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, Genesis 1:2-10; Genesis 1:15; 1 Kings 21:2 Ecclesiastes 2:5, Ecclesiastes 1:2. 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 Solomon 1:4-16 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, 2 Samuel 1:23 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, Jeremiah 1:4. 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; John 1:18, John 1:18; and for idolatrous abominations, 1 Kings 14:23 Isaiah 1:29; Isaiah 1:65; Isaiah 1:66 Jeremiah 2:20; Jeremiah 1:3. A family tomb was often prepared in a garden, John 19:41.