Creations: Part One Genesis
The Creation of Man and Woman
The Creations of Man
In the beginning, the Earth was a barren, lifeless place. The Lord God, Yahweh-Elohim, stood upon His mighty creation and surveyed the desolate land, visualising a world teeming with life and beauty. But to bring such a world into existence, The Lord God needed a being to care for and nurture the land. First, The Lord God caused a mist to rise from the Earth, and slowly, the mist watered the whole surface, creating rivers and streams that flowed through the once barren land. The Lord God then fashioned a being out of the Earth's soil, sculpting each muscle and bone with care, and breathed life into it, and this being became man.
The Lord God wasted no time putting the man he named Adam to work and placed him in the Garden of Eden, a place of utter beauty and tranquillity. The Lord God showed Adam the wonders of the garden, filled with lush trees, blooming flowers, and abundant wildlife. He also showed him the Tree of Knowledge, its fruit tempting and tantalising but forbidden. The Lord God commanded Adam,
“You are free to eat from any tree in the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil
”
Adam agreed to the terms and began his work in the garden, tending to the plants and animals and exploring the wonders of his home. As days passed, The Lord God created new creatures and paraded them before Adam, asking him to name each. Adam's heart overflowed with joy as he named each creature, revelling in the diversity and beauty of life.
However, after some time, The Lord God noticed Adam looked lonely. He saw that Adam needed a companion to share his joys, sorrows, and love and be loved by. The Lord God said,
“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
The Creation of Woman
In the Garden of Eden, Adam, the first man, roamed alone, tending to the plants and animals. The Lord God saw that Adam needed a companion to share his joys and sorrows. So, The Lord God began searching for a suitable match for Adam. But despite his best efforts, The Lord God couldn't find anyone who could match Adam's intellect, spirit, and character.
Finally, one evening, The Lord God put Adam into a deep sleep and removed one of his ribs. From the rib, The Lord God created a new being, different from Adam but with the same essence. When Adam awoke, The Lord God introduced him to his new companion. Adam was amazed and grateful. He looked at the woman and felt a sense of familiarity and belonging.
The Lord God explained to Adam how he had created the woman from his rib and that she was to be his companion. Adam was overjoyed and exclaimed,
“This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man, this one has been taken.”
Adam and the woman stood together, naked but unashamed, in the light of the garden. They smiled at each other, feeling a newfound sense of completeness and companionship. They were a perfect match, created by The Lord God, to love and care for each other and to fulfil their destiny in the Garden of Eden.
The Fall of Man
As the years passed, the man and his wife lived a life of perfect happiness in the garden of paradise. One day, while the man was tending to the garden, his wife joined him to collect food and water. As they went through the garden, she drifted off from her husband and stumbled upon the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. The Tree was unlike any other in the garden, and the woman was immediately captivated by its striking beauty. She gazed in awe at the fruit hanging from its branches, marvelling at its colour and lustre.
Suddenly, a voice emerged from the shadows, startling her.
“Did The Lord God say, ‘You shall not eat from any of the trees in the garden’?”
It was a Serpent slithering out from the darkness. The Serpent's sudden appearance took the woman aback. Still, she regained her composure and replied,
“We may eat fruit from any tree in the garden except the one in the middle. The Lord God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die”
The Serpent scoffed,
“You certainly won’t die!” it said to the woman. “The Lord God knows well that when you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like gods, knowing good and evil”
The woman was intrigued by the Serpent's words and gazed at the fruit with newfound curiosity. She saw no harm in taking a bite and did so. As the Serpent had promised, the woman did not die. Instead, she felt a flood of knowledge and insight washing over her, changing her life forever. She hurried back to her husband, who was still gathering fruit nearby. Her face was beaming with excitement as she told him about the Serpent and the fruit.
Adam listened silently, troubled by what he heard. He knew that The Lord God had forbidden them to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and he was hesitant to believe his wife's tale. She urged him to come and try the fruit for himself, and he reluctantly followed her back to the Tree.
As they stood before the Tree, the man watched as his wife plucked a fruit and took a bite. "Take one, you will see," she said, offering him a piece of fruit. Adam hesitated, feeling conflicted about disobeying The Lord God's command. He knew that eating from the Tree would mean facing the consequences of his actions, but he was also curious about what the fruit would reveal. Suddenly, the Serpent emerged from the shadows again, its voice sibilant and persuasive. "Yes, take one," it hissed. "Your wife didn't die, and neither will you. No harm will come to you, I promise."
Adam looked at his wife, who nodded encouragingly. He took a fruit from the Tree and bit into it, feeling an overwhelming rush of knowledge and insight. As before, no harm came to him. But as the couple's eyes were opened, they suddenly realised that they were naked and felt ashamed. They quickly fashioned fig leaves into makeshift clothing to cover themselves, feeling embarrassed and exposed for the first time.
The couple's decision to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil changed their lives forever. They had gained knowledge and insight that they never imagined possible. Still, they also had to face the consequences of their actions. Their disobedience had caused them to lose their innocence and exposed them to shame and guilt.
The Punishment
As The Lord God strolled into the garden, Adam and his wife crouched behind the trees, attempting to hide from their Creator. They had just eaten the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and knew they had sinned. When The Lord God called out,
“Where are you?”
Adam emerged from his hiding spot and explained,
“I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid”
The Lord God was puzzled by Adam's response and asked,
“Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the Tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”
Adam, afraid and ashamed, responded,
“The woman whom you put here with me gave me fruit from the tree, so I ate it.”
Adam tried to deflect the blame on his wife and even God himself for giving him the woman in the first place.
