Post by Ben Avraham on Sept 1, 2017 12:08:47 GMT -8
THE FALL
The man opened his eyes and looked up at the deep blue sky that his creator had made. It was blue like a sparkling sapphire that reflected the bright, warm rays of the sun which the creator had put there in the midst. The bright sunlight warmed the skin of the man. It felt good, but so good. It was all part of the creation that the God of all beings had put into place.
The man sat up. He looked upon his arms, legs, and torso which were coated with a reddish-brown dust, the dust of the earth from which he was made. Then the man stood up upon his feet and looked around at his surroundings. He looked towards the North, the South, towards the East, and the West. All around him was a vast, green forest-garden with all kinds of fruit bearing trees, bushes of berries, and fields of all sorts of grains. There were also trees and shrubs with no fruit, but instead, had multi-colored flowers which emitted a variety of different, sweet fragrances which perfumed the air around the man.
The cool, green grass under his feet felt refreshing, as there was the presence of a cool mist which came up from the earth to water the whole garden-forest (1). The man observed a high hill which was near the center of the garden. Alongside the hill he saw a crystal-clear river that watered the garden. At a little distance away, it parted into four separate rivers that flowed away from the garden forest.
The man approached the river in the midst of the garden and found a small, quiet pool. When he looked down into the pool he saw a man looking up at him. The man that looked up at him glowed with a soft, glowing light. The man looked at himself carefully. He looked at his arms, legs, and torso and indeed, he did shine with his creator’s shekinah glory. The very essence of Elohim was upon his body.
The man marveled at the garden-forest which Elohim had created. He desired all the goodly fruit which hung from the branches of the diverse fruit-trees. Then Elohim spoke to the man out of the heavens and said;
“Of every tree of the garden ye may freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die.” (2)
So the man went in among the trees of the garden and partook of all the goodly fruit that the trees produced. He ate from the trees that produced pears, apples, oranges, kiwi, mangos, bananas, and cherries. He also took from the vines that produced both green and purple grapes. He ate of the trees until his hunger was satisfied.
As he wandered throughout his paradise home, he came to a clearing in the midst of the garden. There in the clearing grew the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The tree was a bit taller than the other trees of the garden-forest. It was lovely to look upon and it emitted a fragrance that perfumed the whole area around it. Its fruit was like tiny clusters of grapes hanging from its many branches. But the man heeded the warning of his creator and continued to explore the rest of the garden, leaving behind the forbidden tree.
Now the man was not alone in the garden, for he saw many varieties and kinds of beasts, beasts that walked on all four legs, some that walked on two legs with long tails behind them. He also observed the beasts that flew through the air, both great and small. He bent down to observe the tiny insects that scurried along the ground from which he was made. He saw that some beasts were of one color, others, such as the flying beasts, were of many colors.
Then the man decided to follow one of the rivers that flowed from the garden. As he gazed into the crystal clarity of the waters he noticed all kinds of fish, some of one only color, others of many colors. There were both large and small fish, all swimming up and down the rivers. He went to observe the other three rivers and saw also, many fish that swam up and down the flowing waters.
So God brought all the beasts of the field, and fowls of the air to the man to see what he would call them. (3) As the man observed each and every beast, he gave them names according to their size and characteristics. To all he gave names, according to their kinds and species, from the tiny field mouse that ran in the fields, to the giant Behemoth, whose legs were like iron and whose tail was like a cedar and with its long neck, would drink up the waters of the rivers. He named also the fowls of the air, from the tiny Titmouse that could fit in the palm of a hand, to the giant Pterosaurs, whose wing span was three times the height of a man, and whose flapping of wings would stir up whirlwinds. The man also gave names to the fish of the rivers, according to their species and kinds.
The man continued to explore, even beyond the boundaries of his garden home. He traveled westward even unto the great Sea. There he called forth the great beasts of the sea and they came forth, even unto the shore where the man stood. To them he also gave names. He gave names to the great whales, sharks, and to the swarming creatures, even the great Leviathan, whose massive size towered above the mightiest of the whales.
Now the man noticed that in naming and observing all the beasts of the earth, the fowls of the air, and the fish of the waters, every beast was either male or female, and that every beast had its mate. The man was saddened that there was no mate for him, a counterpart liked unto himself. So, the man returned to his garden paradise with a fallen countenance. Then Elohim looked down upon the man and said;
“It is not good that man should be alone. I will make him a helper comparable to him.” (4) So, the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept. Then he took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which he had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. (5)
Then the man awoke from his sleep and looked up into the face of the woman. She was beautiful to look upon, the perfect help-meet for the man. He stood up and embraced the woman, kissing her tenderly saying:
“This is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man.” (6)
Adam and Eve gazed into each other’s eyes and knew they had been made one for the other. Adam also noticed that Eve’s body also had a soft covering of light that came from the presence of the LORD God of all creation. It was like a skin of light, that covered their flesh.
So, Adam showed Eve the garden-forest that the LORD God had given them. He showed her all the vast array of fruit and nut trees, the flowering bushes and shrubs. He also took her to the midst of the garden and showed her the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He also explained to her the warning that the LORD God of creation had given him concerning the tree. He took her to see the beasts of the earth and pointed to the fowls of the air. Eve learned their names and they called them by their names and by their kinds. When they called to the animals, they came to the man and the woman as there was no fear in their hearts.
Adam then took his to see the rivers that flowed from their garden paradise. Adam showed Eve the different fish that swam in the flowing waters and told her their names. Adam and Eve then traveled together westward toward the great sea. On their way, they saw the immense variety of animals, both great and small. Adam also called them by their names and Eve learned their names. When they arrived at the great sea, Adam called out to the marine beasts, both great and small. They all came to the water’s edge when he called the names.
Eve stood in awe at the size of some of the beasts, the great whales, the long-necked beasts with long tails and flippers. She marveled at the schools of flying fish that glided over the waves of the waters. The great Leviathan also came at the bidding of the man and woman.
