Genesis 2:13

• Gihon: The exact location is unknown, but some think it could be the Nile River or the Jordan River (as in the Greek version of Jeremiah 2:18; Josephus, Antiquities 1.1.3). Or according to Jewish tradition, it could be a river that once flowed through the Kidron Valley (1 Kings 1:33; 2 Chronicles 33:14).

• Although Cush often refers to ancient Ethiopia, the immediate setting here seems to be a region in Mesopotamia connected with Babylon (see 10:8). Cush may refer to the land of the Kassites, a people who ruled in Babylonia.

This description portrays the eastern region around Eden as a mountain with rivers flowing out to the world. Eden's beauty and fertility enriched the entire earth.

Similar to the holy time set on the seventh day of creation (2:2–3), the garden in Eden was a holy place separate from the rest of the world. It was like a garden-temple or sanctuary because the Lord showed his presence there in a special way.

This story (see study note on 2:4) of the heavens and the earth is not a second creation story. Instead, it expands on 1:1–2:3 with more theological and historical details. The focus shifts to what the universe (kosmos) produced rather than on its creation.

Special attention is given to the first man and woman. As the story continues, it is shaped by contrasts such as good and evil, knowledge and ignorance, life and death, and harmony and conflict.