Adam and Eve
Along with answering your questions, I want to take time to look at specific passages in the Bible. In some cases, we’ll cover the story very quickly. Other times, it may take us a few days to learn all the truths found within the passage.
Today I want to look at the story of Adam and Eve.”
The story of how sin entered the world is found in this passage. The first two chapters of Genesis are dedicated to the story of creation. Adam and Eve are formed and all is wonderful.
Then, in chapter three, we are introduced to Satan, who comes in the form of a talking snake.
Let me, over the next few days, suggest to you the progression of how people are deceived into disobeying God. I believe there is a progression, and it is laid out very clearly in this passage.
The first thing that happens is not obvious when you read this passage in English. In fact, you likely missed it. Now, if you were reading it in Hebrew (the original language in which Genesis was written), you would have caught it.
Look at the first paragraph again and see if you notice anything unique. Don’t worry … I’ll wait for you to read it.
Did you catch it? No?
The narrative begins by using the “divine name” for God: “LORD God”. In the Hebrew, it says, “Jehovah Elohim”. In fact, “Jehovah Elohim” begins to be used as soon as Adam and Eve are created (Genesis 2:4).
Jehovah Elohim was the ultimate holy name of God. In fact, it was so revered by the Jewish people, they would not even pronounce the word Jehovah. It was the “awe-inspiring”, holy name of God.
The serpent, when he speaks to Eve, drops the awesome, holy part of God’s name, and refers to him as simply Elohim (Hebrew for God). And over the next few verses, during the entire temptation and disobedience, God is referred to as simply Elohim.
The holy, majestic part of his name is not used again until after Adam and Eve have disobeyed. In verse 8 of this chapter, the name switches back to LORD God (or Jehovah Elohim).
Why is this so important? Because the first step down the path to sinful disobedience is to stop seeing God they way we should see him. Yes, he’s full of grace. Yes, he loves us beyond our understanding. But we must never forget that he is still a holy, awesome God. He is in charge. He is the “boss”. He is to be obeyed.
The serpent knew that if he was going to convince Adam and Eve to disobey God, he would first have to get them to stop seeing God as “the one in charge.” He succeeded in doing that, and it was the first step down the path to destruction.
How do you see God? Do you recognize him as holy and awesome?
Over the next few days, I’ll offer some more thoughts from this passage.
Until tomorrow.
