The narrative of God arraigning Adam and Eve is a pivotal moment in the biblical account of the Fall of Man, as recorded in Genesis 3. This event marks the transition from the innocence of humanity to the introduction of sin and its consequences. The passage is foundational for understanding the nature of sin, human responsibility, and divine justice.

Context and Setting

The setting is the Garden of Eden, a paradise created by God for the first humans, Adam and Eve. They were given the freedom to eat from any tree in the garden except for one: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The command was clear, as stated in Genesis 2:16-17 : "And the LORD God commanded him, 'You may eat freely from every tree of the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die.'"

The Transgression

Despite the clear command, Adam and Eve were tempted by the serpent, who questioned God's word and enticed them with the prospect of becoming like God, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:6 describes the moment of disobedience: "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."

The Arraignment

Following their transgression, Adam and Eve's eyes were opened, and they realized their nakedness, leading them to hide from God. The Lord God then called out to Adam, initiating the divine arraignment. Genesis 3:9-11 records this encounter: "But the LORD God called out to the man, 'Where are you?' 'I heard Your voice in the garden,' he replied, 'and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.' 'Who told you that you were naked?' asked the LORD God. 'Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?'"

The Inquiry and Responses

God's questioning of Adam and Eve serves to reveal their accountability and the gravity of their disobedience. Adam's response shifts blame to Eve, and indirectly to God, as he says in Genesis 3:12 , "The woman whom You gave me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it." Eve, in turn, blames the serpent: "The serpent deceived me, and I ate," (Genesis 3:13).

Divine Judgment

The consequences of their actions are pronounced by God in a series of judgments. The serpent is cursed above all animals, destined to crawl on its belly and eat dust. Enmity is established between the serpent and the woman, and between their offspring, foreshadowing the ultimate victory of the seed of the woman. To the woman, God declares increased pain in childbirth and a relational dynamic with her husband characterized by desire and rule. Adam is told that the ground is cursed because of him, resulting in a life of toil and eventual return to dust, as stated in Genesis 3:19 : "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return."

Theological Implications

This passage underscores the seriousness of sin and the disruption it causes in the relationship between humanity and God. It highlights the themes of temptation, free will, and the consequences of disobedience. The narrative also introduces the concept of redemption, as God's judgment is accompanied by the promise of a future victory over evil through the seed of the woman, a prophecy seen by many as a reference to the coming of Christ.

Conclusion

The arraignment of Adam and Eve by God is a foundational event that sets the stage for the unfolding account of redemption throughout the Bible. It serves as a reminder of the holiness of God, the reality of sin, and the hope of salvation.