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The River Pishon and the Land of Havilah

Genesis 2:11-12 states, “The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one that encircles the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good; there is also bdellium gum and onyx stone.” The description highlights the richness and abundance of Jehovah’s original creation. The mention of gold, bdellium, and onyx not only emphasizes the region’s material wealth but also demonstrates how Jehovah provided everything necessary for a flourishing life.

The identification of the Pishon River remains elusive. Satellite imagery has revealed evidence of ancient riverbeds in Saudi Arabia, one running northeast from the Hijaz Mountains to the Persian Gulf. This discovery aligns with the characteristics described in Genesis and offers a plausible location for the Pishon. However, the global Flood described in Genesis 7:11-12 likely obliterated or drastically altered the river’s original course.

The land of Havilah is mentioned in several other Scriptures, including Genesis 10:7 and 25:18, where it is linked with descendants of Ham and Ishmael, respectively. Its location near areas rich in gold suggests that post-Flood geographers named the region after a pre-Flood counterpart.

The Gihon River and the Land of Cush

Genesis 2:13 states, “The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one that encircles the entire land of Cush.” This verse introduces interpretative challenges. While “Cush” often refers to Ethiopia in later accounts, its use here likely denotes a different region. Some scholars propose that it refers to the Kassites of ancient Mesopotamia or certain tribes in the Arabian Peninsula, as suggested by Habakkuk 3:7, which parallels Cushan with Midian.

The Gihon’s exact identification is also uncertain. Some have linked it with the Araxes River (modern Araks), which flows northwest of Lake Van and empties into the Caspian Sea. This suggestion fits a Mesopotamian-centered view of Eden. However, the Deluge likely altered the river’s course or erased its traces entirely.

The Significance of Gold, Bdellium, and Onyx

The materials associated with Havilah—gold, bdellium, and onyx—are significant. Gold is universally recognized for its value and purity, while bdellium, a resin, was prized for its aromatic qualities. Onyx, a precious stone, symbolized beauty and strength. These materials underscore the richness of the earth Jehovah created, reflecting His generosity and design for human enjoyment.

In the post-Flood world, such resources continued to play a role in human history, as seen in their use in the construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:7) and Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 10:18). This continuity highlights the enduring value Jehovah placed on beauty and utility.

Theological Insights from the Rivers

The Pishon and Gihon rivers remind us of the perfection of Jehovah’s creation before the Flood. These rivers provided water and resources to sustain life and promote human flourishing. The descriptions of their locations and associated regions emphasize the harmonious balance Jehovah designed for the earth.

Moreover, the inability to pinpoint these rivers today serves as a reminder of the catastrophic impact of the Flood, which reshaped the earth’s surface and erased much of the pre-Flood world. This underscores the consequences of human disobedience and Jehovah’s power to execute His judgments (Genesis 6:5-7).

Conclusion: What the Pishon, Havilah, and Gihon Teach Us

The rivers Pishon and Gihon, along with the land of Havilah, provide a glimpse into the abundant provision and order of Jehovah’s original creation. While their exact locations remain uncertain due to the transformative effects of the global Flood, their descriptions in Genesis highlight the richness of life in the pre-Flood world. These accounts remind us of Jehovah’s purpose for mankind: to live in harmony with His creation and enjoy the blessings of His provision (Genesis 1:28).

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).