandinavian culture a belief in a world tree, or Yggdrasil tree

exists.  Upon the tree’s branches are supported nine spheres or

worlds.  This tree was created by God, and it represented life, time

and destiny.  The three roots of the tree are called the spiritual,  

which signifies spirit; the terrestrial, which signifies organization; and

the infernal, which signifies matter (Hall XCIV).

     According to Islamic tradition and Hebrew teachings a tree of life

exists with its roots in heaven and its branches spreading over the

earth (The Encyclopedia of Religion 28).  Later Judaic, mediaeval

Qabbalists (Kabbala) further developed a belief in the tree of life

or what they termed the Sephirothic tree.  This tree represented

creation with its roots in the reality of spirit and its branches in

existence.  This tree was also inverted with its roots in heaven and its

branches spreading upon the earth.  The Qabbilistic tree was the

single source of life and its structure repsented various elements. 

The tree’s trunk represented the single origin of all diversity; the roots

embedded in the earth symbolized divine nutriment; and its nine

primary branches, which further spread into smaller branches,

represented the infinity of universal effects dependent upon a single

cause.  To the Qabbalists, the tree of life represented the spiritual

point of balance (Hall XCIV).

     Perhaps the most significant reference and story concerning the

tree of life is found in the Bible.  In Genesis, two very important trees

are mentioned which are found in the Garden of Eden.  Genesis 2:9

states “And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree

that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in

the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” 

(Ryrie 7).  The Tree of Life is spoken of first and ultimately is one of

the most important things mentioned in the Bible concerning heaven

and eternal life.  This tree and its importance are often overlooked in

the Bible.  The majority of emphasis is placed on the Tree of

Knowledge of Good and Evil, which is the tree Adam and Eve ate of

in the Garden of Eden.  It is interesting to note that God allowed

Adam and Eve to eat of all trees of the garden, including the Tree of

Life, except of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.  Genesis

2: 16-17 states “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of

every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the

knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that

thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Ryrie 7).  After Adam and

Eve ate of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, I think it is very

ironic how God reacted.  Genesis 3:22 states “And the Lord God

said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and

evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of

life, and eat, and live forever.” (Ryrie 9).  Also, Genesis 3:24 states

“So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of

Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to

keep the way of the tree of life.” (Ryrie 9).  Several very important

questions arise from these scriptures #1: What is meant by one of

us?  #2: Why is the Tree of Life so important that it now had to be

guarded by Cherubims?

     I believe the verses referring to the Tree of Life are some of the

most critical in the Bible concerning heaven and eternal life.  The

Tree of Life is mentioned six times in the Bible, three times in

Genesis and three times in Revelation, and is used in reference to

eternal life or heaven.  The Tree of Life is also mentioned two other

times in the Bible, but in a different context.  In Proverbs 3:18 it is

used concerning wisdom (Ryrie 943).  In Proverbs 11:30 it is used

concerning righteousness (Ryrie 953).  It is interesting that the

Tree of Life is mentioned in the very beginning of the Bible and not

mentioned again until the very end of the Bible.  Also, similarly in our

discussion in class concerning Hell, it is difficult to determine if the

Tree of Life is a literal tree, or is being used as a metaphor for

eternal life or heaven.

     The three verses in Revelation that the Tree of Life are mentioned

in are also very interesting,  Revelation 2:7 states “He that hath an

ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that

overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of

the paradise of God.” (Ryrie 1922).  Revelation 22:2 states “In the

midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the

tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit

every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of

nations.” (Ryrie 1950).  Revelation 22:14 states “Blessed are they

that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of

life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Ryrie 1950).

     Based on these verses it is simple to see the importance and

significance of the tree of life.  What would have happened if Adam

and Eve would have eaten of the tree of life?  Would they have lived

an eternity in sin and evil?  Why was God so concerned if they

were to eat of the tree of life?  It is apparent that God did not want

Adam, Eve or mankind to have access to the tree of life until they

had learned responsibility for themselves and their actions of sin. 

God simply did not want another Satan on His hands, someone that

would use the gifts and abilities He gave them to use against Him

and in evil and sinful ways.  Before God gave mankind the gift of

eternal life he had to be sure that mankind could be trusted which

such an incredible and powerful gift.  Today, our only access to the

tree of life is through Christ Jesus.  In the end, there is a very

important reason why things must be done God’s way.  Sometimes it

is very difficult for mankind to understand God’s methods and

reasons for His actions, but we must live by faith and trust that God

has everything under control in the long run.  Based on these

verses it is easy to see the importance of the tree of life and its

significance to heaven and eternal life.

Some cultures and religions that believe in a tree of life:

Warao Indians of South America

Japanese culture

Scandinavian culture

Greek culture

Hindu religion and culture

Ancient Egyptian culture

Persian culture

Zoroastricism

Islamic tradition

Ancient Hebrews and Judaic Qabbalists

Modern Christian religion