Adam and Eve finally made their way back to their garden home. They lay down together in the soft green grass under one of the many fruit trees of their paradise dwelling. Exhausted from their trip, they soon fell fast asleep. The woman awoke at first light, and seeing that her husband was still asleep, went off to explore the garden paradise alone. When she reached the center of the garden she saw the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. She gazed with desire at its lovely fruit which hung from the branches.
The sweet fragrance of the tree brought her even closer, but she remembered the warning of her husband concerning the tree.
As she came even closer, even to stand under the tree she noticed some movement among the many flowering branches. Then the serpent that rested among the leaves spoke to the woman saying;
“Eve, hath Elohim indeed said ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” and Eve said unto the serpent;
“We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden, but of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, Elohim hath said ‘You shall not eat of it, nor shall you touch it lest you die!”
“Ye shall not surely die” replied the serpent with utmost deceit, “for Elohim knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like Elohim, knowing both good and evil!” (7)
So Eve confided in the words of the lying serpent and seeing that the tree was good for food and pleasant to the eyes, and that it would increase her wisdom in all things, she reached up and picked some of its fruit and ate of it. Adam, in the meantime, had awaken from his deep sleep and seeing that Eve was not by his side, got up and called out to her.
“Here am I husband” cried out Eve from the midst of the garden, “I am by the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
So Adam went to the midst of the garden and found his wife under the forbidden tree with some of its fruit in her hand. When he saw his wife with the fruit, his countenance fell, and was greatly dismayed thinking that indeed, she had partaken of the fruit.
“Wife” began the man, “Did ye not remember the words which I spoke unto thee? That the LORD God of all creation gave us free choice of all the trees of the garden, save this one which is here in the midst of the garden. Only this tree was prohibited to us so why did ye disobey? Why did ye eat of it so foolishly?” Adam dropped to his knees, covering his face with his hands. He cried tears of sadness and anguish concerning his wife.
“Be ye comforted husband” replied Eve, trying to reassure her husband. “As you can see, I am not dead, but quite alive and well. The serpent said it would be good to eat of the fruit of this tree and become just as our creator is, knowing both good and evil.”
But the voice of Eve trembled as she spoke, and the look of fear and guilt overcame her being. Even the aura of light which covered her body had begun to fade.
“My dear wife” began Adam as he went near Eve, “did not Elohim create us both in His perfect image? Did he not create us both to know what He wanted us to know? Then why didst thou wish to know more” can anyone be exactly like Elohim?”
Adam looked into the eyes of his wife with love and tenderness. He could not bear the thought of living without her. Alas, he would indeed share in her suffering and guilt. Adam then extended his hand and took some of the fruit from the hand of Eve and he did eat of it as well. Then the eyes of both of them were opened and saw to their distress that the soft covering of light which glowed upon their bodies was fading away, finally, disappearing completely. It was then that they realized that they were naked.
The couple ran as fast as they could from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and hid themselves elsewhere in the vast forest garden called Eden. They found a fig tree and with its leaves, made two aprons to cover their nakedness. Yet the aprons could not hide their
, they lay down and wept in each other’s arms. Perhaps, just perhaps, they could hide themselves from the presence of the LORD.
Then they heard the sound of the LORD God as he passed through the garden. They remained hidden, fearing the wrath of their creator for their disobedience, yet the creator called out to them in a still, soft voice, a voice of love yet tinted with sadness and disappointment.
“Adam, where art thou?” said the LORD God of all creation.
“I heard your voice in the garden and was afraid. I was naked and therefore, hid myself”. Adam tried to speak boldly, yet his voice reflected fear and.
“Who told thee that thou wast naked?” responded the creator, “Didst thou eat of the tree which I commanded thee not to eat?”
Yet the voice of God was still soft, like a father reaching out to his disobedient children, searching for an admission of guilt and repentance. (8)
Then Adam and Eve stood up and walked towards the voice of their God and creator. They told Elohim what had happened, of the serpent’s deceitful advice, of their eating of the forbidden fruit. When they had finished their confession, they awaited the verdict from God.
There was a short pause, then the voice of God rang out like thunder with the words like bolts of lightning;
“Serpent, because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field. Upon thy belly, thou shalt go, and dust thou shalt eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel.” To the woman God said;
“I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception. In pain thou shalt bring forth children. Thy desire shalt be for thy husband and he shalt rule over thee.” A loud clap of thunder and a bolt of lightning followed each sentence that came forth from the mouth of God. Then the LORD God of all creation said unto the man;
“Because thou hast listened to the voice of thy wife and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee saying, ‘thou shalt not eat of it’ cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee, and thou shalt eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread til thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” (9)
Adam and Eve were greatly saddened at the fact that because of their disobedience to the command of their creator, they had brought forth the curse of sin into the world. No longer could they live in their garden paradise, but were cast out of the garden.
Cherubs, with a flaming sword, were stationed at the east of the garden to guard the way to the Tree of Life. Now, the couple had to seek out another place to live, outside of the garden.
Once outside the garden, the LORD God Elohim brought Adam and Eve to a high hill and showed them two lumps of bloodied flesh. The flesh stank and flies were all around it. Adam and Eve were deeply saddened at seeing the two lifeless corpses.
“Why, Oh LORD, have you brought us here, and what is the meaning behind these two lifeless beasts of the field?” asked Adam, distraught over the sight of death.
“The LORD spoke out of a cloud which pulsated with a glowing light saying; “I want thee and thy wife to see the cost of sin. Because of thy disobedience to my commandment that prohibited thee from eating of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, these two perfect lambs had to die. Their blood will cover and atone for your sin. Now, look behind where thou art standing!”
The man and his wife then looked and behold, there were two aprons made of the skins of the lambs that were slain.
“Put them on” said the LORD God of all creation, “and be ye both reminded forever of the cost of sin. Now harken ye unto the voice of thy God. At dusk, at the beginning of each new day, take ye two goodly and perfect lambs, one for each of thee and sacrifice them upon an altar made of unhewn stones. Ye shalt put wood there upon, and when ye call upon my name, I will hear thy voice from my glory cloud, and will send forth fire to consume the sacrifices, thus ye shalt do all the days of your life. Be ye comforted, for one day, a lamb will come who will take away the sin of the world forever.” Thus, the LORD finished speaking.
