The Garden Of Eden — Some Questions
Categories: Bible Questions and AnswersA querist asks, “Were there any animals in the garden of Eden besides the serpent? If so, did Adam and Eve eat any kind of meat from animals?”
Perhaps a more accurate question would be, “Were there any animals on earth when the garden, in the region called Eden, was planted?” (Genesis 2:8-NKJV – see commentary).
From the Scriptures, we know that God created the various birds, sea creatures, and land animals on the fifth and sixth day (cf. Genesis 1:20-23-NKJV; Genesis 1:24,31-NKJV). We also know that after God planted the garden, (Genesis 2:8-10-NKJV), He gave Adam the responsibility of naming the various created animals and birds (Genesis 2:18-20-NKJV).
Thus, from the above Scriptures, we see that there were indeed animals in the “region” where the garden of Eden was located.
The answer to the querist’s second question regarding the eating of meat from animals, is “No.” According to the Scriptures, Adam and Eve were not authorized or allowed by God to eat meat in the region called “Eden.” Rather, God authorized a vegetarian diet for His created beings, including man (Genesis 1:26-30-NKJV).
God did not authorize or allow meat to be eaten until Genesis 9:3-NKJV. The question arises, “Why did God cancel the restriction of eating meat at this time?” The Bible does not give a recorded reason for God canceling the restriction, and any speculation on our part is useless (cf. Deuteronomy 29:29-NKJV; 1 Timothy 6:3-4-NKJV; 2 Timothy 2:23-NKJV; Titus 3:9-NKJV).