The attention then turned to the woman, who also had eaten the forbidden fruit. The Lord God asked her,
“What is this that you have done? The woman answered, The serpent deceived me, and I ate. ”
Realising he had been caught, the Serpent slithered back into the shadows, hoping to escape unnoticed. However, The Lord God spotted him and knew what he had done.
The Serpent Judgement
As the Lord God focused on the Serpent, one could discern the intensity of his anger and frustration. In a stern voice, he declared that the Serpent would be cursed among all tame and wild animals. From then on, it would crawl on its belly and consume dust for the rest of its life.
God then went on to proclaim that there would be a lasting enmity between the Serpent and the woman, as well as between their offspring. The Serpent would strike at the heel while the woman's offspring would strike at its head, symbolising the ongoing battle between good and evil. The curse of the Serpent would be everlasting, and so would be the struggle between good and evil.
The Woman Judgement
God turned his attention to the woman and said that her labour in childbearing would be intensified. He further added that she would experience significant pain during childbirth. Yet, her desire would be for her husband, who would have authority over her. This statement is often interpreted as a reference to the traditional gender roles in marriage, where the husband is seen as the head of the household, and the wife is expected to submit to him.
The Man Judgement
God turned to Adam, saying,
“Because you listened to your wife and ate from the forbidden Tree, you shall not eat from it again. As a result of your actions, the ground is now cursed, and you must work hard to cultivate it to survive. Thorns and thistles will grow among your crops, and you must eat the field’s grass. By the sweat of your brow, you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, from which you were taken; for you are made from dust, and to dust, you shall return.”
The punishment for their disobedience would affect humanity for generations to come. Despite this, God also showed grace and mercy by promising a Savior who would one day come to redeem humanity from their sin.
The Banishment from Eden
Adam and his wife, Eve, stood together, filled with shame and regret. They had just eaten the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, and now they were fully aware of their nakedness and the reality of sin. Their eyes met, but they couldn't bear to hold each other's gaze for long.
Suddenly, a hiss caught their attention, and they turned to see the Serpent - in a new form - slithering away towards the shadows. Seeing the creature's attempt to escape, Eve cried angrily, "You lied to us! You said no harm would come to us!" she chased the Serpent, determined to catch it.
Adam, left alone, felt a deep sadness in his heart. He knew that they and the Lord God would never be the same. But he also knew that he loved Eve with all his heart and would follow her anywhere.
With a tender embrace, Adam held Eve close and whispered, "You are the greatest creation that the Lord God ever made. Now you can create life, and you will become the mother of all living, Eve." He smiled into her eyes, trying to reassure her of his love.
Moved by Adam's words, the Lord God made garments of animal skin for Adam and Eve and clothed them. Then, looking down at them, the Lord God said,
“See! The man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, what if he also reaches out his hand to take fruit from the Tree of Life, eats of it, and lives forever?”
The Lord God knew Adam and Eve had to leave the Garden of Eden, so he banished them. With a heavy heart, he placed Cherubims and a flaming sword to prevent man from entering the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life forever.
The Story Behind The Artwork 'The Cradle of Life: The Apple of Eden.'
The story of Adam and Eve in the Bible has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. According to the Bible, Eve gave Adam the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, which led to the downfall of humanity. However, in some interpretations of the story, it is still being determined whether Eve gave Adam the fruit knowingly or unknowingly.
In my particular artwork, I aimed to portray Adam as consciously knowing and picking the apple from the Tree of Knowledge. I emphasise that humans naturally seek the truth and knowledge, even if it comes with consequences. By depicting Adam as a deliberate and aware participant in the story, I wanted to convey the importance of personal responsibility and the pursuit of knowledge.
The Garden of Eden
What is the Garden of Eden?
“‘Out of the ground the Lord God made grow every tree that was delightful to look at and good for food, with the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.’ - ”
The word 'Eden' holds a special place in the minds of many due to its association with paradise, pleasure, and delight. But did you know that the meaning of the word 'Eden' has evolved? In Hebrew, it means 'delight' or 'pleasure,' hence the name "Delight Garden" created for man. However, the original Sumerian word 'edin' meant "back of the mountain" or "the plain," which led to the name "Gar-Eden," meaning "The Storehouse of the Back of the Mountain."
According to the Sumerians, the Garden of Eden was a place of pleasure created for the gods and a source of abundant food for the Anunna. The interpretation of the garden's purpose is open to debate. Still, we know that Adam was placed in the garden to live and maintain it. Eve was the first person to be created in the garden, and the Bible also says that The Lord God created wild animals and birds that Adam named. Additionally, it is mentioned that The Lord God enjoyed walking in the garden on beautiful days.
Considering all of this, what are your thoughts on what the garden's purpose might have been?
Where is the Garden of Eden?
The Garden of Eden
For centuries, historians, archaeologists, and Biblical scholars have been trying to locate the exact spot of The Garden of Eden. While no conclusive evidence exists, many agree it was located in Mesopotamia, corresponding to the modern-day region of Iraq, Kuwait, eastern parts of Syria, southeastern Turkey, and areas along the Turkish-Syrian and Iran-Iraq borders.
The only available clues about the location of The Garden of Eden are found in the book of Genesis. According to the text, the Lord God planted The Garden of Eden in the East. It was watered by four rivers - the Hiddelkel, the Perath, the Pishon, and the Gihon. While the Hiddelkel and the Perath rivers are known today as the Tigris and the Euphrates, respectively, the Pishon and the Gihon rivers remain a mystery.
The book of Genesis describes the Pishon River as winding through the land of Havilah, where there is gold, bdellium, and lapis lazuli. The Gihon River, on the other hand, is described as winding through the land of Cush. The Tigris River flows east of Asshur, while the Euphrates River is the fourth river that connects to Eden.
