Sacred, not Secret

Let’s think about the basic symbolic differences between a fruit-bearing tree in a field and big building in a field.

There’s a whole lot to say, so lets focus for now on the different view when you are standing outside.

The tree is open to view.  Whatever is going on at the tree you can see from pretty far away.  There may be problems with your visions–there may be fogs or obstacles–but none of them are intrinsic to the tree.  It is open to view.

The building, however, is concealed on the inside.  The outside observer does not know what is going on in there and that’s the nature of a building.  A building’s basic functions of protection from elements and defense against outsiders mean that it also offers concealment.

In Lehi’s dream, both concealing mists and the building are associated with evil.  Hidden works, concealment, secrets, and cover ups are key to their work.  Whereas the tree is open.

But you can’t know everything about the tree until you go there yourself.  You can see that there is fruit.  You can see that the people who eat it really like it.  But you can’t  know the taste until you taste.

The building is secret.  The tree is sacred.