Both Adam and Eve wondered at the words of Elohim as they dressed themselves in the skins of the lambs. When they descended the hill, they saw that one of the rivers that flowed from the garden was near. They followed the river for a short distance, and found a small cave that was at the base of another hill. They made that cave their new home.
But the LORD God of all creation did not forget Adam and Eve, for he sent an angel to teach them many things. The angel taught them how to make fire from rocks of flint and iron, how to mix clay and water and shape them into vessels for cooking. He also taught them to sow seed and reap in due time, how to care for the animals, milk the cows, and goats, and how to make cheese from the milk. The angel taught them to sheer the sheep and make clothing for their bodies.
So, Adam and Eve learned much from the angel, and soon learned how to make bread from crushing the grains of wheat and barley, adding water and cooking them in the fire. All these things the angel taught them and much more. The angel spoke kindly to them and reminded them of the promise of Elohim, that the head of the serpent would someday be crushed by the future seed of the woman. Adam and Eve were thus comforted by the words of the angel.
Yet Eve was still distraught with the fact that she had brought the curse of sin into the world. Yes, she knew that through her seed the curse of sin would come to end, but when? Who would it be? So, Adam comforted her and reassured her that it would be soon. Now Adam loved his wife dearly, with all of his heart, and he knew her and she conceived and bore a man-child. Adam and Eve named their son Cain. She conceived again and they named their second son Abel.
Adam and Eve loved their two sons, and they taught them all that the angel had taught them. They taught them how to make fire with stones of flint and iron, how to form vessels from clay, they showed them the fields of grain and the pastures where the sheep and goats grazed. Cain was fascinated by the fields of wheat, barley, and corn. He became a farmer and cared for the fields of grain, sowing and reaping in due season. Elohim blessed the ground for his sake. He learned how to reap the fields of wheat and barley, fanning them to extract the grains, then crushing the grains to make bread. The bread he brought to their cave home.
Abel loved the sheep and the goats, and he became a shepherd and cared for them all. He learned how to milk the goats and make cheese. He brought the milk and the cheese to the cave for his father, mother, and his brother Cain. Now the LORD God of creation was gracious to Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel. There was an abundance of fruit and nut trees, bushes of berries, and vines of grapes that were outside of the forbidden garden of Eden. So every morning, the family would go gather the fruits of the earth and bring them back to their cave. Cain would bring the bread and Abel would bring milk and cheese. Together as a family, they would eat their meals on the luscious green grass in front of their cave home
The years passed, and the children grew in the knowledge of good and evil. Abel’s eyes always reflected the love and passion towards his parents and towards the animals of field, but Cain, as he grew, his eyes reflected pride and arrogance. And it came to pass that the day came that the sons of Adam and Eve arrived at the age of accountability, understanding, and wisdom. Then their father called them to his side and lifted up his voice saying;
“Harken now my sons unto my voice, and take heed to the counsel of thy mother, for today, ye have both arrived at the age of accountability. Ye have both observed since the time and thy births, how thy father and thy mother have sacrificed four lambs at dusk, one for each of us. The LORD God Elohim of creation commanded us to do so as a reminder of our sin. The blood of the lambs is a covering and atonement for the same. This we have done since the time of our expulsion from our garden home. Now my sons, go ye both into thy fields and build ye each an altar of stone and put wood thereon. Abel, take ye of the flocks of sheep two goodly lambs, one for thyself, and the other for thy brother. Take ye the lamb and sacrifice it on the altar in thy pastures, and Cain, take ye the other lamb and sacrifice it on the altar in thy fields of grain. The LORD God of all creation will then look down upon thy sacrifices and will send fire from heaven to consume the sacrificial lambs. This thy sins will be covered and atoned for. Thus, thee shalt do every day at dusk, for all the days of thy lives.”
When Adam had finished talking with his two sons, he sent them out to their fields. Abel went to his pastures where the sheep and goats grazed, and Cain went to his fields of wheat, barley, and corn. Both brothers went to work building their altars of stone.
Abel then selected a goodly lamb from the flocks, tied its legs together and placed it on the altar that he had built. He then took a knife of flint, and looking towards heaven lifted up his voice saying;
“Oh LORD God of all creation, look now upon thy servant and upon this sacrifice. Accept it now as a reminder of my sin. May its blood cover and atone for my sin which was inherited through my father and mother.”
As he finished speaking these words, Abel slew the lamb and awaited the response of God. Then the LORD God appeared in a cloud of glory which hovered above the stone of altar. There was a sharp clap of thunder and fire came forth from the cloud and consumed the sacrifice. Then
Abel went to his flocks and selected another goodly lamb, young, and without blemish. He then carried it in his arms to his brother Cain who was in his fields of grain. Cain had also built an altar of stone and had put wood thereon.
“Brother” cried out Abel from a short distance, “behold the lamb which I carry to thee, for thy sacrifice to the LORD.”
But Cain did not respond to his brother. He paused for a moment and looked towards his brother, but spoke not a word in response. Abel then walked over to where his brother was and just observed him. Cain was carrying bundles of wheat and barley and was placing them on the altar of stone. Abel was a bit puzzled by the action of his brother and said to him;
“Brother, what meanest thou by placing wheat and barley on thy altar?”
Cain paused and turned to Abel saying;
“Seeth thou all this good wheat and barley which I have grown in my fields? Sown and cared for with my own hands and with the sweat of my brow? For certain, the LORD God of heaven will be pleased with this sacrifice of grain which I will now offer up to Him.”
But Abel was saddened by the words of his brother, as there was also a tone of pride and arrogance in his voice. So Abel responded to the words of his brother saying;
“Brother, thou knowest well that it is the LORD God of creation who givest thee the goodly produce from the earth. It is He that maketh rise the dew from the earth to water and nourish the crops. It is He who maketh the sun to shine down on thy fields to make grow all that thou hast sown. It is by His mighty hand that thou hast all that is in thy fields of grain. Yea, all that thou hast in thy fields is good, yet the LORD God requireth of thee a sacrifice of blood to cover and atone for thy sin. Do not, I beg thee, do so foolishly. Bringeth thou thy goodly grain to our cave for bread, and taketh from my hands this goodly and perfect lamb. This the LORD God will accept from thee as a sacrifice!”
