Tree of Life

The image of a tree or plant gives one the idea of something that lives, grows and in some cases brings forth a desired food or substance. The use of trees in ancient religion was not something confined to Christianity alone but can also be seen in various ancient world religions. But found specifically in Christianity is the symbol of the tree of life. The imagery of this tree is used extensively throughout ancient Christian worship and scripture to symbolize the love of God and eternal life, the ultimate aim for both God and man.

The introduction of this tree is made in the Garden of Eden to Adam and Eve. The first mention of the tree is in Genesis 2:9, in which God planted “the tree of life in the middle of the garden.” Accompanying the tree of life is the tree of knowledge of good and evil, in other words agency. The names of these two trees clearly point to what they symbolize. We learn that had our first parents partaken of the tree of life they would have lived forever. We also see from this ritual text in genesis that because they chose agency (knowledge of good and evil), we are all now as mortal children of God subject to death.

The menorah is a physical symbol of the Tree of Life seen in ancient temples. Although modernly menorahs are used primarily by the Jewish faith, this symbolic candle was used in ancient worship. The description of this Christian menorah is found in Exodus 25:31-40 where it states, “And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side.” We also know from biblical scripture that this menorah was traditionally placed in the center of King Solomon’s temple, just as the tree of life was placed in the midst of the Garden of Eden. By placing this symbolic tree of life in the middle of the temple, God’s people were spiritually keeping the love of God and his desire for our eternal salvation at the focal point of their worship.

In the Book of Mormon this same tree of life is a key element in Lehi’s dream and used figuratively throughout the Book of Mormon. Upon first beholding the tree Nephi states in 1 Nephi 11:25, “and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.” Nephi also describes it as “precious above all”, to “exceed the whiteness of driven snow” and “exceed all beauty”. These images describe something that is unrealistic and beyond earthly comprehension unless seen with an “eye of faith”. This faith is exactly what God asks of us, to realize our own potential made possible by Jesus Christ’s atonement. Using the other image of the iron rod as the word of God we can understand that although Adam and Eve transgressed and were removed from the tree of life we, through obedience and holding to “the rod” in this life, can one day return to that tree and behold the glory of God.

The imagery of the Tree of Life seen in Lehi’s dream is applied throughout the Book of Mormon. Alma uses a slightly different analogy when referring to obedience to obtain the tree of life and the blessings it entails. He likens the word of God to a seed that needs to be nourished rather than an iron rod. But just as in Lehi’s dream, the energy and dedication invested in the word of God consistently leads to the Tree of Life which is the greatest of all. Alma teaches the poor of this principle in Alma 32. He states in verses 41-43,

“ But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life. And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst. Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.”

Here, Alma instructs us to be patient in “plucking the fruit thereof” indicating that nourishing the seed, or holding to that rod of iron is not an easy task and requires the help of the Lord.

The Tree of Life seen in these various passages of scripture and worship is an important symbol pertaining to our journey here on earth. The tree was present in the beginning and should be our end goal and the utmost desire of our hearts. We must keep the love of God at the center of our worship including Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for us, just as Solomon kept the menorah in the center of the temple. Also, we should heed the council of Alma and Nephi and cleave unto the word of God, remaining diligent and patient. By progressing through mortality in our process towards the tree of life, we will one day be ready to partake of the delicious fruit and find peace beneath its branches

Citations
Brown, Matthew B. The Gate of Heaven : Insights on the Doctrines and Symbols of the Temple. Danbury: Covenant Communications, Incorporated, 2004.

Parry, Donald W., ed. Temples of the Ancient World : Ritual and Symbolism. Boston: Deseret Book Company, 1994. p. 127-129.

Parry, Donald W., and Stephen David Ricks. The Temple in Time and Eternity. Provo: F. A. R. M. S., 1999. p. 126-128.