Beale-the temple in the garden

Posted on July 22, 2016 by jamesbradfordpate

theoutwardquest

More from G. K. Beale on The Temple and the Mission of the Church: Adam was a priest and the Garden of Eden was a sanctuary. This is partly a reading back of Revelation 21 and ideas from post-exilic Judaism into Genesis.

But before I criticize, let me make some more positive points. Certainly in Genesis 2 ff. there is the notion that Eden is where man experienced the presence of God in a unique way. Adam and Eve walked and talked with God. So the notion of the presence of God in a unique place does parallel the notion of the unique presence of God in the Temple.

Beale argues that the instructions from God for Adam to cultivate and keep or guard the garden put Adam in a priestly role. In a way this is true. Part of the duty of Hebrew priests was to manage the sanctuary…

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About jamesbradfordpate

My name is James Pate. This blog is about my journey. I read books. I watch movies and TV shows. I go to church. I try to find meaning. And, when I can’t do that, I just talk about stuff that I find interesting. I have degrees in fields of religious studies. I have an M.Phil. in the History of Biblical Interpretation from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio. I also have an M.A. in Hebrew Bible from Jewish Theological Seminary, an M.Div. from Harvard Divinity School, and a B.A. from DePauw University.
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