Two Trees

In the Garden of Eden were two trees, “The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil” and the “Tree of Life.” A knowledge in some form of these trees has survived in many civilizations, with varying degrees of corruption. When we examine these tree motifs we most often see them associated with an “ascension ritual.”

In LDS thinking, these trees were present in the great archetype and example of all ascension motifs, which is the life of Adam. These trees existed in the Garden of Eden representing certain powers or forces. How Adam interacted with these forces drove the drama Adam lived, that is depicted in scripture, and in the temple.

We can see the symbolism of the two trees being carried forward to the Temple of Solomon. When an initiate participated in the initial ordinances in Solomon’s temple he found himself between two pillars, Jachin (he establishes) and Boaz (in strength).

Following Adam pattern, how we interact with the forces of the two trees largely determines our life, and our eternity.



(From Ryrie Study Bible)