Despite the lack of definitive evidence, the location of The Garden of Eden continues to intrigue scholars and historians around the world.
The Lost Rivers
In the book of Genesis, the Bible describes the rivers Pishon and Gihon, believed to have existed in the ancient world. According to the text, the Pishon River flowed through the land of Havilah, where there was an abundance of gold, bdellium, and lapis lazuli. The Gihon River, on the other hand, wound through the land of Cush, which is now commonly associated with Ethiopia. Despite the detailed descriptions in the Bible, the locations of these rivers remain a mystery, with many scholars and historians speculating about their possible courses and whereabouts. The Pishon and Gihon rivers fascinate and intrigue people today, offering a glimpse into our world's rich history and mysteries.
Flavius Josephus (37 CE - 100 CE)
Flavius Josephus, a prominent Romano-Jewish historian who lived in the first century, made fascinating claims about ancient geography. According to Josephus, The River Ganges, a massive river that ran through India and eventually emptied into the sea, was none other than The Pishon River, one of the four rivers that flowed out of the Garden of Eden, according to the Bible. Josephus also claimed that The Gihon River, another one of these four rivers, flowed through the land of Cush (generally believed to refer to ancient Egypt) and that The Gihon River was the River Nile, one of the most famous rivers in the world. These claims are fascinating because they link the geography of the ancient Near East with distant India and demonstrate how ancient writers often used biblical stories to make sense of the world around them.
Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (1040-1105), aka Rashi
Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, also known as Rashi, was a renowned French Rabbi who lived in the 11th century. He was considered one of the leading biblical commentators of his time. His works are still widely studied and referenced today. In his interpretation of the Garden of Eden story in the book of Genesis, he discussed the location of the four rivers that originated from Eden. According to Rashi, the Pishon River, one of the four rivers, can be identified with the River Nile.
Rashi explained that "Pishon" is associated with the Hebrew word "pishtan," which means flax, because the ancient Egyptian flax industry heavily depended on the Nile River for irrigation and water supply. Rashi's explanation is based on his deep knowledge of the Hebrew language and his understanding of the geographical and historical context of the text. His commentary on the Bible has been highly influential in Jewish and Christian traditions. It is still widely studied and respected today. - [Where are the four rivers that come from Eden?]
Juris Zarins (1945- 2023)
Juris Zarins is a renowned American-Latvian archaeologist and professor at Missouri State University, known for his extensive research and expertise in the Middle East. Among his notable achievements, Juris utilised satellite imagery and the Space Shuttle Imaging Radar to uncover the location of long-forgotten rivers. His work supported the findings of David J Gibsons and James A. Sauer, who suggested that the Wadi Al-Batin and Wadi al-Rummah Rivers could be the lost Pishon River.
In addition, Juris Zarins has made significant contributions to the identification of the Cradle of Gold mentioned in Genesis 2:11. He believes that Mahd Al Thahab, a region in Saudi Arabia, is the location of the Cradle of Gold due to its association with the "good gold" mentioned in the text, which relates to the land of Havilah. Furthermore, he has proposed that the Land of Cush was located in Kassite's land, based on his extensive research and findings.
Regarding the location of the Garden of Eden, Juris Zarins has suggested that the Gihon River, identified as the Karun River, which flows southwesterly toward the Persian Gulf, might be the river that flowed through Eden. He also utilised LANDSAT images to demonstrate that the Karun River was a permanent river that once contributed significantly to the sediment formation in the wetlands at the head of the Persian Gulf until it was dammed. Overall, Juris Zarins's research has contributed substantially to our understanding of the history and geography of the Middle East. - [The Land of Eden Located & Has the Garden of Eden been located at last?]
David J Gibson (1904-1966)
David J Gibson, an expert in ancient geography, has suggested that The Gihon River mentioned in the Bible may be identified with The River Diyala, which was once known as Gyndas. The River Diyala originates in the Persian highlands, about 50 miles west of Hamadan. It initially flows in a northwesterly direction under the name Sirvan until it enters Iraq, where it takes a sharp turn and flows southwestward. Finally, it empties into the Tigris River after heading more directly south. The upper part of the river forms a circular path around the mountain range known as "Pushti-Kuh," which was the ancient home of the "Kassites" or "Cossaeans" between 1400 and 1500 BC. The identification of The Gihon River with The River Diyala is an intriguing possibility that could shed new light on the location of the Garden of Eden, which was said to have been watered by four rivers, including The Gihon. - [The Land of Eden Located]
David Rohl (1950-)
According to Reginald Walker's theory, the Uizhun River, also known as the Qizil Üzan and Sefīd-Rūd Rivers, is the Pishon River. The Uizhun River originates from several springs near Mount Sahand and the Zagros mountain. It flows into the southern Caspian Sea, far from the Rast port. However, Reginald Walker argues that the Uizhun River has no biblical links to Havilah. Instead, he suggests that the key to the Pishon River's location lies in the similarity between the sounds of "Uizhun" and "Pishon" when the vowel is dropped from the former and the consonant from the latter.
David Rohl also uses Reginald Walker's theory to propose that the Gihon River is, in fact, the River Aras. The River Aras rises in the mountains in Turkey to the north of Lake Van and Lake Urmia in Iran and flows down to join the River Kur, ultimately ending in the Caspian Sea south of Baku. During the Islamic invasion of the Caucasus in the eighth century AD, the river was called Gaihun. "Gihon-Aras" refers to the river in early Victorian biblical dictionaries. Still, it has been lost and forgotten over time. - [Legend The Genesis of Civilisation.]
