1. The LORD God (8)

'LORD' was the name God taught Moses when he sent him to redeem his people from slavery in Egypt. It is a name that reflects God's love (Ex 3:14;6:3). He loves his people and wants to be with them to bless them. He wants man whom he created to be happy, so, as an expression of his love, he planted a beautiful garden for him. He provided everything necessary for man's happiness.

2. The trees and rivers of the garden (9-14)

The garden must have been full of flowers and singing birds and delicious vegetables, but here the beauty of the garden is represented by trees. They stand tall, representing all the things man needs for life and happiness. They were good for food; they were beautiful. Man who bears God's image could appreciate and enjoy them. There were two special trees put there to provide for man's spiritual need. God would say more about these later. The rivers suggest that the blessed life of the garden would follow the rivers and gradually spread to all the earth.

Application: Lord, thank you for your love, and for your gracious provision for my needs.
One Word: God wants mankind to be happy