The Heart Behind the Command: Learning from Eve’s Choice
In Genesis 3, we find one of the most pivotal moments in human history. The first humans, Adam and Eve, encounter a temptation that will alter the course of creation. Here, Eve is faced with a decision—to trust God’s command or to question it. The serpent's deception is subtle but effective, and Eve’s response reveals a truth we can all learn from: sometimes, we focus on the command rather than the reason behind it.
Understanding God’s Command
In the Garden of Eden, God gives Adam and Eve a straightforward command: “You shall not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:16-17). This command was clear and direct, but it wasn’t arbitrary. God's command was given to protect and preserve His creation, to shield Adam and Eve from the knowledge of evil, which would lead to separation from Him.
Yet, when we read Genesis 3, it’s clear that Eve’s focus shifts. Instead of remembering the heart behind God’s words—that He is loving, protective, and wants the best for her—Eve focuses solely on the restriction itself. This is where the serpent seizes an opportunity, using her misaligned focus to twist God’s words, ultimately convincing her to question His goodness.
The Deception: A Subtle Shift in Focus
The serpent begins his approach with a question: “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1). Notice the subtle but impactful twist. The serpent suggests that God’s command is restrictive rather than protective, shifting Eve’s view of God’s command from one of care to one of control.
Eve responds by trying to correct him, but she adds her own twist: “God said, ‘You must not eat it, and you must not touch it, or you will die’” (Genesis 3:3). God never mentioned not touching the tree; He simply commanded them not to eat from it. This addition reveals Eve’s altered perception of God’s character, viewing Him not as a loving Father but as a restrictive ruler.
Losing Sight of God’s Heart
Eve’s focus on the “do not” rather than the “why” behind the command ultimately leads her to doubt God’s goodness. She becomes preoccupied with what she can’t do, rather than understanding why God set the boundary in the first place. When we focus solely on the commands of God without seeking to understand His heart, we open ourselves to similar doubts and distortions of His character.
Jesus highlights the importance of understanding God’s commands in the right way. In Matthew 22:37-40, He emphasizes that all commandments rest on two foundational principles: love for God and love for others. Jesus is essentially calling us to understand that behind every commandment lies God’s love and desire for our well-being. By focusing on the “why” behind God’s commands, we are led into deeper trust, freedom, and relationship with Him.
Reflecting on Our Own Choices
How often do we find ourselves in Eve’s shoes, focusing on God’s boundaries rather than the loving intentions behind them? Perhaps we feel restricted by certain commands or struggle to understand why God would ask something difficult of us. In these moments, we must remember that God’s commands are not meant to limit our joy but to lead us into deeper life, peace, and intimacy with Him.
We can use Eve’s story as a cautionary example. When faced with doubts or temptations, let’s ask ourselves: Am I focusing on what God has asked me to do, or am I seeking to understand His heart behind it?
A Prayer for Wisdom and Trust
Father, help us to see Your heart in everything You command. Give us wisdom to recognize that Your boundaries are there to protect and guide us into true joy. Like Jesus, may we be filled with a love for You that seeks to understand and trust rather than question. Let our hearts rest in knowing that You are a good Father, always guiding us toward abundant life. Amen.