Genesis 2:8 - Divine garden of perfection planted.

Planting the Garden in Eden

The verse states: "וַיִּטַּע יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים גַּן־בְעֵדֶן מִקֶּדֶם וַיָּשֶׂם שָׁם אֶת־הָאָדָם אֲשֶׁר יָצָר" ("And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He placed the man whom He had formed").

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 2:8) comments that the term "וַיִּטַּע" ("planted") implies that Hashem prepared the Garden of Eden with pleasant trees and delightful sights before placing Adam there. This teaches that Hashem first created a beautiful and suitable environment for man, demonstrating His kindness and foresight.

Location of the Garden

The phrase "מִקֶּדֶם" ("eastward") is interpreted in several ways:

• Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "מִקֶּדֶם" refers to the eastern side of Eden, indicating a specific geographical location.
• Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (15:1) explains that "מִקֶּדֶם" alludes to the primordial origins of the Garden, as "קֶדֶם" can mean "ancient" or "from the beginning of time," emphasizing its divine and eternal nature.

The Purpose of the Garden

The placement of Adam in the Garden is significant:

• Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:30) explains that the Garden was designed as a place of spiritual and physical perfection, where man could attain closeness to Hashem through contemplation of divine wisdom.
• Zohar (Bereshit 1:35b) teaches that the Garden of Eden was a reflection of the higher spiritual realms, and Adam's role was to elevate the physical world by fulfilling mitzvot and recognizing Hashem's presence.

Symbolism of Planting

The act of planting by Hashem carries deeper meaning:

• Sforno (Bereshit 2:8) notes that planting implies permanence and growth, symbolizing that the Garden was meant to be a lasting dwelling for mankind, provided they adhered to divine will.
• Malbim emphasizes that planting suggests careful preparation, indicating that every detail of the Garden was intentionally designed for man's benefit and moral development.