Genesis 3 Chapter Commentary: Paradise Lost

The account of that paradise’s destruction as a result of the first willful human sin is told in Chapter 3. The results include quick humiliation and a permanent break from their family.

This chapter is about Eve and how she was tricked by a serpent. With Adam, she ate from the tree. God expelled Adam and Eve from the garden because the earth was cursed.

The Lord condemned the snake and said that he would make hatred between it and the woman because of its dishonesty. He claimed that as the serpent bit man’s heel, man would crush its head.

God foretold that Eve would endure a difficult labor and delivery and that her husband would dominate over her. All of Adam’s days would be spent working to survive, it was said. Finally, God informed them that since they originated from dust, they would also die and return to dust.

What’s the Main Point?

The subject of this chapter is the fall of man and how God despised sin. It explains how to emerge from the shadows and search for God’s light.

What Can We Learn from This Chapter?

This chapter teaches us 3 valuable lessons. First, we learn about the origin of sin in Genesis 3. It also demonstrates how sin creeps into human lives. Adam and Eve decided to engage in behavior that was sinful. They hurt God by putting themselves first instead of him.

Second, temptation is not a sin. However if we do not fight against it, we will fall into sin. This is what exactly happened to Eve. She was tempted by the serpent and couldn’t resist it. Thus, she became a sinner. Not only that, she also urged her husband Adam to eat the fruit. So, both of them committed the same mistake.

The third lesson – there are repercussions for sin. After disobeying God, Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden. Since they could already distinguish good and evil, God made them live on their own. Obedience to God’s commandment will keep us safe from sinning.

Prayer:

My Lord and my God, give us the strength and courage to resist the overwhelming temptations that we encounter every day. May your guiding hands lead us to the path of holiness. Amen.