“Nay brother” replied Cain with a voice filled with arrogance, “keepeth for thyself the lamb, for the LORD will indeed accept my sacrifice. Behold my altar and the grain thereupon, it is for the LORD!”
After placing the grains of wheat and barley upon the altar, Cain lifted up his hands toward heaven and cried out with a loud voice;
“Oh LORD God of all creation, accept now this sacrifice of grains which I have grown in my fields, by the labor of my hands and by the sweat of my brow I have produced all that thou seeth. Accept it now from me!”
But the voice of Cain was not a voice of humbleness, rather it reflected a sense of self-pride and arrogance. Then the glory cloud of Elohim moved from the pastures of Abel to the fields of Cain, it hovered above the altar which Cain had built, yet no thunder nor fire came forth. Then Cain lifted up his voice a second time saying;
“Didst thou not hear me LORD? Accept now this, my sacrifice, like thou didst unto my brother Abel. My sacrifice is just as good as his! Accept it now Oh LORD!”
The voice of Cain was now tinted with anger. He dropped his hands to his side and just glared up at the glory cloud of his creator. Abel stood by in silence, and still holding the lamb in his arms he spoke yet again to his brother.
“Did I not say unto thee that the LORD God would not accept thy sacrifice, seeing that it is not a sacrifice of blood? So accept this lamb from my hands and the LORD God will indeed honor it, and will send his fire to consume it.”
Cain did not reply to the words of Abel. He just stood there and glared at his brother with eyes of hatred, contempt and jealousy.
Just then, a whirlwind came forth from the glory cloud and blew away the grain that was upon the altar of Cain. Shaking his fists in the air towards the cloud of glory, Cain was filled with rage. He turned on his heels and headed toward the standing wheat in his fields. Then the voice of the LORD God came forth from the glory cloud saying;
“Cain, why art thou angry? And why hast thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, will not thy countenance be lifted up? And if thou doest not well, sin is at the door, and its desire is for thee, but thou must master it!” (10)
But Cain responded not to the voice of God, but instead, went to his brother Abel deceitfully saying;
“Abel my brother, sayeth thou that God desireth a sacrifice of blood? And yea, a sacrifice of blood will he thus receive.”
Abel, confident that Cain had a change of mind and would accept the lamb, extended forth the lamb which was still in his arms, towards his brother. Cain received the lamb from the hands of his brother, but then, he just threw it to the ground saying;
“Indeed, the LORD will receive a sacrifice of blood, thine own blood will be required of thee, my good and righteous brother!”
And with those words of jealousy and spite, Cain took Abel by the throat and with his other hand, slew him with his knife. Abel fell down and died by the feet of Cain, with his blood soaking into the ground. Now Cain, realizing what he had just done, was filled with fear. He hurriedly threw sheaves of wheat on top of his brother’s body and quickly walked away. Then the LORD said unto Cain;
“Cain, where art thy brother Abel?” to which Cain responded; “I know not, am I my brother’s keeper?” Then God said;
“Cain, what hast thou done? The voice of thy brother’s blood crieth out to me from the ground. Now, art thou cursed from the ground which hath opened its mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand. Now, when thou goest forth to cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield to thee its strength. Thou shalt be a vagabond, a wanderer on the earth!” (11)
At the cave, Adam and Eve wondered about their sons, since they tarried too long in their sacrifices.
“Wife” began Adam, “Our sons should have returned to us by now, perhaps some mischief hath befallen them. Come, let us go forth into their fields to see what hast become of them!”
With those words, Adam and Eve left their cave home and went towards the fields of their two sons.
“Go ye now wife, unto the fields of Cain, and I will go unto the pastures of Abel” said Adam as they arrived to their sons’ fields.
When Adam arrived at the pastures of Abel, he noticed the sheep and the goats wandering to and fro, bleating without ceasing. It seemed that the flocks sensed that their shepherd had been slain. All of a sudden, he heard the voice of his beloved Eve, a cry of anguish rang through the air. Adam left the sheep, and ran to his wife. She was standing, weeping bitterly next to some sheaves of wheat in the fields of Cain.
He joined her at her side, and both looked down at the bloodied corpse of their son Abel. He lay there, still, a slain shepherd, a righteous son, murdered by the hands of his brother. Adam and Eve knelt down and touched his face, it seemed as though he was just asleep. A trickle of blood still ran from his throat into the ground where he lay. Adam could no longer contain himself and cried out with all the power of his soul;
“CAIN, CAIN, what hath thou done CAIN? Where art thou my son? Where art thou CAIN?”
But Cain was on the run. He heard not the voice of his father, nor the anguish of his mother, for he has left the presence of his creator, running, with fear in his heart. Thus, Cain became a vagabond in the land of
, a land of wandering, living off the fruit and nuts of the trees which grew in the wild. He could no longer be a farmer since Elohim had cursed the land because of his great sin. He had murdered his only brother, out of anger, jealousy, and pride. Had he only accepted the lamb from his brother’s hands, the outcome might have been different.
Adam and Eve wept in each other’s arms over their son Abel. They wept for their son Cain, who they would never see again.
“Oh Adam” sobbed Eve, “Is this the price of sin? Is this the cost of disobedience? Is this the fate of those who will come after us? Murder? Rebellion?”
“Yes wife” sobbed Adam, looking into his beloved’s eyes, “The wages of sin is indeed death” (12). “Yet be ye comforted wife, that the LORD God of all creation has promised to crush the head of the serpent so as to put an end to the curse of sin.”
“Oh Adam” cried Eve, “May that day come soon, Oh so very soon.”