The Known Rivers
The Hiddelkel (Tigris) and The Perath (Euphrates) Rivers
The book of Genesis, chapter 2, verse 14 mentions that the third river is the Tigris, one of Mesopotamia's significant rivers. The river flows East of Asshur, now known as the city of Mosul in northern Iraq. The Tigris River is approximately 1,850 kilometres long, and Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran share its basin.
The Tigris River has a well-defined path that starts from the Taurus Mountains in Turkey and flows southeastward through the eastern parts of Syria and Iraq. The river then joins the Euphrates River to form the Shatt al-Arab, which eventually empties into the Persian Gulf. The Tigris River has played a crucial role in shaping the history and culture of Mesopotamia, with some of the world's oldest civilisations, such as Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, thriving along its banks.
The fourth river mentioned in Genesis is the Euphrates River, one of the two great rivers of Mesopotamia. The Euphrates River starts from the Armenian Highlands in eastern Turkey. It flows through Syria and Iraq, joining the Tigris River at the Shatt al-Arab. The Euphrates River is approximately 2,800 kilometres long, and Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran share its basin.
The Euphrates River has been a significant source of life for the people of Mesopotamia for thousands of years. The river has facilitated agriculture, trade, and transportation and has played a vital role in developing some of the world's most ancient civilisations. For example, the Babylonian and Sumerian empires were built around the Euphrates River, and the river continues to be an essential water source for the people of the region today.
Adam: The First Man
Adam the First Man
According to the Hebrew Bible, Adam was the first man created by the Lord God. The name Adam means man or humankind in Hebrew, which has led to some controversy among Rabbis. In the Bible, the term Adam is used collectively to represent humanity and individually to refer to the first man. Additionally, in Genesis 2:23, Adam is used to signify gender and is associated with being male.
However, the meaning of Adam has been left open to interpretation, and some Rabbis have debated its significance. For instance, some have questioned whether the Lord God created a man, a woman, or a being with both sexes. Some Rabbis have even suggested that in Genesis 2.7, Adam might have been made with two faces, one male and one female, or as a hermaphrodite with both male and female reproductive organs joined back to back. However, according to the Bible, the Lord God saw that this made it difficult for them to walk and converse, so he separated them.
Interestingly, in the Sumerian cuneiform, the word Adam means wild beast, which suggests that the ancient Sumerians viewed humankind as animals rather than sentient beings.
The Life and Death of Adam
"The Life of Adam and Eve" is a religious text that narrates the story of Adam and Eve after they were banished from the Garden of Eden until their deaths. The book provides a detailed account of their life and struggles during that time and their interactions with the Serpent. Interestingly, the book was initially written in Latin and later translated into Greek, known as "The Apocalypse of Moses." The following tale presents a unique perspective, as it tells the story from the viewpoint of Adam, Eve, and the Serpent, shedding light on their thoughts and emotions.
The Expulsion
After being banished from the paradise of the Garden of Eden, Adam and his wife, Eve, were overwhelmed with a sense of loss and despair. They had to leave behind everything they had ever known and start a new life in a completely unknown world.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. They struggled to find food and shelter, and the harsh realities of their new life soon became apparent. They were forced to live off the land, foraging for whatever they could find.
One day, after seven days of not eating, Eve could no longer bear the hunger pangs and asked Adam to search for food. Adam, equally hungry, agreed to venture into the wilderness for sustenance. He scoured the land, hoping to find the same heavenly food they had once enjoyed in the Garden of Eden.
Seven days later, Adam returned to Eve empty-handed. He had searched high and low, but all he could find was food that was fit for animals. Nevertheless, Adam refused to give up on his beloved wife, and he vowed to do everything in his power to keep her alive.
Together, they set out again for food, determined to find something to sustain them. But as the days passed, they realised their quest was more complicated than they had ever imagined. They were lost in a vast and unforgiving wilderness, and the food scarcity made their situation all the more dire.
Penitence
After regretting their sins, Adam and Eve sought forgiveness from the Lord God. Adam proposed a plan for repentance, suggesting that they both undertake a rigorous penance. Eve was to go to the Tigris River and stand on a rock, neck-deep in water, for thirty-seven days without speaking. On the other hand, Adam was to go to the Jordan River and do the same for forty days.
Once Adam reached the Jordan River, he stood upon a rock. He called out to the Water of the Jordan to summon all the river's creatures to mourn with him, for he was burdened with the weight of sin, and they were not. Remarkably, all living things came and surrounded Adam in solidarity. The water of the Jordan, in a sign of divine intervention, stood still for an hour, not flowing in its course.
Adam and Eve's repentance and penance were a testament to their faith and determination to seek the Lord God's forgiveness. Their actions showed that they were willing to go to great lengths to make amends for their sins and to reconnect with their Creator.
Second Temptation
As eighteen days passed, Adam stood silently in the River Jordon with his eyes closed and his head bowed down in deep repentance. Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching, and when he opened his eyes, he saw Eve walking towards him with a stranger. Adam was taken aback by the presence of the stranger, who seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite place where he had seen him before.
As Eve reached Adam, she noticed his perplexed expression and asked him what was wrong. With tears in his eyes, Adam cried out that he couldn't believe she had brought a stranger with her and wondered why she wasn't working on her repentance as he was. He accused her of giving in to the devil's trickery and being tempted by his lies once again.
Eve was shocked and saddened by Adam's accusation and began to cry, realising that she had been tricked once again. She turned to the stranger and angrily screamed at him, asking why he had to interfere with their repentance.
Adam demanded that the Fallen Angel, who had now recognised the stranger as such, tell them what they had done to deserve such torment. The Fallen Angel explained how he was cast out of the heavens, expelled to Earth, and had been on a mission to lead them astray.
