The answer is: Four

Gen 2:10

When you think of the Garden of Eden, it's easy to envision a lush paradise overflowing with life, but it seems even the geography there carries significance. The river that flows from Eden splits into four distinct branches as it leaves the garden—Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates—each with its own path and properties.

Pishon is thought to circle the land of Havilah, known for its gold, while Gihon is described as surrounding Cush. The Tigris and Euphrates are well-established rivers that play a vital role in what we today call Mesopotamia—the cradle of civilization. This symbolizes how copious life and abundance blend perhaps reflects the interplay of nurturing and sustenance provided by these waterways.

Interestingly, in ancient views, rivers often symbolize life, creation, and rejuvenation. Many cultures explain creation stories around rivers and water. For instance, the Nile may echo similar themes in Egyptian narratives.

Moreover, the number four appears often in religious contexts, representing completeness or universality in various ancient traditions. Consider this: the vision of four corners in a quilt encompassing various regions. In this parallel, the four rivers branching out from Eden signify the expansiveness of creation, suggesting that unity can thrive despite different paths. So, when reflecting on the rivers of Eden, we witness not just geography but imaginative glosses on life's diversity stemming from a singular source—a powerful reminder of connection in variety!