(1) Gen 2:6 (2) Gen 2:16,17 (3) Gen 2:19 (4) Gen 2:18 (5) Gen 2:21,22 (6) Gen 2:23 (7) Gen 3:1-5 (8) Gen 3:7-11 (9) Gen 3:14-19 (10) Gen 4:6 (11) Gen 4:9-12 (12) Rom 6:23
By J. Ben Avraham
The man opened his eyes and looked up at the deep blue sky that his creator had made. It was blue like a sparkling sapphire that reflected the bright, warm rays of the sun which the creator had put there in the midst. The bright sunlight warmed the skin of the man. It felt good, but so good. It was all part of the creation that the God of all beings had put into place.
The man sat up. He looked upon his arms, legs, and torso which were coated with a reddish-brown dust, the dust of the earth from which he was made. Then the man stood up upon his feet and looked around at his surroundings. He looked towards the North, the South, towards the East, and the West. All around him was a vast, green forest-garden with all kinds of fruit bearing trees, bushes of berries, and fields of all sorts of grains. There were also trees and shrubs with no fruit, but instead, had multi-colored flowers which emitted a variety of different, sweet fragrances which perfumed the air around the man.
The cool, green grass under his feet felt refreshing, as there was the presence of a cool mist which came up from the earth to water the whole garden-forest (1). The man observed a high hill which was near the center of the garden. Alongside the hill he saw a crystal-clear river that watered the garden. At a little distance away, it parted into four separate rivers that flowed away from the garden forest.
The man approached the river in the midst of the garden and found a small, quiet pool. When he looked down into the pool he saw a man looking up at him. The man that looked up at him glowed with a soft, glowing light. The man looked at himself carefully. He looked at his arms, legs, and torso and indeed, he did shine with his creator’s shekinah glory. The very essence of Elohim was upon his body.
The man marveled at the garden-forest which Elohim had created. He desired all the goodly fruit which hung from the branches of the diverse fruit-trees. Then Elohim spoke to the man out of the heavens and said;
“Of every tree of the garden ye may freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die.” (2)
So the man went in among the trees of the garden and partook of all the goodly fruit that the trees produced. He ate from the trees that produced pears, apples, oranges, kiwi, mangos, bananas, and cherries. He also took from the vines that produced both green and purple grapes. He ate of the trees until his hunger was satisfied.
As he wandered throughout his paradise home, he came to a clearing in the midst of the garden. There in the clearing grew the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The tree was a bit taller than the other trees of the garden-forest. It was lovely to look upon and it emitted a fragrance that perfumed the whole area around it. Its fruit was like tiny clusters of grapes hanging from its many branches. But the man heeded the warning of his creator and continued to explore the rest of the garden, leaving behind the forbidden tree.
Now the man was not alone in the garden, for he saw many varieties and kinds of beasts, beasts that walked on all four legs, some that walked on two legs with long tails behind them. He also observed the beasts that flew through the air, both great and small. He bent down to observe the tiny insects that scurried along the ground from which he was made. He saw that some beasts were of one color, others, such as the flying beasts, were of many colors.
Then the man decided to follow one of the rivers that flowed from the garden. As he gazed into the crystal clarity of the waters he noticed all kinds of fish, some of one only color, others of many colors. There were both large and small fish, all swimming up and down the rivers. He went to observe the other three rivers and saw also, many fish that swam up and down the flowing waters.
So God brought all the beasts of the field, and fowls of the air to the man to see what he would call them. (3) As the man observed each and every beast, he gave them names according to their size and characteristics. To all he gave names, according to their kinds and species, from the tiny field mouse that ran in the fields, to the giant Behemoth, whose legs were like iron and whose tail was like a cedar and with its long neck, would drink up the waters of the rivers. He named also the fowls of the air, from the tiny Titmouse that could fit in the palm of a hand, to the giant Pterosaurs, whose wing span was three times the height of a man, and whose flapping of wings would stir up whirlwinds. The man also gave names to the fish of the rivers, according to their species and kinds.
The man continued to explore, even beyond the boundaries of his garden home. He traveled westward even unto the great Sea. There he called forth the great beasts of the sea and they came forth, even unto the shore where the man stood. To them he also gave names. He gave names to the great whales, sharks, and to the swarming creatures, even the great Leviathan, whose massive size towered above the mightiest of the whales.
Now the man noticed that in naming and observing all the beasts of the earth, the fowls of the air, and the fish of the waters, every beast was either male or female, and that every beast had its mate. The man was saddened that there was no mate for him, a counterpart liked unto himself. So, the man returned to his garden paradise with a fallen countenance. Then Elohim looked down upon the man and said;
“It is not good that man should be alone. I will make him a helper comparable to him.” (4) So, the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept. Then he took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which he had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. (5)
Then the man awoke from his sleep and looked up into the face of the woman. She was beautiful to look upon, the perfect help-meet for the man. He stood up and embraced the woman, kissing her tenderly saying:
“This is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man.” (6)
Adam and Eve gazed into each other’s eyes and knew they had been made one for the other. Adam also noticed that Eve’s body also had a soft covering of light that came from the presence of the LORD God of all creation. It was like a skin of light, that covered their flesh.
So, Adam showed Eve the garden-forest that the LORD God had given them. He showed her all the vast array of fruit and nut trees, the flowering bushes and shrubs. He also took her to the midst of the garden and showed her the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He also explained to her the warning that the LORD God of creation had given him concerning the tree. He took her to see the beasts of the earth and pointed to the fowls of the air. Eve learned their names and they called them by their names and by their kinds. When they called to the animals, they came to the man and the woman as there was no fear in their hearts.
Adam then took his to see the rivers that flowed from their garden paradise. Adam showed Eve the different fish that swam in the flowing waters and told her their names. Adam and Eve then traveled together westward toward the great sea. On their way, they saw the immense variety of animals, both great and small. Adam also called them by their names and Eve learned their names. When they arrived at the great sea, Adam called out to the marine beasts, both great and small. They all came to the water’s edge when he called the names.
Eve stood in awe at the size of some of the beasts, the great whales, the long-necked beasts with long tails and flippers. She marveled at the schools of flying fish that glided over the waves of the waters. The great Leviathan also came at the bidding of the man and woman.
Adam and Eve finally made their way back to their garden home. They lay down together in the soft green grass under one of the many fruit trees of their paradise dwelling. Exhausted from their trip, they soon fell fast asleep. The woman awoke at first light, and seeing that her husband was still asleep, went off to explore the garden paradise alone. When she reached the center of the garden she saw the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. She gazed with desire at its lovely fruit which hung from the branches.
