The tree of life’s appearance in the Book of Mormon is not surprising considering the Semitic background of the book. This ancient Near Eastern symbol is supported not just by Semitic evidences but by discoveries related to other ancient cultures in Mesopotamia and Egypt. While other cultures do not provide the meaning of the tree of life as clearly as does the Book of Mormon, occurrences of the symbol almost always include both a sacred tree and waters of life. (See Echoes, 397–398.)