Sefer HaBahir 23

1Rabbi Rachumi said, “From your words, it could be learned that the Blessed Holy One created the needs of this world before the heavens.” He [Rabbi Levitas ben Tavrus] replied, “Yes. ָA parable, to what it is similar: to a king who seeks to plant a tree in his garden. He searches throughout the whole garden to know if there is a spring of flowing water to place the tree upon, and he does not find one. He says, ‘I will dig for water, and I will bring forth a spring so that the tree can be sustained.’ He dug, and out came a spring flowing with living waters. Afterward, he planted the tree, and it stood and produced fruit. It was successful in its roots because it always drinks from the spring."