The sweet fragrance of the tree brought her even closer, but she remembered the warning of her husband concerning the tree.
As she came even closer, even to stand under the tree she noticed some movement among the many flowering branches. Then the serpent that rested among the leaves spoke to the woman saying;
“Eve, hath Elohim indeed said ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” and Eve said unto the serpent;
“We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden, but of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, Elohim hath said ‘You shall not eat of it, nor shall you touch it lest you die!”
“Ye shall not surely die” replied the serpent with utmost deceit, “for Elohim knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like Elohim, knowing both good and evil!” (7)
So Eve confided in the words of the lying serpent and seeing that the tree was good for food and pleasant to the eyes, and that it would increase her wisdom in all things, she reached up and picked some of its fruit and ate of it. Adam, in the meantime, had awaken from his deep sleep and seeing that Eve was not by his side, got up and called out to her.
“Here am I husband” cried out Eve from the midst of the garden, “I am by the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
So Adam went to the midst of the garden and found his wife under the forbidden tree with some of its fruit in her hand. When he saw his wife with the fruit, his countenance fell, and was greatly dismayed thinking that indeed, she had partaken of the fruit.
“Wife” began the man, “Did ye not remember the words which I spoke unto thee? That the LORD God of all creation gave us free choice of all the trees of the garden, save this one which is here in the midst of the garden. Only this tree was prohibited to us so why did ye disobey? Why did ye eat of it so foolishly?” Adam dropped to his knees, covering his face with his hands. He cried tears of sadness and anguish concerning his wife.
“Be ye comforted husband” replied Eve, trying to reassure her husband. “As you can see, I am not dead, but quite alive and well. The serpent said it would be good to eat of the fruit of this tree and become just as our creator is, knowing both good and evil.”
But the voice of Eve trembled as she spoke, and the look of fear and guilt overcame her being. Even the aura of light which covered her body had begun to fade.
“My dear wife” began Adam as he went near Eve, “did not Elohim create us both in His perfect image? Did he not create us both to know what He wanted us to know? Then why didst thou wish to know more” can anyone be exactly like Elohim?”
Adam looked into the eyes of his wife with love and tenderness. He could not bear the thought of living without her. Alas, he would indeed share in her suffering and guilt. Adam then extended his hand and took some of the fruit from the hand of Eve and he did eat of it as well. Then the eyes of both of them were opened and saw to their distress that the soft covering of light which glowed upon their bodies was fading away, finally, disappearing completely. It was then that they realized that they were naked.
The couple ran as fast as they could from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and hid themselves elsewhere in the vast forest garden called Eden. They found a fig tree and with its leaves, made two aprons to cover their nakedness. Yet the aprons could not hide their
, they lay down and wept in each other’s arms. Perhaps, just perhaps, they could hide themselves from the presence of the LORD.Then they heard the sound of the LORD God as he passed through the garden. They remained hidden, fearing the wrath of their creator for their disobedience, yet the creator called out to them in a still, soft voice, a voice of love yet tinted with sadness and disappointment.
“Adam, where art thou?” said the LORD God of all creation.
“I heard your voice in the garden and was afraid. I was naked and therefore, hid myself”. Adam tried to speak boldly, yet his voice reflected fear and
. “Who told thee that thou wast naked?” responded the creator, “Didst thou eat of the tree which I commanded thee not to eat?”
Yet the voice of God was still soft, like a father reaching out to his disobedient children, searching for an admission of guilt and repentance. (8)
Then Adam and Eve stood up and walked towards the voice of their God and creator. They told Elohim what had happened, of the serpent’s deceitful advice, of their eating of the forbidden fruit. When they had finished their confession, they awaited the verdict from God.
There was a short pause, then the voice of God rang out like thunder with the words like bolts of lightning;
“Serpent, because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field. Upon thy belly, thou shalt go, and dust thou shalt eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel.” To the woman God said;
“I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception. In pain thou shalt bring forth children. Thy desire shalt be for thy husband and he shalt rule over thee.” A loud clap of thunder and a bolt of lightning followed each sentence that came forth from the mouth of God. Then the LORD God of all creation said unto the man;
“Because thou hast listened to the voice of thy wife and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee saying, ‘thou shalt not eat of it’ cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee, and thou shalt eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread til thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” (9)
Adam and Eve were greatly saddened at the fact that because of their disobedience to the command of their creator, they had brought forth the curse of sin into the world. No longer could they live in their garden paradise, but were cast out of the garden.
Cherubs, with a flaming sword, were stationed at the east of the garden to guard the way to the Tree of Life. Now, the couple had to seek out another place to live, outside of the garden.
Once outside the garden, the LORD God Elohim brought Adam and Eve to a high hill and showed them two lumps of bloodied flesh. The flesh stank and flies were all around it. Adam and Eve were deeply saddened at seeing the two lifeless corpses.
“Why, Oh LORD, have you brought us here, and what is the meaning behind these two lifeless beasts of the field?” asked Adam, distraught over the sight of death.
“The LORD spoke out of a cloud which pulsated with a glowing light saying; “I want thee and thy wife to see the cost of sin. Because of thy disobedience to my commandment that prohibited thee from eating of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, these two perfect lambs had to die. Their blood will cover and atone for your sin. Now, look behind where thou art standing!”
The man and his wife then looked and behold, there were two aprons made of the skins of the lambs that were slain.
“Put them on” said the LORD God of all creation, “and be ye both reminded forever of the cost of sin. Now harken ye unto the voice of thy God. At dusk, at the beginning of each new day, take ye two goodly and perfect lambs, one for each of thee and sacrifice them upon an altar made of unhewn stones. Ye shalt put wood there upon, and when ye call upon my name, I will hear thy voice from my glory cloud, and will send forth fire to consume the sacrifices, thus ye shalt do all the days of your life. Be ye comforted, for one day, a lamb will come who will take away the sin of the world forever.” Thus, the LORD finished speaking.