Adam was fed up with hearing the Fallen Angel's excuses, and he called upon The Lord God to banish the Fallen Angel out of sight so that Adam could continue his penitence without distractions. Immediately, the Fallen Angel disappeared, and Adam continued his forty days standing in repentance in the waters of the River Jordon. On the other hand, Eve parted ways with Adam and headed west, for she could not bear to face him after her mistake.
Birth of Cain
After six long months of being separated from his beloved wife, Adam heard rumours that Eve was in great pain. He immediately became worried that the Fallen Angel had once again tricked Eve into some dire situation. With a cautious mind, Adam went to the west to search for his wife, hoping to find her alive and well.
As he travelled through the lush green forests, Adam's heart was heavy with worry and concern. He prayed to The Lord God to guide him through this journey and bring him to his wife's side. Finally, after days of wandering, Adam spotted Eve lying on the ground in great distress, clutching her stomach.
Tears of joy streamed down Adam's face as he rushed to his wife's side and held her tightly. He thanked The Lord God for keeping his beloved wife alive and prayed for her safety. It was then that he realised that Eve was pregnant.
Adam continued to pray for his wife's well-being, and as he did, he saw twelve angels descending from the heavens. Two Virtues stood on either side of Eve and helped her give birth to their first child, Cain.
Overwhelmed with emotions, Adam took Eve and his newborn son back to the East. The Lord God sent seeds to the Angel Michael to teach Adam how to farm and provide for his family. As time passed, Adam became an experienced farmer and continued to work hard to provide for his family. Eventually, he and Eve were blessed with another child, Abel.
The Death of Adam
Adam was 130 years old when his son Cain murdered his younger brother Abel. Shortly after this tragic event, Adam and Eve had another son whom they named Seth. Adam lived for another 800 years; during this time, he had 30 sons and 30 daughters, making 63 children.
As Adam approached the end of his life, he knew that his time was ending. He asked his wife, Eve, to summon all their children to bid them farewell. When his children gathered around him, he recounted to them the story of his banishment from The Garden of Eden and the incredible pain he had experienced as a result.
Adam then cried out in agony, and Eve rushed to his side. He commanded her to go with their son Seth to the gates of paradise and pray to the Lord God for mercy. He hoped they would obtain the oil of life from the Tree of Life and save him from death.
After returning from the Garden, Eve and Seth informed Adam about what had happened. However, he was deeply saddened by the news. In his grief, Adam lashed out and blamed Eve for his impending death and the curse that had been bestowed on their children.
Six days later, Adam sensed that his end was near. He requested his children to bury him beside The Garden of Eden. He then passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered for centuries.
Eve: The First Woman
Eve the First Woman
The story of Adam and Eve is a familiar one to many people. According to the Bible, Eve was created from Adam's rib and was his wife. Eve means "living one" or "source of life," reflecting her role in creating human life. However, some sources suggest that Eve was not Adam's first wife. Instead, Lilith was described as a "hot, fiery female" who first cohabited with a man.
The story goes that Lilith refused to sleep or serve under Adam and then flew off, leaving the Garden of Eden and Adam behind. Lilith's actions did not please the Lord God, who created males and females in his image. It is possible that Lilith was the first female created by God and not Eve. Genesis 1:26-1:27
Eve is often called the "wise woman" in the Sumerian cuneiform text, "The Creation." Enki, the great Serpent, taught her the knowledge of the gods, suggesting that Eve was not just a passive figure in the creation story but an active participant who sought knowledge and wisdom. The role of women in ancient cultures is often overlooked. Still, the story of Eve shows that women were valued for their intelligence and ability to learn.
The Life and Death of Eve
The Expulsion
After being banished from The Garden of Eden, Eve and her husband, Adam, found themselves in a barren land without food or shelter. It had been seven days since they were cast out of paradise, and hunger and desperation had started to take hold of them. Growing increasingly hungry, Eve urged Adam to go out and find something to eat. She hoped that The Lord God would have mercy on them and allow them to return to the garden.
Adam searched for food, but after several hours of wandering, he returned empty-handed. Eve was devastated and began to lose hope. In a moment of despair, she suggested that she should take her own life so that Adam could return to The Garden of Eden. Adam tried reassuring her, saying it wouldn't come to that and that they should keep searching for food.
Despite the bleak situation, Adam's words comforted Eve, and they both set out for sustenance. They walked for hours, scouring the barren land for any signs of food.
Penitence
As the days passed, Adam and Eve's search for edible food proved futile. Both of them were starving, and Adam suggested to Eve that they perform great repentance, hoping that their actions would appease The Lord God and that He would show them mercy. After blaming herself for their situation, Eve asked Adam what kind of repentance they could perform that would make The Lord God hear their prayers for help. Adam told Eve to take a stone, go to the Tigris River, and stand on the stone neck-deep in the water without speaking, for they were considered unclean. He instructed her to ask the Lord God for help.
Eve obeyed Adam's commands and went to the River Tigris. She found a suitable stone, waded into the water until she was neck-deep, and stood on it silently. Her mind was filled with thoughts of her past transgressions, and Eve prayed for forgiveness. She asked The Lord God to show them mercy and provide them with food. As she stood there, silently immersed in the water, her faith in The Lord God's benevolence grew stronger.
Second Temptation
It had been eighteen days since Eve had been banished from the Garden of Eden. She stood in the River Tigris, weeping and feeling guilty for her actions. Suddenly, she noticed an angel approaching her from the shore. The Angel asked her to leave the river, for all was forgiven, and a feast awaited her. Excited to hear the news, Eve came out of the water and collapsed on the ground, feeling weak and exhausted.
