| GARDENS |
Are often mentioned in Scripture, though in a sense somewhat peculiar; for in the language of the Hebrews, every place where plants and trees were cultivated with greater care than in the open field, was called a garden. Fruit and shade trees, with aromatic shrubs, sometimes constituted the garden; though roses, lilies, and various gardens were used only for table vegetables, Ge 2:8-10 15:1-21 1Ki 21:2 Ec 2:5,6. They were located if possible beside a river or fountain, Ge 13:10 Nu 24:6. In other places reservoirs were provided, from which the water was distributed in various ways, as occasion required, Pr 21:1 So 4:12-16 Isa 58:11. Gardens were inclosed by walls, or by hedges of rose bushes, wild pomegranate trees, or to her shrubs, many of which in Palestine have long and sharp thorns, 2Sa 23:6,7 Job 1:10 Pr 15:19 Ho 2:6. Often, however, they were left unenclosed, and were watched when their fruits began to ripen, Isa 1:8 Jer 4:16,17. It is still customary in Egypt, Arabia, and Hindostan, to plant a large level tract with melons, cucumbers, etc., and place a small hut or booth on a mound in the center. In this a solitary keeper is stationed, who remains day and night until the fruits are gathered, Job 27:18 Isa 1:8. Gardens and groves were often furnished with pavilions, seats, etc., and were resorted to for banqueting and mirth, Isa 51:3; for retirement and meditation, Joh 18:1; for devotional purposes, Mt 26:30 Joh 1:48 18:1,2; and for idolatrous abominations, 1Ki 14:23 Isa 1:29 65:3 66:17 Jer 2:20 3:6. A family tomb was often prepared in a garden, Joh 19:41. |