Genesis 2:7-9,15-17: The Creation of Man

Read: Genesis 2:7-9,15-17

If something that was once alive is left to the elements, it decomposes and returns to the earth. In effect, by making Adam from “dust of the ground” he shows man’s connection to the earth. “Adamah” takes his name from the world “dust” to indicate this. Similar themes appear in Sumerian and Akkadian creation stories. In the Atrahasis Epic, the gods create humans from clay, which is mixed with the flesh and blood of a slain god. The Gilgamesh Epic, while not a creation story, also contains references to humans being formed from clay or earth. Egyptian mythology, the god Khnum is said to have fashioned humans on a potter's wheel from clay. This creation process of forming men from earth shows the links between humans and the earth, with the divine act of shaping and giving life. In additional to dirt, God forms man by breathing into his nostrils the breath of life, and man becomes a living being (“nephesh chayah”). The Hebrew word "nephesh" (soul or living being) combined with "chayah" (living) emphasizes not just physical life but also a spiritual aspect. "Nephesh" is often associated with the life that animates the physical body. It is the aspect of a person that experiences and interacts with the physical world, including needs and emotions. A similar concept, the breath or spirit (“ruach”) of God is seen as the life-giving force, symbolizing the divine spark that differentiates living beings from inert matter. This act signifies the intimate connection between humans and God and highlights the belief that life itself is a gift from the divine.

Among the plants of the garden, God describes two unique trees: the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. While much attention is often given to the Tree of Knowledge due to its role in the fall of man, the Tree of Life also plays a significant part in God’s plan for humanity. In Genesis 3:22, eating from this tree would grant immortality. However, after the fall, access to the Tree of Life is restricted, thus cutting off humanity’s access to eternal life. The concept of a tree that offers eternal life is a common motif in Ancient Near Eastern cultures associated with immortality or divine blessing. In contrast, the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is most famous for its role in the fall of man. God prohibited Adam and Eve from eating its fruit, yet they did so, leading to their awareness of good and evil and, consequently, their expulsion from the garden (Genesis 2:17, 3:6-7). While no direct parallel to this tree exists in other ANE mythologies, the theme of divine prohibition and the cost of acquiring knowledge is familiar. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, for example, Gilgamesh seeks a plant of knowledge to gain immortality, but ultimately loses it. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil awakened in humanity the capacity for moral discernment, marking a critical transition from innocence to the awareness of good and evil, along with the responsibility that comes with it. Before eating the fruit, Adam and Eve were unashamed and unaware of their nakedness. But afterward, they immediately sensed shame and became aware of their vulnerability (Genesis 3:7).

In the Book of Revelation, the imagery of the Tree of Life resurfaces in the vision of a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 22:1-2). Here, the Tree of Life becomes accessible again, symbolizing the restoration of eternal life and unbroken fellowship with God. This vision marks the fulfillment of redemption and the ultimate reversal of the Fall’s effects. Through the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the broken relationship between God and humanity is restored. Jesus overcomes the power of sin and death, offering salvation and the promise of eternal life to all who believe.

Lord, You are the giver of life.

Help me to live in communion with You, recognizing that my very existence is a gift from Your hands.