Seeing her condition, the Angel helped Eve from the ground and led her to Adam. Eve was happy to see her husband again, but her joy was short-lived. She saw Adam in distress, screaming at her that their enemy, the devil, had tricked her once again. After hearing this revelation, Eve realised who the Angel was and became tearful. She cried on her hands and knees, asking with sorrow what she did to deserve such malice, for they didn't do any harm to the devil.
The Fallen Angel groaned at Adam and explained why he was kicked out of the heavens and then vanished. Realising her mistake, Eve reassured her Lord Adam that he was not to blame for her mistakes and that he was better off without her. So, Eve left Adam standing in the river and headed west, weeping and feeling guilty for her actions.
Birth of Cain
After six months of waiting, Eve was finally in labour, ready to give birth to her first child. As she lay in pain, she prayed to The Lord God for mercy, hoping that He would tell Adam that she was about to give birth to his child. Despite her fear and discomfort, she remained optimistic that everything would turn out well.
Suddenly, she saw her husband walking towards her with a look of joy on his face. He seemed relieved to see her in labour, which relieved Eve slightly. She asked him how he had come to her, and he explained that he had prayed to The Lord God to guide him to her side.
Eve then asked her husband to pray to The Lord God for mercy on her behalf, as she was afraid that she might die from the pain. She was relieved when twelve angels appeared with two Virtues in response to Adam's prayers. The Angel Michael touched her face and told her how blessed she was because of Adam's prayers. The Lord God had sent the angels to help her give birth.
With the help of the angels, Eve finally gave birth to a healthy baby boy, whom she named Cain. She was grateful for the mercy and blessings that The Lord God had bestowed upon her and her family, and she thanked Him for making her childbirth a safe and successful experience.
Eve's Dream
As time passed, Adam became a skilled farmer who worked hard to provide for his family, while Eve gave birth to their second child, a son named Abel. However, shortly after Abel's birth, Eve had a disturbing dream in which she saw Cain tasting Abel's blood. Adam separated the two brothers for their son's safety and assigned them different occupations. Cain became a farmer, while Abel became a shepherd, hoping that by keeping them in other locations, he could prevent any harm from coming to Abel.
Despite Adam's efforts, tragedy struck when Cain, filled with jealousy and anger, murdered his brother Abel. This terrible act of violence shocked and devastated the family. Cain was banished to the Land of Nod, a place of wandering and restlessness, as punishment for his crime. The loss of Abel and the expulsion of Cain were a tragic reminder of the destructive power of jealousy and violence and the importance of kindness, compassion, and respect for others.
Adams Final Request
The story of Cain and Abel is well-known, but what happened after that is often overlooked. After Cain killed Abel, Eve gave birth to another son named Seth. He was a direct descendant of Noah's Ark, and his birth gave hope to the family that their lineage would continue.
As the years passed, Adam requested that Eve gather all their children together. Eve contacted everyone except Cain and asked them to come and see their father. Hours later, Eve heard Adam screaming in pain and immediately rushed to his side. She saw her Lord in agony and began to cry, praying to The Lord God to transfer Adam's pain to her, for she believed that she was the one who had sinned, not Adam.
However, her request was not granted, and Eve turned to her husband and asked him to give her some of his pain since he was also suffering because of her sin. Adam comforted Eve and suggested that she and Seth go to the Garden of Eden and ask for forgiveness from The Lord God. He hoped he could get some oil from the Tree of Life, which would help alleviate his pain.
So, Eve and Seth set out towards the Garden of Eden at Adam's request. They were hopeful that they would receive forgiveness from The Lord God and that Adam's pain would be eased.
Encounter with the Serpent
As Seth approached the Garden of Eden, he was suddenly attacked by a serpent which bit him. Eve, who was nearby, witnessed the attack and cried out in anger, demanding to know why the Serpent dared to attack the image of God. The Serpent, in turn, explained that he had always harboured a deep hatred towards them and was following his nature by attacking Seth.
Eve was dismayed when the Serpent accused her of disobeying the Lord God's command by eating the forbidden fruit from the Apple of Eden. She was surprised that the Serpent knew of this, but she knew what he had said was true. However, she quickly reminded the Serpent that he had no right to curse the image of God for her mistake.
Seth grew tired of the Serpent's lies and deceit. He knew that he had to take action to protect his mother and himself from further harm. He commanded the Serpent to be silent and not show himself to the image of God until the Lord God demanded him to be brought to trial for his crimes against his father and mother. The Serpent reluctantly agreed to Seth's terms, and as a sign of his obedience, the wound on Seth's body disappeared.
The Gates of Eden
Upon arriving at the Gates of Eden, Seth humbly knelt, picked up some dust from the ground, and cast it on their heads as a sign of deep reverence and repentance. They prayed to the Lord God, asking for mercy and the oil of life, which could bring their father back to life.
Hours passed as they waited, and they began to lose hope. Suddenly, the Angel Michael appeared before them in human form. Michael comforted Seth, telling him not to weep for his father's pain as there was nothing he could do to ease it. But Michael also gave him hope, saying that the Lord God would one day return to the Earth to resurrect the body of Adam and, with him, the bodies of all the dead.
Seth then spoke of his belief that the son of God would baptise Adam in the river Jordon, anoint him with the oil of his mercy, and lead him back to paradise. Michael listened carefully, nodded in agreement, and assured them their faith was not misplaced. He then left them, disappearing as suddenly as he had appeared.
The Death of Adam
Upon returning home, Eve and Seth recounted the tragic events that had taken place to Adam. Overcome with grief, Adam quickly lashed out at Eve, blaming her for the curse that had befallen their family. Tears streaming down her face, Eve mourned for the children she had cursed, feeling the weight of the guilt bearing down on her.
