![[#48] Genesis 3:17-19 – The Curse Upon the Ground](https://redeeminggod.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/defense-of-historical-adam-150x150.jpg)
Did God curse Adam after he ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil? Nope. Remember, God does not curse humans and God does not punish. Of course, in Genesis 3:17-19, God does pronounce a curse, so we’ll see what that is about in today’s episode. Our study will also lead us into a little fun speculation.
The Text of Genesis 3:17-19
Genesis 3:17-19. Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.”
In this discussion of Genesis 3:17-19 we look at:
- The consequences upon man for eating from the Tree of Knowledge
- Why it was not wrong for Adam to listen to his wife
- The fact that Adam and mankind is not cursed
- The three consequences for the curse upon the earth
Resources:
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Did God really pronounce a curse? Is there more like stating a consequence of actions? (with a plan to do something about it)
This provokes great thought. With a bit of input from a friend, I wrote a post which explained just what you are saying here…I look forward to your insight on this.
One question you had was about Adam listening to Eve. The way I see it, it was not wrong for him to listen to her, per se. What was wrong was that he did not remind her that God had a standing order concerning that tree. Maybe Adam should have taken her by the hand and reminded her of what God said. Or, after she had eaten the fruit, he could have said, “Let’s go to the Father with this.
The outcome would likely not have changed the world, but it seems Adam could have handled the situation better, than trying to hide.
You mentioned that we will spend eternity not in heaven, but on earth. Can you give a short explanation why you think this (opposed to christian tradition)? What then is heaven? I’d like to read your thoughts on this.
Hi Regula,
The idea that we will spend eternity in heaven comes more from pagan religion than from Scripture, and has only been prominent in the church for the past 500 years or so.
Based on this idea, we read it into various passages which do not teach it. For example, when Jesus invites us to participate in the Kingdom of God (or the Kingdom of Heaven), we think He is referring to heaven, when in fact, He is referring to the rule and reign of God on earth, so that what happens here on earth is similar to what happens in heaven.
While we will be able to visit heaven all we want, it will not really be our home. We will be more at home in the home God created for us, which is earth (the New Earth, anyway). This idea is best expressed in some of the closing chapters of Revelation (chapters 21-22).
I HIGHLY recommend this book to learn more: http://amzn.to/2cJMYmt
I think the kingdom of heaven has to do with God’s promised kingdom to Israel.
We have the promise that “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thes:4:17).
In the Millennium, the book of Revelation tells us that we will be “priests of God and of Christ” and we will “reign with him for a thousand years” (Rv 20:6).
At the end of the Millennium, there will be a final rebellion (Rv 20:7-10), followed by the “Great White Throne Judgment” (Rv 20:11-15). Following this, in Revelation:21:1 we are told, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”
The new heavens and the new earth will be a place “wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Pt 3:13). Since the new heavens and new earth are designed to be a place of dwelling for the righteous, Scripture doesn’t seem to hold any limitations as to whether the righteous are restricted to either heaven or earth. Nevertheless, we shall always be with the Lord, and the Lord is omnipresent.
Duet 11;26 God gives man a choice to be blessed or cursed same as Adam there are consequences when we chose not to heed Gods word.Did God curse Adam yes he did both he and eve died spiritually they lost that constant fellowship with God that relationship was broken.So he was cast out from the garden from under Gods protection.Adams love for Eve was his downfall he chose her love over Gods love and When we chose anything else other than him for our security we fall into the same trap as Adam.and we also must deal with the consequences.He most definitely is a jealous God.brentnz
Love your speculation! It makes a lot of sense. I love it, that is a really interesting way to look at it.