"Through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."
(Revelation 22:2)
John adds three more pictures to help reinforce the abundant satisfaction found in the New Jerusalem. “In the mist of its street and on either side of the river a tree of life”. Adam and Eve were barred from the Garden of Eden because they might eat of the tree of life and live forever (Gen. 3:22-24). Flaming cherubim guarded the tree of life. We don’t know all that this tree involved but its properties are sustaining, overcoming even the destructive effects of sin. While Adam and Eve were barred from the tree, the residents of the New Jerusalem are welcomed to it! The indication of the singular tree in multiple locations, “on either side of the river,” suggests not one tree but a forest of trees lining the street of New Jerusalem. Again, it’s a picture of abundance. John also tells us that the tree bears “twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month.” He resorts to using the calendar in a realm where there’s no need for a watch or Day-Timer or Outlook! But how else can he explain such abundance, never ceasing to produce abundant satisfaction without resorting to language that we can all grasp? “And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Since he’s already told us that there’s no longer any death or mourning or crying or pain, all of that having passed away (21:4), then why is there need for healing leaves? Robert Mounce offers a solid explanation due to John’s “imagery belonging to the present age. The healing leaves indicate the complete absence of physical and spiritual want. The life to come will be a life of abundance and perfection”
(Phil A. Newton)
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