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d) Gen 3:6: Adam and Eve viewed the snake—a creature under their authority—as the paragon of wisdom (Gen 1:26–28). Folly drove their decision, for they had all good things they needed but wanted more (Gen 1:29–30).[1]
Consequently, Eve chose to view the fruit from the forbidden tree like all other produce in Eden: good for food and a delight to the eyes (Gen 2:8–9, 16–17).[2]
Once she determined that the tree was “desirable to become wise,” covetousness arose in her heart.[3] Unaware of evil, Eve likely saw this as an opportunity to grow in god-likeness.[4]
Craving something she did not have,[5] Eve ignored God’s command to pursue aesthetic appearance, sensual desire, and convenience.[6]
Moses wrote, “And she took of its fruit, and she ate, and she gave [it] also to her husband [who was] with her, and he ate.”
The verb forms point to a chronological sequence of events, with each one representing the logical consequence of what preceded it.[7] This rapidly cascades to push the narrative forward.[8]
The text does not convey that Eve tempted Adam. In addition, we do not know what type of fruit they ate. The notion of an apple comes from the Latin words for “apple” and “evil” sounding alike.[9]
Image via Wikimedia Commons
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Read Gen 3:6. What changes took place in Eve’s heart? How did Adam respond when his wife offered him forbidden fruit? Why do you think he did that? In what sense did Adam and Eve die that day? How do you respond to things which delight your eyes and offer a short-cut to achieving your goals?
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Go to Their Eyes Are Opened (Gen 3:7)
[Related posts include Stewards of the Earth (Gen 1:26 cont.); Male and Female He Created Them (Gen 1:27); The Lord Provides Food (Gen 1:29–30); A Well-Watered Garden (Gen 2:8–14) Forbidden Fruit (Gen 2:16–17); and Author and Date of Genesis]
[Click here to go to Women and Marriage Throughout Redemptive History; or to Chapter 6: A Serpent in the Garden (Genesis 3:1–13)]
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[1] Sailhamer, The Pentateuch as Narrative: A Biblical-Theological Commentary, 103.
[2] Wenham, Genesis 1–15, 75.
[3] Hamilton, The Book of Genesis, Chapters 1–17, 190.
[4] Bonhoeffer, Creation and Fall: A Theological Exposition of Genesis 1–3, 113.
[5] Hamilton, The Book of Genesis, Chapters 1–17, 190.
[6] Waltke and Fredricks, Genesis: A Commentary, 91.
[7] Gesenius, GKC, 328, https://archive.org/details/geseniushebrewgr00geseuoft/page/328.
[8] Wenham, Genesis 1–15, 75.
[9] Hamilton, The Book of Genesis, Chapters 1–17, 191.
Redemptive History and Theology 