Six days after the incident, Adam passed away peacefully, leaving behind a family who was heartbroken and devastated by their loss. For seven days, the sun, moon, and stars grew dark, and Eve and her children mourned the loss of their beloved husband and father. Meanwhile, Seth, unable to let go of his father's body, held onto it tightly, embracing him one last time.
During this time of mourning, Eve suddenly saw the Angel Michael standing at the head of Adam's body. She spoke to her son Seth, who rose from his father's body to join her. The Lord God's hand reached out and took Adam, giving him to the Angel Michael. The Lord God commanded the angels to lay Adam's body to his son Abel.
Feeling a mixture of emotions, Eve and her family were left to grieve Adam's passing and await the day of his retribution under the watchful eye of Angel Michael. Though their hearts were heavy and their spirits were low, the family took comfort in knowing that Adam was now in the hands of the Lord.
The Death of Eve
Eve, the first woman on Earth, had a premonition that her death would come six days after her husband Adam's death. As she felt her end approaching, she gathered her children around her. She shared the conversation she and Adam had had with the Angel Michael. She told her children about the Lord God's plan to bring the wrath of His judgment upon the human race, first by water and then by fire, and how they would be judged based on these events.
Before her passing, Eve had one final request for her children. She asked them to make a stone tablet and write the story of her and Adam's life when she died. She explained that if the Lord God chose to judge the human race by water, the tablets of the Earth would dissolve, but the tablets of stone would endure. Similarly, if the Lord God chose to judge the human race by fire, the tablets of stone would be destroyed, but the tablets of the Earth would endure.
In her final moments, Eve raised her hand toward the heavens, knelt, worshipped the Lord God, gave thanks, and passed away. Her children fulfilled her request and created the stone tablet, ensuring that the story of their parents' lives would be preserved for generations to come.
The Serpent
The Serpent
The Serpent's story in the Bible is one of the most intriguing and controversial tales ever told. According to the Bible, the Serpent was God's most intelligent animal. Still, it was not a regular snake as we know it today. The Serpent could talk and may have had two or four legs. The Bible does not accurately describe how the Serpent looked, leaving room for speculation and interpretation.
The Serpent played a vital role in the story of Adam and Eve. The Serpent tricked Eve into eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. The Bible portrays the Serpent as the devil. Still, it is unclear whether this is the same Serpent God created or a different entity altogether. Despite the Serpent's trickery, it told the truth that eating the fruit would give the woman knowledge. Death did not happen immediately to the woman, as the Serpent promised, but knowledge did.
Interestingly, God's curse on the Serpent after the incident in the Garden of Eden is quite specific. It reads,
“‘Cursed are you among all the animals, tame or wild; On your belly, you shall crawl, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.’ ”
This curse suggests that the Serpent was not crawling on its belly before the incident and may have had legs.
In the Sumerian cuneiform text, "The Eridu Genesis," the Serpent is known as Enki, and the story is told differently. According to this tale, Enki gave the woman the knowledge of the gods to help humans grow and become civilised, separating them from the animals. However, Enki's good intentions do not end well for humans, and his actions have unforeseen consequences.
In conclusion, the story of the Serpent is fascinating and has many interpretations. Whether you believe the Serpent was a trickster or a hero, it is clear that it played a significant role in shaping the world as we know it today.
The Fall of an Angel
The Second Temptation
The Serpent watched them for eighteen days as they repented for their transgressions. However, the Serpent grew angry and decided to take matters into his own hands. He became an Angel and went to seek Eve at the River Tigris.
As the Fallen Angel approached Eve, he saw her weeping and mourning for her sins. In an attempt to console her, he, too, began to cry. His tears were so genuine that Eve was moved by his display of emotion.
The Fallen Angel then stood by the shore and called out to Eve, instructing her to leave the water and rest. He told her that the Lord God had heard their prayers and accepted their repentance. He went on to explain that all of the angels had pleaded for her, begging for the Lord God's forgiveness, and he was sent to take her to a place where there was food.
Comforted by the Fallen Angel's words, Eve left the water and followed him to her husband, Adam.
Fall from Grace
Eve and the Fallen Angel arrived at the River Jordan, where Adam sincerely repented for his sins. As Adam looked at the Fallen Angel, he recognised him and angrily yelled at Eve for bringing him there. Eve, in turn, broke down in tears and started to scream at the Fallen Angel, demanding an explanation of why he had misled her yet again.
The Fallen Angel, enjoying the pain and misery he had inflicted upon Adam and Eve, explained the reasons behind his jealousy and resentment towards Adam. He revealed that he was cast out and alienated from the heavens due to his rebellious and hateful attitude towards Adam. Adam was taken aback by this revelation and asked what harm he could have caused the Fallen Angel by pursuing a path of love and kindness towards him.
Infuriated, the Fallen Angel replied that he was cast out from heaven because of Adam. He continued to tell the story of how he and the other angels were called to witness the Lord God's new creation. After the angels watched Adam come into being, the Lord God commanded them to worship him. The Angel Michael was the first to worship Adam and called the Fallen Angel next to worship him. However, the Fallen Angel refused to honour a lower form created after him and said Adam should worship him instead.
Other angels soon followed suit and rebelled against worshipping the false Lord God. The Angel Michael, angered by this, warned the rebellious angels to worship the image of God, or else the Lord God would grow angry with them. Still refusing, the angels led by the Fallen Angel rebelled against the angels of heaven. As a result, the Lord God banished the rebellious angels to the Earth for refusing to worship Adam.
