“But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.”
Context: Genesis 3 recounts the events in the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve, the first human beings, were created and placed by God. They were given dominion over all the creatures of the earth and were permitted to eat from every tree in the garden, except for one—the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In this verse, Eve is responding to the serpent’s question about God’s commandment regarding that particular tree.
The Commandment of God: God had clearly commanded Adam about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In Genesis 2:16-17, God said to Adam, “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” The commandment was straightforward and had serious consequences for disobedience.
Eve’s Response: In her response to the serpent, Eve accurately recounts God’s commandment. She acknowledges that they were not allowed to eat from the tree or even touch it, emphasizing the severity of the prohibition. This suggests that Eve had a proper understanding of the commandment, but she was about to be deceived by the serpent.
The Temptation: The serpent, who was crafty and cunning, approached Eve and deceived her by casting doubt on God’s commandment. He said, “Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:4-5). The serpent misled Eve into thinking that God was withholding something good from them.
The Consequences: As the story continues, Eve, convinced by the serpent’s words, took the fruit from the forbidden tree and ate it. She also gave some to Adam, who was with her, and he ate it as well. Their disobedience had severe consequences not only for themselves but for all of humanity. Sin entered the world, bringing with it pain, suffering, and separation from God.
Key Lessons:
- God’s commandments are meant for our good and protection. He gives us guidelines to follow for our well-being and to maintain a close relationship with Him.
- Doubt and deception can lead us astray from God’s commands. The serpent twisted God’s words, causing Eve to question the truth and goodness of God’s intentions.
- Disobedience has consequences. Adam and Eve’s disobedience resulted in the introduction of sin and its subsequent effects on humanity. Our actions have far-reaching implications.
In summary, Genesis 3:3 highlights Eve’s response to the serpent regarding God’s commandment about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obeying God’s instructions and the consequences that follow when we yield to doubt and deception.
