February 9, 2009

God’s Judgment upon Eve

“To the woman He said: ‘I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire [shall be] for your husband, And he shall rule over you.’” (Genesis 3:16 NKJV)

Eve paid a great price for her sin, which all women have paid since. Some say that a woman gives birth with more pain than any other creature. This is not only true of the time of birth, but it is also true for the entire pregnancy. God greatly multiplied her sorrow.

Then God subjected her to the harsh rule of her husband. Commentators that I have considered all seem to agree on this. Certainly, the last part of verse 16 would support this thought. This also seems to fit with the crime. Eve took a great deal upon herself to eat of the tree, a very questionable act, without even consulting her husband.

Again, we see the devastating impact of sin. However, before we question God’s goodness, let us remember how we cling to this fallen world. It is the tears of life that often lead us to seek mercy from God.

Pain and suffering is a stark reminder of sin and judgment. The garden was a place of peace and joy in the presence of God. Now, God is distant and the world is harsh, but the promise of peace and joy is elevated by contrast.

Husbands, God has mitigated the pain of childbirth with the joy of new life. “A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” (John 16:21 NKJV) We can mitigate her subjection by obeying God and loving her.

Love is sacrificial and we are told to love our wives as Christ love the church (Eph 5.25). How did Christ love the church? He sacrificed His life. Let’s be willing to ease her burden as much as possible with our gentle response and attentive care.

Yes, we have a burden to bear also, but it could be that our burden will be lessened if we look to the interests of our wives. “So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:28 NKJV) [emphasis added] Give that some thought. Amen.