Bitter and twisted from being banished from the heavens, the Fallen Angel described the miserable and painful existence of the fallen angels. They had to witness Adam and Eve living a life of happiness while they were banished from grace due to Adam's creation. The Fallen Angel wanted to see the same misery upon Adam and Eve.
Angered by the Fallen Angel's tale, Adam cried out to the Lord God to remove the Fallen Angel, who wished to harm his soul, from his presence. With a flash, the Fallen Angel disappeared.
The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
“Out of the ground, the Lord God made grow every tree that was delightful to look at and good for food, with the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
The Forbidden Tree
The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
Throughout history, the story of the Forbidden Tree has been a topic of great interest. In the Biblical account, Adam and Eve were forbidden from eating the fruits of a particular tree in the Garden of Eden, which contained the knowledge of the gods. However, the actual purpose of the Tree remains unclear. Some believe that God created the Tree as a test to see if Adam and Eve would obey him, while others suggest that the Tree was a source of temptation, placed there to challenge them.
“‘Not very subtle of the almighty. Fruit Tree in the middle of the garden with a no-touch sign.’ ”
In The Book of Enoch 31.4, the Tree of Knowledge is described as a tamarind tree bearing fruit that resembled grapes. The fruit was said to be delicate and fragrant, with its aroma extending to a considerable distance. Similarly, the Quranic version of the story depicts the forbidden Tree as man's weakness. Adam and Eve were warned not to eat the fruit from the Tree, but Iblis, the devil, persuaded Adam to pick it and give it to Eve.
Interestingly, the Sumerians' cuneiform also mentions the Tree of Knowledge as a metaphor for the wisdom of the gods. According to their account, the gods used the Tree to create tools and weapons, but they did not want the human race to possess this knowledge for fear of rebellion. Therefore, The Tree of Knowledge symbolised power and its fruits were not meant for humans to consume.
Overall, the Forbidden Tree has remained a fascinating subject of discussion for centuries, and its significance in different cultures and religions continues to be debated.
The Forbidden Fruit
There has been a lot of speculation about the fruit from the Tree, and it is still unclear what it is. Several theories and interpretations exist about its identity, but no one can say what it is. Some believe that the fruit is a symbol of knowledge or enlightenment. In contrast, others think that it represents temptation or sin. Despite all the different opinions, the true nature of the Tree's fruit remains a mystery.
The Apple
Throughout Western culture, the apple has become a well-known symbol in art, literature, and popular culture. It is most famously recognised for its appearance in the popular video game series Assassin's Creed, developed by UBISOFT. The apple has played a significant role in various myths and religious traditions, especially as the forbidden fruit in the story of Adam and Eve. However, there is some ambiguity about whether the fruit was actually an apple, as the word "apple" was used as a generic term for all foreign fruit until the 17th century. For instance, tomatoes were once called "love apples," oranges were called "golden apples." Some scholars speculate that the forbidden fruit could have been an Oak apple from one of the many species of Oak trees, as some claim that the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was an Oak Tree.
It is also possible that the confusion about the fruit's identity is due to a translation error. The Greek word "mēlun," meaning "melon" or "fruit," was used in the Latin word "mālum," meaning "apple," which is very similar to the Latin word for "evil." Because of this similarity, some scholars believe that the apple became associated with the idea of sin.
Artists have used the apple as a symbol to represent various historical themes. For example, it was used to symbolise love and sexuality, as biting the fruit awakened Adam and Eve's sexual desires and made them self-conscious of their bodies. Some artists have also used the apple as a symbol of sin and the fall of man, while others have used it to represent the second coming of Adam, who brings life and redemption. Overall, the apple's significance in Western culture is vast and multifaceted, meaning many different ideas and themes throughout history.
The Grape
There is a theory that the Bible's Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was actually a grapevine. This theory is based on the fact that the Bible mentions only one fruit as being forbidden - and that fruit is the grape. In the book of Numbers, the Lord says to Moses that anyone who takes the Nazirite vow to dedicate themselves to the Lord must abstain from wine, strong drink, vinegar made from wine or other vinegar, and grape juice - even fresh or dried grapes. They cannot eat anything from the grapevine, including its seeds or skins. [Numbers 6.1-6.4]
The grape is also significant in the Bible because it symbolises the blood of Jesus or blood itself. In Genesis 9:4, it is forbidden to consume meat with its lifeblood still in it, as the blood is seen as the fuel of life and is, therefore, considered sacred. This is similar to the forbidden fruit of Eden, which was considered sacred and could not be eaten.
It is interesting to consider the possibility that the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was a grapevine, as it adds another layer of meaning to the story of Adam and Eve. However, it is ultimately up to interpretation and belief.
The Fig
In the book of Genesis, it is said that after eating the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve realised they were naked and felt ashamed. To cover their modesty, they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths. Rabbi Nehemiah Hayyun, who lived between 1650 and 1730, believed it was a fig tree that provided the leaves for Adam and Eve to use as clothing. He suggested that this was symbolic of the fig tree's vital power, which helped rehabilitate them after they had sinned. The fig leaves Adam and Eve used were from the same Forbidden Tree they had been warned not to eat from.
Honourable mentions
Pomegranate is a fruit that originated in the Middle East and has been cultivated since ancient times. The name "pomegranate" means "apple with many seeds".
On the other hand, wheat is a crop associated with sin in Hebrew culture. The Hebrew word for wheat is "חיטה", which is phonetically similar to "חטא", meaning "sin". However, it is unlikely that wheat was the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden, as wheat is not a tree.
Lastly, the text mentions the giant Fly Agaric mushroom, which is theorised to have played a central role in the evolution of the human brain. This theory could explain the talking Serpent in the Garden of Eden story. Still, more evidence is needed to fully support this claim.
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