Both Adam and Eve wondered at the words of Elohim as they dressed themselves in the skins of the lambs. When they descended the hill, they saw that one of the rivers that flowed from the garden was near. They followed the river for a short distance, and found a small cave that was at the base of another hill. They made that cave their new home.
But the LORD God of all creation did not forget Adam and Eve, for he sent an angel to teach them many things. The angel taught them how to make fire from rocks of flint and iron, how to mix clay and water and shape them into vessels for cooking. He also taught them to sow seed and reap in due time, how to care for the animals, milk the cows, and goats, and how to make cheese from the milk. The angel taught them to sheer the sheep and make clothing for their bodies.
So, Adam and Eve learned much from the angel, and soon learned how to make bread from crushing the grains of wheat and barley, adding water and cooking them in the fire. All these things the angel taught them and much more. The angel spoke kindly to them and reminded them of the promise of Elohim, that the head of the serpent would someday be crushed by the future seed of the woman. Adam and Eve were thus comforted by the words of the angel.
Yet Eve was still distraught with the fact that she had brought the curse of sin into the world. Yes, she knew that through her seed the curse of sin would come to end, but when? Who would it be? So, Adam comforted her and reassured her that it would be soon. Now Adam loved his wife dearly, with all of his heart, and he knew her and she conceived and bore a man-child. Adam and Eve named their son Cain. She conceived again and they named their second son Abel.
Adam and Eve loved their two sons, and they taught them all that the angel had taught them. They taught them how to make fire with stones of flint and iron, how to form vessels from clay, they showed them the fields of grain and the pastures where the sheep and goats grazed. Cain was fascinated by the fields of wheat, barley, and corn. He became a farmer and cared for the fields of grain, sowing and reaping in due season. Elohim blessed the ground for his sake. He learned how to reap the fields of wheat and barley, fanning them to extract the grains, then crushing the grains to make bread. The bread he brought to their cave home.
Abel loved the sheep and the goats, and he became a shepherd and cared for them all. He learned how to milk the goats and make cheese. He brought the milk and the cheese to the cave for his father, mother, and his brother Cain. Now the LORD God of creation was gracious to Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel. There was an abundance of fruit and nut trees, bushes of berries, and vines of grapes that were outside of the forbidden garden of Eden. So every morning, the family would go gather the fruits of the earth and bring them back to their cave. Cain would bring the bread and Abel would bring milk and cheese. Together as a family, they would eat their meals on the luscious green grass in front of their cave home
The years passed, and the children grew in the knowledge of good and evil. Abel’s eyes always reflected the love and passion towards his parents and towards the animals of field, but Cain, as he grew, his eyes reflected pride and arrogance. And it came to pass that the day came that the sons of Adam and Eve arrived at the age of accountability, understanding, and wisdom. Then their father called them to his side and lifted up his voice saying;
“Harken now my sons unto my voice, and take heed to the counsel of thy mother, for today, ye have both arrived at the age of accountability. Ye have both observed since the time and thy births, how thy father and thy mother have sacrificed four lambs at dusk, one for each of us. The LORD God Elohim of creation commanded us to do so as a reminder of our sin. The blood of the lambs is a covering and atonement for the same. This we have done since the time of our expulsion from our garden home. Now my sons, go ye both into thy fields and build ye each an altar of stone and put wood thereon. Abel, take ye of the flocks of sheep two goodly lambs, one for thyself, and the other for thy brother. Take ye the lamb and sacrifice it on the altar in thy pastures, and Cain, take ye the other lamb and sacrifice it on the altar in thy fields of grain. The LORD God of all creation will then look down upon thy sacrifices and will send fire from heaven to consume the sacrificial lambs. This thy sins will be covered and atoned for. Thus, thee shalt do every day at dusk, for all the days of thy lives.”
When Adam had finished talking with his two sons, he sent them out to their fields. Abel went to his pastures where the sheep and goats grazed, and Cain went to his fields of wheat, barley, and corn. Both brothers went to work building their altars of stone.
Abel then selected a goodly lamb from the flocks, tied its legs together and placed it on the altar that he had built. He then took a knife of flint, and looking towards heaven lifted up his voice saying;
“Oh LORD God of all creation, look now upon thy servant and upon this sacrifice. Accept it now as a reminder of my sin. May its blood cover and atone for my sin which was inherited through my father and mother.”
As he finished speaking these words, Abel slew the lamb and awaited the response of God. Then the LORD God appeared in a cloud of glory which hovered above the stone of altar. There was a sharp clap of thunder and fire came forth from the cloud and consumed the sacrifice. Then
Abel went to his flocks and selected another goodly lamb, young, and without blemish. He then carried it in his arms to his brother Cain who was in his fields of grain. Cain had also built an altar of stone and had put wood thereon.
“Brother” cried out Abel from a short distance, “behold the lamb which I carry to thee, for thy sacrifice to the LORD.”
But Cain did not respond to his brother. He paused for a moment and looked towards his brother, but spoke not a word in response. Abel then walked over to where his brother was and just observed him. Cain was carrying bundles of wheat and barley and was placing them on the altar of stone. Abel was a bit puzzled by the action of his brother and said to him;
“Brother, what meanest thou by placing wheat and barley on thy altar?”
Cain paused and turned to Abel saying;
“Seeth thou all this good wheat and barley which I have grown in my fields? Sown and cared for with my own hands and with the sweat of my brow? For certain, the LORD God of heaven will be pleased with this sacrifice of grain which I will now offer up to Him.”
But Abel was saddened by the words of his brother, as there was also a tone of pride and arrogance in his voice. So Abel responded to the words of his brother saying;
“Brother, thou knowest well that it is the LORD God of creation who givest thee the goodly produce from the earth. It is He that maketh rise the dew from the earth to water and nourish the crops. It is He who maketh the sun to shine down on thy fields to make grow all that thou hast sown. It is by His mighty hand that thou hast all that is in thy fields of grain. Yea, all that thou hast in thy fields is good, yet the LORD God requireth of thee a sacrifice of blood to cover and atone for thy sin. Do not, I beg thee, do so foolishly. Bringeth thou thy goodly grain to our cave for bread, and taketh from my hands this goodly and perfect lamb. This the LORD God will accept from thee as a sacrifice!”
