Trees Of Life

In Ezekiel's vision, the river even became a torrent, and the prophet saw growing on both sides of it all kinds of fruit-bearing trees. (Ezekiel 47:12) But what does John see? This: "And on this side of the river and on that side of the river there were trees of life producing twelve crops of fruit, yielding their fruits each month. And the leaves of the trees were for the curing of the nations." (Revelation 22:2b) These "trees of life" must also picture part of Jehovah's provision for giving eternal life to obedient mankind.

What bounteous provision Jehovah makes for responsive humans! Not only may they partake of those refreshing waters but they may pluck from those trees a continuing variety of sustaining fruits. Oh, if only our original parents had been satisfied with a similar "desirable" provision in Eden's Paradise! (Genesis 2:9) But now a global Paradise is here, and Jehovah even makes provision through the leaves of those symbolic trees for "the curing of the nations." Far superior to any medicine, herbal or otherwise, that is dispensed today, the soothing application of those symbolic leaves will raise believing mankind to spiritual and bodily perfection.

Those trees, well watered by the river, may additionally picture the 144,000 members of the Lamb's wife. While on earth these also drink of God's provision for life through Jesus Christ and are called "big trees of righteousness." (Isaiah 61:1-3; Revelation 21:6) They have already produced much spiritual fruitage to Jehovah's praise. (Matthew 21:43) And during the Thousand Year Reign, they will have a part in dispensing the ransom provisions that will serve for "the curing of the nations" from sin and death. -Compare 1 John 1:7.

Next time: No More Night

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988