Mapping Eden
Last time we mentioned the maps. This time however, we have some more solid physical landmarks that make up the boundaries of the region. With these, we should be able to sufficiently identify where these go. When defining the boundaries, these are often placed along the outside of the map unless of course it is drawn to scale. Drawn to scale basically means a very small but accurate representation of how big something really is. On very huge bodies of land, a drawn to scale map would be quite large. For smaller ones however, the map could be as small or large as you would like. Here we see the boundaries. As before, there are some physical characteristics. Alright, back we go to Genesis 2:10-14 again.
And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
12 And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
13 And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.
14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
Can you pick out the physical descriptors? When I draw a simple map, this is all that I will need. However, if I want to make the map reach into the other dimensions, besides just a flattened sheet of paper, I will need to extend it just a bit. First of all, there are some other dimensions. For example, you and I exist in four dimensions. Take a blank piece of paper or look down upon the floor. That makes the first, or the flat dimension. Say for instance I would like to draw on it as many maps are made. This also has no shape or form but takes up space. Can you tell me what I should use to represent these things?
The physical characteristics form the lines and ridges while the descriptors make the folds or wrinkles in the landscape. Say you might have a solid line representing the river. But what if you want to show the valley that is just before. You might shade in a little depression or for more complex maps you could do a bit more.
Next put something or your hand upon it. This is the second of the four dimensions. It is made up of distance and takes up space. Then see the next, the third dimension of the four. This is known as you and me. Go ahead and stand up on your ground or paper, whichever one it is. Here is seen what really matters. Therefore, it is shape, and space, and matter.
Finally, comes the fourth, the seeming greatest of the three. Here is time itself after it has ceased to be. Now wave your hand across the land. That movement is considered time. One minute it was not there before. The next, you were already in motion. Then again, a minute later found you in a completely different position. It is this that accounts for the rise and fall of the lay of the land. Come on now, you know what I mean. Your physical descriptors stay static but your descriptors of them change. For instance, you could have yourself on the paper or the floor today and the next one your friend. Then after a couple days have passed, you find you both get along well together. Why not be nice just to share a map. Perhaps next time we will get farther than what should be on a map. Maybe if we're lucky we'll even find a river.