Gò0dNews for Everyone
Gardening or Goldmining? Genesis 1-3
W
by Dr. Rob Debelak
ith purpose and order, God plants a lush garden
among the foliage. Their subsequent efforts compounded the
and places a steward there (2:8-9). Food supplies are
problem as layer upon layer of vegetation depicted the lengths
abundant and accessible, except for one tree (2:15-
people will go in futile attempts to bury guilt.
17). The man's new residence is complete with running water
Living outside the garden is harsh. The woman endures
(2:10-14). A stream extends beyond Eden, winding through a
painful childbearing (3:16); her children struggle against evil
land rich with gold that is good, aromatic resin, and onyx. A
(3:15)—will they succumb to temptation as she had (Ch 4) or
precious metal, a fragrant balm, and an exquisite stone—all
emerge victorious, despite affliction? She and her husband
valued for trade but non-consumable. These resources are
experience relationship issues (3:16). The man labors to put
quality but pale in comparison to God's Garden.
food on the table (3:17-19). There are resources (2:12), but life outside the garden is opposite the ideal; it is marked by sorrow, strife, and self-interest (Ch 4). The environment is cursed, tension-filled, and food more challenging to come by. In the end, death will take them to their graves. If only they had listened. Life now is less than God's garden design. Echoing the judgments and characterizing human existence is pain (hard work, regardless of industry; 3:17), power (relationship tensions, reaching international levels; 3:16), and the insatiable pursuit of greed (distorting use of gold & precious resources; 2:12). Esteeming commodities (“...gold that is good”) of greater import than God's Word cheapens them. The silent symbols of Genesis 2:12 challenge us to examine if we are content to live outside the garden in a world of suffering and brokenness,
God favorably assesses His handiwork (1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31), though, a solitary deficiency is the man's loneliness
preferring material things we value and potentially idolize. Ignoring God settles for less, no matter how shiny or
(2:18). Creating the woman and their joyful uniting complete
appealing the options. In contrast, the psalmist sings, the
the chapter. Tragically, however, choosing the forbidden tree
Lord's ordinances “...are more precious than gold, than much
dishonors God's one command and results in judgment (Ch 3).
fine gold” (Ps 19:10). Despite arduous efforts to produce
Exposed, they play the blame game, but no one wins passing
bread (food), life stems from every word originating with
the buck for sin. God sentences the serpent, the woman, and the
God (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4). Ultimately, Scripture's
man; reserving access to another tree (the tree of life), He sends
redemptive story anticipates the faithful returning to garden-
the unrepentant human pair from the garden (3:23-24).
like beauty and restored relationships—a homecoming to
Life in Eden enjoyed equality between the couple (1:27-31).
a holy place where God still prioritizes a life-giving tree,
Both bear the image of God, together they are blessed, and each
reducing the human estimation of gold to building material
shared responsibility in caring for creation. They were to be
and pavement: “...the leaves of the tree (of life) were for the
fruitful and multiply. Selfish desire, though, drew their hearts
healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2) and “...and the street of
away from loving God preeminently. Blessings, transparency,
the city was pure gold” (Revelation 21:21).
Everything hinged on one prohibited tree. Embarrassed by transgression, they sewed leaves to cover their shame and hid
30 // August 2021
About The Author
joy, fellowship, provisions, shelter—all altered in a moment. Dr. Rob Debelak is associate professor of Bible in Lee University’s Online Program. He has taught at Lee University for 25 years, and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He and his family reside in Cleveland, TN.
