We have now reached the final scene following the tragedy of the great fall (Genesis 3:1–7). It was a tragedy of such magnitude that God himself had to investigate (vv. 8–13), and pronounce judgment on each offender individually (vv. 14–19). In today’s passage, we read about the implementation of that judgment (vv. 20–24). But first, the writer makes two observations—one about Adam, and one about God.

The first is: “Adam named his wife Eve” (v. 20). This wasn’t something that God had asked Adam to do. In those days, naming was a demonstration of authority over who, or what, was being named (see 2:19–20). Was Adam starting to assert dominance over Eve, as God had warned earlier (see 3:16)? Alternatively, biblical scholars note that “Eve” sounds like the Hebrew word meaning “to give life”. Perhaps Adam had named his wife to reflect his hope in the face of his eventual death.

The second is: “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them” (v. 21). The first result of the couple’s sin was that they felt ashamed of their nakedness. Their shame prompted them to try to cover themselves with fig leaves and hide among the trees. The second was their vulnerability, as they would be sent out of the ordered garden into a hostile environment (v. 23). In spite of their guilt, however, God lovingly provides them with clothing that would cover them (v. 21).

For the second time in Genesis we hear God announcing His plans (v. 22; see 1:26). This suggests a significant decision is being made. Human beings, who had been created to represent God, had attempted to replace Him (3:4–5). If they were still allowed to eat of the tree of life, they would live for ever in their tragic state of rebellion (v. 22). So God banishes the couple from His garden (v. 23). Adam and Eve had imagined that they could live without God, but now, they have lost the privilege of living with Him for ever. With access to the tree of life denied, the human lifespan would now be limited, and God’s warning comes to pass: “You will certainly die” (2:17).

The tree of life reappears only in the final chapter of the Bible (Revelation 22:1–5) when God’s
restoration plan for the world is fully completed and a new humanity of redeemed people is formed. God is present in this glorious city, which, like the garden of Eden, is well supplied by a river “of the water of life” (v. 1). The tree of life can be found on either side of the river producing a regular and abundant supply of fruit. Here, humanity has returned to be with God, and “no longer will there be any curse” (v. 3).

For now, however, the entrance to the garden of Eden, which was on its “east side” (Genesis 3:24), is guarded by cherubim. Human beings have lost their access to God, His garden, and the tree of life. Sin separates us from God and eternal communion with Him. All these can only be restored by Christ.