Eve Transgresses

Undoubtedly, Adam quickly informed Eve of the one prohibition Jehovah had imposed:  They could partake of fruit from all the trees in their garden home except one-the tree of the knowledge of good and bad.  They were not to eat from it. (It was not an apple tree. No one really knows what kind of fruit it was for sure, so we should not speculate) If they did, on that day they would die. -Genesis 2:16, 17. 

Before long, an issue was raised regarding the forbidden fruit. Eve was accosted by a serpent, used as a mouthpiece by an invisible spirit.  In apparent innocence, the serpent asked:  "Is it really so that God said you must not eat from every tree of the garden?" Eve replied that it was permissible to eat the fruit of every tree except for one.  But then the serpent contradicted God, telling the woman: "You positively will not die.  For God knows that  in the very day of your eating from it your eyes are bound to be opened and you are bound to be like God, knowing good and bad."  The woman began to see the prohibited tree in a different light.  "The tree was good for food and . . . it was something to be longed for to the eyes."  Thoroughly deceived, Eve broke God's law. -Genesis 3:1-6; 1 Timothy  2:14.

Was Eve's sin inevitable?  By no means! Put yourself in her place. The serpent's claim completely distorted what God and Adam had said.  How would you feel if a stranger charged someone you love and trust with dishonesty?  

Eve should have reacted differently, showing disgust and indignation, even refusing to listen. After all, who was the serpent  to question God's righteousness and he husband's word? Out of respect for the principle of headship, Eve should have sought advice before making any decision.  So should we if were are ever presented with information  contrary to God-given instructions. Yet, Eve trusted the Tempter's words, desiring to be her own judge of what was good and bad.  The more she toyed with the idea, the more it appealed to her. What an error she made by entertaining a wrong desire, instead  of dismissing it from her mind or discussing matters with her family head! -1 Corinthians 11:3; James 1:14, 15.

Next time: Adam Listens to His Wife's Voice

The Watchtower, 2000