INTRODUCTION: In Genesis chapter two we receive additional information on the creation and original state of mankind.I. THE FIRST SABBATH - verses 1-3.
On the sixth day God finished His creation. The seventh day was set apart as one of rest. This was not a rest from weariness but rather a resting in joy and satisfaction. When the Sabbath was incorporated into Israel's law [Exodus 20:8] it was according to the pattern given here. The seventh day was set apart for rest.Christians have often referred to Sunday as the "Christian Sabbath." The author has never felt comfortable with this [Colossians 2:14-16; Galatians 4:9-10; Romans 14:5]. We should, however, recognize the Sabbath principle. The Sabbath was instituted for the physical, spiritual, and mental well-being of man [Mark 2:23-27, note verse 27]. Man needs a day of rest and spiritual nourishment. Christians follow the pattern of the New Testament in assembling on the first day of the week. This was the day that Christ arose [John 20:1; Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:2]. During the first week of the world God set apart a day to contemplate and delight in the creation of which man was the high-point. Let us now, as much as possible, set Sunday aside as a day to contemplate and delight in the Lord.
Note: Here the word sanctify is used for the first time. It obviously means to "set apart." This helps us to understand later Bible teachings on sanctification.
II. CREATION RE-INTRODUCED - verses 4-6.
These verses give a quick summation of Genesis chapter one. This prepares the framework in which to enlarge upon man's creation. There are several new items of information here.In verses 5-6, we have an explanation concerning the watering of the earth. In the present hydrological cycle, the earth is watered by moisture evaporating from the oceans and then being moved by air masses over land where it falls as rain or snow [Ecclesiastes 1:6-7]. At the time of creation, however, the earth was watered by local evaporation and condensation [verse 6], and spring-fed rivers [verse 10]. Probably the water table was also very high. While there are many interesting theories on the pre-flood nature of earth's atmosphere, it is at least obvious that it was very different from that of today.
In verses 4-6, we are also introduced to a new name of God. The first chapter refers to Him as "God" which is a translation of the Hebrew name Elohim. In Genesis 2:4, He is introduced as the "LORD God." Whenever you see LORD spelled in the Old Testament with all capitals it is a translation of the Hebrew name Jehovah. This name, which the Jews in reverence refused even to pronounce, refers to God as the "self- existent One."
III. MAN'S CREATION - verse 7.
Man's body was created from the dust of the earth. Perhaps "Dusty" is not such a bad name for boys [I Corinthians 15:47]. Our food comes directly or indirectly from the earth and in death our body goes back to the dust.While the body is a wonderful creation we see, however, that the principle of life came directly from God. He breathed into man the breath of life. Life is more than cleverly arranged atoms. It is a gift of God.
IV. THE GARDEN OF EDEN - verses 8-14.
Man's original dwelling was not in a mansion, but in a garden. Houses, like clothes, came with the introduction of sin. God provided everything Adam would need before He created him. There was food for nourishment and delight. There was beauty for the eyes. There was an occupation to pass the time and bring fulfillment [verse 15]. There was even companionship [verse 18]. In all this we see the love and goodness of God. Especially mentioned are two trees [verse 9]. Of these trees was the tree of life which is the most difficult to understand. It is mentioned several times in Scripture [Genesis 3:24, Ezekiel 47:12, Revelation 2:7, Revelation 22:2]. In some way it was connected with physical health.Scripture also mentions a river that ran through Eden. This helped to water the garden that was on the east side of Eden [verse 8]. Some information is given in verses 10-14 on the four tributaries of this river and the areas through which they flowed. While it is not possible today to locate Eden through this information, it did seem to lie in the area of the "Fertile Crescent." This area is commonly recognized as the birthplace of civilization.
Note: Eden means pleasant, enjoyment, or delight.
V. MAN'S OCCUPATION - verse 15.
Note well that man was given work even before sin entered. Only in work does man find ultimate fulfillment and contentment. Adam's work was pleasant as the earth had not yet been cursed [Genesis 3:17-19]. Noxious insects and plants were not yet present. Blights and droughts were no problem. Earth's bounty needed only to be directed and utilized for beauty and nourishment.In God's original dealings with Adam, we have the basis for a work ethic [Exodus 20:8-9; II Thessalonians 3:10]. Let every Christian teach their children the need and dignity of work. Let us also perform all labor to the glory of God.
VI. THE TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL - verses 16-17.
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was placed in the garden so that man might be tested. Many have debated the species of the tree. This is to attempt to be wise above what is written and misses the whole point. Man already knew good because he was created holy and knew God. He could only know or experience evil by disobeying God. In verse 17 we have the only restriction placed on man and therefore the only temptation to sin. Regardless of the nature of the tree, to eat of it was disobedience. This would bring death and the knowledge of evil.There are several things to keep in mind concerning this first test:
1. Through Adam the whole human race was tested. Adam was the covenant head and representative of the human race [Romans 5:12-19]. Christ is called the "last Adam" because He represented His people [I Corinthians 15:45].2. God bountifully provided for Adam's needs and wants [verse 16]. The only restriction on Adam in no way left him in need [verse 17]. There was no excuse for sin.
3. Adam had no sinful nature to lead him into sin [Genesis 1:27].
4. Adam was warned of the dire consequences of disobedience. The day that he ate of the forbidden fruit he would die spiritually [Ephesians 2:1]. Because of Adam's sin men are now dead spiritually, dead or dying physically, and in danger of the second death [Revelation 20:14].
Why do men age and die? We may never understand the physical process but through Scripture we know the spiritual cause. All this background reveals how high-handed and unreasonable Adam's sin was. It was not a small sin, but treason against the benevolence and just authority of God.
CONCLUSION: Before the Fall God warned of death while the world knew only life. Now in the midst of death He speaks of life in Jesus Christ. Thank God for the last Adam.
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