Topical Bible: The Earth: Man: Brought a Curse On

◄ The Earth: Man: Brought a Curse On ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the earth being cursed due to the actions of man is rooted in the biblical narrative of the Fall, as described in the Book of Genesis. This event marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between humanity and the created world, illustrating the profound impact of sin on the natural order.

The Fall and the Curse

The account of the Fall is found in Genesis 3. After Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, God pronounced a series of judgments. Among these was a specific curse on the ground because of Adam's sin. Genesis 3:17-19 states:

"To Adam He said, 'Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. 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.'"

This passage highlights the direct consequence of human disobedience: the ground itself is cursed, leading to a life of labor and struggle for sustenance. The introduction of thorns and thistles symbolizes the resistance and hardship that now characterize humanity's interaction with the earth.

Theological Implications

The curse on the earth is not merely a punishment but also serves as a reminder of the broken relationship between God and humanity. It underscores the gravity of sin and its far-reaching effects, extending beyond personal guilt to the very fabric of creation. The earth, once a place of harmony and abundance, now reflects the disorder introduced by sin.

Subsequent Biblical References

Throughout Scripture, the theme of the earth's curse is revisited, often in the context of human sin and divine judgment. For instance, in Genesis 4:11-12 , after Cain murders Abel, God declares:

"Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you till the ground, it will no longer yield its produce for you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth."

This further illustrates the ongoing impact of sin on the earth and humanity's relationship with it. The ground, once a source of life and sustenance, becomes a witness to human transgression and a participant in divine retribution.

Hope and Restoration

Despite the curse, the Bible also offers hope for redemption and restoration. The prophets speak of a future time when creation will be renewed. Isaiah 55:12-13 envisions a transformed earth:

"You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush, a cypress will grow, and instead of the brier, a myrtle will spring up. This will make a name for the LORD as an everlasting sign, never to be destroyed."

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reflects on the hope of creation's liberation from the curse. Romans 8:20-21 states:

"For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."

This passage affirms the ultimate redemption of creation, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of restoration through Christ.

Conclusion

The curse on the earth due to man's sin is a foundational theme in the Bible, illustrating the profound consequences of disobedience and the hope of eventual restoration. Through the lens of Scripture, believers are reminded of the seriousness of sin and the promise of renewal through God's redemptive plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 3:17
And to Adam he said, Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it: cursed is the ground for your sake; in sorrow shall you eat of it all the days of your life;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Complement of Genesis.
... which came upon it: Revelation tells how that curse will be removed, and the New
Creation brought in ... A river for the New Earth (xxii.1,2 ... Man in God's image (i.26 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the complement of genesis.htm

Eighteenth Lesson Whose is this Image?'
... and at his request heaven was to have bestowed its blessing on earth. ... With sin all
this underwent a terrible change"man's fall brought all creation ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/eighteenth lesson whose is this.htm

Praise and Thanksgiving the Holiness of God Brought Near to Man in ...
... V. The Holiness of God brought near to Man in Christ 10,10,10,10,8,8,10,10. ... In His
face we behold it shine,. The sinless One, who this dark earth has trod. ...
/.../praise and thanksgiving the holiness.htm

Desolation of the Earth.
... and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the ... Satan's work of rebellion
has "made the earth to tremble ... the effect of the curse which sin has brought. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /41 desolation of the earth.htm

Man's Misery by the Fall
... and a spark or two of it flies into a man's conscience in ... It sets heaven and earth
against us. ... through his blood.' Ephesians 1:1. Sin has brought trouble and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 mans misery by the.htm

Desolation of the Earth
... and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the ... Satan's work of rebellion
has "made the earth to tremble ... the effect of the curse which sin has brought. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 41 desolation of the.htm

Its Source
... to "keep the commandments" that the God-man Mediator was ... declaring "I have glorified
Thee on the earth: I have ... The offence of the first Adam brought down the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/6 its source.htm

Figure, Image, Truth: Law, Grace, Glory; Man Created Immortal ...
... Grace, Glory; Man Created Immortal: Death Brought in by ... by transgression and bent
to the earth, God putting ... to sin by means of death, lest man immortal, living ...
/.../chapter ii figure image truth law.htm

His Future Work
... Every wrong will be righted on earth and present-day evils and ... Sin has brought a
curse upon creation. ... and thistles are the result of the fall of man as well as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/iii his future work.htm

It is Related that when Pilate Would Fain have Released Him all ...
... that she should bring forth grapes, and she brought forth thorns ... received through
the sin of the first man, when the Lord said "Cursed be the earth in thy ...
/.../22 it is related that.htm