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Bible Dictionaries
Gardens
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
or 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, Genesis 2:8-10 15:1-21 1 Kings 21:2 Ecclesiastes 2:5,6 . They were located if possible beside a river or fountain, Genesis 13:10 Numbers 24:6 . In other places reservoirs were provided, from which the water was distributed in various ways, as occasion required, Proverbs 21:1 Song of Song of Solomon 4:12-16 Isaiah 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, 2 Samuel 23:6,7 Job 1:10 Proverbs 15:19 Hosea 2:6 . Often, however, they were left unenclosed, and were watched when their fruits began to ripen, Isaiah 1:8 Jeremiah 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 Isaiah 1:8 . Gardens and groves were often furnished with pavilions, seats, etc., and were resorted to for banqueting and mirth, Isaiah 51:3; for retirement and meditation, John 18:1; for devotional purposes, Matthew 26:30 John 1:48 18:1,2; and for idolatrous abominations, 1 Kings 14:23 Isaiah 1:29 65:3 66:17 Jeremiah 2:20 3:6 . A family tomb was often prepared in a garden, John 19:41 .
These files are public domain and are a derivative of the topics are from American Tract Society Bible Dictionary published in 1859.
Rand, W. W. Entry for 'Gardens'. American Tract Society Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ats/g/gardens.html. 1859.
