Genesis 2:4-17 (p. 2 of the pew bibles)

1. Context
   1. Toledot formula—“This is the account of the heavens and the earth” is literally “These are the generations of…”—common marker to introduce section
   2. Generations (or offspring) of the heavens and the earth (all creation) means the earth can bring forth the provisions God created
   3. Vs. 4 & 5 couples the name Lord with the generic term for God; indicates the more personal nature of God

1. The Gardener (v. 7)
   1. Hebrew term for man= Adamah, where we get Adam
   2. Out of the dust—elevates one to a royal office—this affirms mans’ call rule over the earth
   3. Breath of life—poetic way to indicate God gave him (us) life

1. The Garden
   1. Eden: an Aramaic word related to it means to enrich, make abundant
   2. Significance: Sanctuary where God dwelt and man should worship him (many features in the garden were later found in the Tabernacle and Temple)
   3. The 2 Trees
      1. Tree of Life: Provided to make death unnecessary
         1. Later when the couple loses access to the tree of life, death naturally enters—with sin came death
      2. Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil—relates to moral autonomy
         1. What is forbidden is the power to decide for himself what is in his best interest and what is not
         2. “Man has indeed become a god whenever he makes his own self the center, the springboard, and the only frame of reference for moral guidelines.” (Dr. Victor Hamilton)
   4. The Water: picture presented is of a mighty spring that gushes out from Eden and is channeled through the Garden for irrigation purposes
   5. The Garden is the dwelling place of God and is the source by which God provides

1. The Work
   1. Adam was to tend to the garden; given it was God’s sanctuary; Adam not only acted as a gardener, but more so acted as a priest tending to a sacred space
   2. Work was always a part of God’s plan for mankind

1. The Warning
   1. God gives Adam ample permission (eat of any tree…) and only one prohibition
   2. You will sure die= you will be doomed to die

1. The Point: God is our ultimate source of life and satisfaction
   1. When we glorify him in all we do, we find the greatest satisfaction in life