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Genesis 3:1-5

We cannot know the point in the wilderness wanderings where Israel was exposed to their first introduction to the serpent mentioned in this passage. There is no doubt that they had already become familiar with his tactics and message. They had heard his hiss. They had heard him when the ten spies had rejected God’s promises and had been sentenced to 40 years of wandering (Numbers 13:27-33). They heard him as well in the temptation of Korah, Dathan and Abiram (Numbers 16:1-3) who tried to usurp the priesthood. Now Israel gets a lesson on the entrance of sin into the world and an object lesson on the power of influence and the consequences of rebellion.

Here are some things we need to note from this passage:

* The serpent is Satan. I know that seems elementary but I’ve heard it preached otherwise. Cf. Rev. 12:9; Rev. 20:2; John 8:44
* In order to tempt Eve Satan had but to change one word of God’s Word. He added the word “not” (Genesis 3:4). See Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:5, 6; Rev. 22:18-19.
* Temptation does not come by direct assault but craftily. The thing desired often looks better than God’s will.