![]() ![]() It can mean neither moral nor sexual 8 nor any other partial knowledge, but only that knowledge which includes and determines human existence as a whole, … one’s own existence.Ĭonsistent with this reading of the phrase, Latter-day Saint scripture refers to the ability to know “good from evil,” 9 which presupposes “man’s power to choose the sweet even when it is harmful and reject the bitter even when beneficial.” 10 The Prohibition on the Tree of Knowledge Any limitation of the meaning of “the knowledge of good and evil” is thereby excluded. … concerned with knowledge (or wisdom) in the general, comprehensive sense. ![]() 6 The kind of understanding implied by the phrase “knowledge of good and evil” is, as Claus Westermann 7 concludes: Perhaps the most relevant hint on the meaning of the phrase comes from Deuteronomy 1:39, which speaks of little children “who… have no knowledge of good and evil,” suggesting “that they are not legally responsible for their actions.” 4 In this sense, the term refers not to abstract conceptual knowledge but rather to the kind of “knowledge which infancy lacks and experience acquires.” 5 Thus, sensing his inexperience, the young King Solomon prayed for the ability “to discern between good and evil” so that he would be able to function in his royal role. 3 The variegated light and darkness in the photograph of the fig tree shown above suggests the ambivalent nature of this symbolism. The Hebrew expression “knowledge of good and evil” can mean knowledge of what is good and bad, or of happiness and misery-or, most arguably, of “everything,” if “good and evil” can be taken to mean the totality of all that is, was, or is yet to be. ![]() Symbolism of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil In Essay #60, we will see how their placement in the Garden of Eden relates to the layout of Israelite temples and makes their roles in the story of Adam and Eve apparent. This Essay will provide some background on the symbolism of these two trees. Though neither the nature nor the function of the Trees of Life and Knowledge are given explicitly in scripture, an understanding of temple teachings and layout can greatly illuminate this subject. However, its presence has always been somewhat of a puzzle to students of the Bible because it is only briefly mentioned in Genesis: once at the beginning of the story in connection with the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, 1 and once at the end when cherubim and a flaming sword are placed before it to prevent Adam and Eve from partaking of its fruit. The Tree of Life is certainly the most significant object in the Garden of Eden. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |