Summary: There are 9 references to gardens in Song of Solomon. This sermon is a study of the gardens of scripture.

1. A GARDEN OF NEARNESS

Genesis 3:8 "They heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day".

How sweet must have been Adam and Eve’s daily existence - Christ walking with them through Eden. But sin spoiled it. Yet the Saviour loves to draw near to His blood-bought children - Luke 24:15 "It came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them".

2. A GARDEN OF HEAVINESS

Matthew 26:37 "He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy". No wonder the Saviour was "heavy" in Gethsemane - our sin was weighing down upon Him.

3. A GARDEN OF BITTERNESS

Luke 23:33 "When they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him".

Death and the curse were in our cup:

O Christ, ’twas full for Thee;

But Thou hast drained the last dark drop,

’Tis empty now for me.

That bitter cup, love drank it up;

Now blessing’s draught for me.

4. A GARDEN OF JOYFULNESS

John 19:41 "Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid".

We read of the joy of the disciples when they knew Christ was alive - Matthew 28:8 & Luke 24:41+52. Their joy is ours too.

I know that my Redeemer lives;

What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, He lives, who once was dead;

He lives, my ever living Head.