The greatest tragedy befell the world when sin entered it through human disobedience (Genesis 3:1–7). Today we witness God’s very first encounter with the couple after the fall.

God will conduct an inquiry into the incident. Like any investigator, He will ask the man and the woman a series of probing questions. Humanity, created in God’s image (1:26–27), had been given the freedom to choose whether to obey or disobey God (2:16–17). Now, we see how humans are thereby also held accountable for their actions.

The encounter begins, though, with the description of God “walking in the garden in the cool of the day” (3:8). It’s a picture of a king enjoying his special garden, but where is the garden’s caretaker? Thus God asks Adam: “Where are you?” (v. 9).

The brief scene that follows lays bare the devastating effects of sin on the individuals involved, as well as their relationships:

The experience of shame (v. 8; see also v. 7): In Genesis 2:25, we read that “Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame”. But now they are filled with shame; they try to cover their nakedness with fig leaves, and they hide behind trees when God draws near. This new and extremely negative self-consciousness is a result of sin, with far-reaching effects on individuals and communities.

The experience of fear (v. 10): This is the very first occurrence of fear in the Bible. Thereafter, it will become a most effective means of weakening and destroying human potential.

The tendency to pass the blame (vv. 11–13): When God asks the man if he had eaten the fruit of the tree, the answer He receives reveals another terrible consequence of sin: the tendency to avoid taking responsibility and to blame others. This damages our relationships. The man not only blames his wife, but even finds a way to blame God for his failure: “the woman you put here with me” (v. 12; italics added). Meanwhile, the woman follows the same sad way that has now become commonplace in our world—she passes the blame on to the serpent: “the snake deceived me” (v. 13).

Despite this great setback of human rebellion, God never gives up His quest for genuine fellowship with His people. God’s quest drives the Bible’s story of salvation forward. By choosing Abraham and Israel, and by the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God will set about restoring humanity to fellowship with Him. Revelation 21:3–4 shows how He will finally succeed: “Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.”