“Nay brother” replied Cain with a voice filled with arrogance, “keepeth for thyself the lamb, for the LORD will indeed accept my sacrifice. Behold my altar and the grain thereupon, it is for the LORD!”
After placing the grains of wheat and barley upon the altar, Cain lifted up his hands toward heaven and cried out with a loud voice;
“Oh LORD God of all creation, accept now this sacrifice of grains which I have grown in my fields, by the labor of my hands and by the sweat of my brow I have produced all that thou seeth. Accept it now from me!”
But the voice of Cain was not a voice of humbleness, rather it reflected a sense of self-pride and arrogance. Then the glory cloud of Elohim moved from the pastures of Abel to the fields of Cain, it hovered above the altar which Cain had built, yet no thunder nor fire came forth. Then Cain lifted up his voice a second time saying;
“Didst thou not hear me LORD? Accept now this, my sacrifice, like thou didst unto my brother Abel. My sacrifice is just as good as his! Accept it now Oh LORD!”
The voice of Cain was now tinted with anger. He dropped his hands to his side and just glared up at the glory cloud of his creator. Abel stood by in silence, and still holding the lamb in his arms he spoke yet again to his brother.
“Did I not say unto thee that the LORD God would not accept thy sacrifice, seeing that it is not a sacrifice of blood? So accept this lamb from my hands and the LORD God will indeed honor it, and will send his fire to consume it.”
Cain did not reply to the words of Abel. He just stood there and glared at his brother with eyes of hatred, contempt and jealousy.
Just then, a whirlwind came forth from the glory cloud and blew away the grain that was upon the altar of Cain. Shaking his fists in the air towards the cloud of glory, Cain was filled with rage. He turned on his heels and headed toward the standing wheat in his fields. Then the voice of the LORD God came forth from the glory cloud saying;
“Cain, why art thou angry? And why hast thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, will not thy countenance be lifted up? And if thou doest not well, sin is at the door, and its desire is for thee, but thou must master it!” (10)
But Cain responded not to the voice of God, but instead, went to his brother Abel deceitfully saying;
“Abel my brother, sayeth thou that God desireth a sacrifice of blood? And yea, a sacrifice of blood will he thus receive.”
Abel, confident that Cain had a change of mind and would accept the lamb, extended forth the lamb which was still in his arms, towards his brother. Cain received the lamb from the hands of his brother, but then, he just threw it to the ground saying;
“Indeed, the LORD will receive a sacrifice of blood, thine own blood will be required of thee, my good and righteous brother!”
And with those words of jealousy and spite, Cain took Abel by the throat and with his other hand, slew him with his knife. Abel fell down and died by the feet of Cain, with his blood soaking into the ground. Now Cain, realizing what he had just done, was filled with fear. He hurriedly threw sheaves of wheat on top of his brother’s body and quickly walked away. Then the LORD said unto Cain;
“Cain, where art thy brother Abel?” to which Cain responded; “I know not, am I my brother’s keeper?” Then God said;
“Cain, what hast thou done? The voice of thy brother’s blood crieth out to me from the ground. Now, art thou cursed from the ground which hath opened its mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand. Now, when thou goest forth to cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield to thee its strength. Thou shalt be a vagabond, a wanderer on the earth!” (11)
At the cave, Adam and Eve wondered about their sons, since they tarried too long in their sacrifices.
“Wife” began Adam, “Our sons should have returned to us by now, perhaps some mischief hath befallen them. Come, let us go forth into their fields to see what hast become of them!”
With those words, Adam and Eve left their cave home and went towards the fields of their two sons.
“Go ye now wife, unto the fields of Cain, and I will go unto the pastures of Abel” said Adam as they arrived to their sons’ fields.
When Adam arrived at the pastures of Abel, he noticed the sheep and the goats wandering to and fro, bleating without ceasing. It seemed that the flocks sensed that their shepherd had been slain. All of a sudden, he heard the voice of his beloved Eve, a cry of anguish rang through the air. Adam left the sheep, and ran to his wife. She was standing, weeping bitterly next to some sheaves of wheat in the fields of Cain.
He joined her at her side, and both looked down at the bloodied corpse of their son Abel. He lay there, still, a slain shepherd, a righteous son, murdered by the hands of his brother. Adam and Eve knelt down and touched his face, it seemed as though he was just asleep. A trickle of blood still ran from his throat into the ground where he lay. Adam could no longer contain himself and cried out with all the power of his soul;
“CAIN, CAIN, what hath thou done CAIN? Where art thou my son? Where art thou CAIN?”
But Cain was on the run. He heard not the voice of his father, nor the anguish of his mother, for he has left the presence of his creator, running, with fear in his heart. Thus, Cain became a vagabond in the land of
, a land of wandering, living off the fruit and nuts of the trees which grew in the wild. He could no longer be a farmer since Elohim had cursed the land because of his great sin. He had murdered his only brother, out of anger, jealousy, and pride. Had he only accepted the lamb from his brother’s hands, the outcome might have been different. Adam and Eve wept in each other’s arms over their son Abel. They wept for their son Cain, who they would never see again.
“Oh Adam” sobbed Eve, “Is this the price of sin? Is this the cost of disobedience? Is this the fate of those who will come after us? Murder? Rebellion?”
“Yes wife” sobbed Adam, looking into his beloved’s eyes, “The wages of sin is indeed death” (12). “Yet be ye comforted wife, that the LORD God of all creation has promised to crush the head of the serpent so as to put an end to the curse of sin.”
“Oh Adam” cried Eve, “May that day come soon, Oh so very soon.”
(1) Gen 2:6 (2) Gen 2:16,17 (3) Gen 2:19 (4) Gen 2:18 (5) Gen 2:21,22 (6) Gen 2:23 (7) Gen 3:1-5 (8) Gen 3:7-11 (9) Gen 3:14-19 (10) Gen 4:6 (11) Gen 4:9-12 (12) Rom 6:23
By J. Ben Avraham
