Gen 3:8-9 | TNotes | STEP | 3:8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing: The Hebrew has traditionally been interpreted as referring to the cool part of the day, most likely the evening. Others think that the language refers to a powerful manifestation of God’s presence (a theophany; see Exod 19:16-25 ; 1 Sam 7:10 ) as a storm. If this view is correct, the man and the woman were hiding from the sound of the Lord appearing in judgment (see 2 Sam 5:24 ; Ps 29 ). • God put trees in the garden as an environment for humanity to enjoy fellowship with God. Now the man and woman used them to evade the divine presence.

a3:8►

bExod 19:16-25►

c1 Sam 7:10►

d2 Sam 5:24►

ePs 29►

f3:9-10►

g3:10►

h4:9-10►

‏ Genesis 3:8-9

3:8 ^a When the cool evening breezes were blowing: The Hebrew has traditionally been interpreted as referring to the cool part of the day, most likely the evening. Others think that the language refers to a powerful manifestation of God’s presence (a theophany; see Exod 19:16-25 ^b; 1 Sam 7:10 ^c) as a storm. If this view is correct, the man and the woman were hiding from the sound of the Lord appearing in judgment (see 2 Sam 5:24 ^d; Ps 29 ^e).

• God put trees in the garden as an environment for humanity to enjoy fellowship with God. Now the man and woman used them to evade the divine presence.
Summary for Gen 3:9-10: 3:9-10 ^f Where are you? The true intent of this rhetorical question is revealed in the man’s answer (3:10 ^g). The real question was, why are you hiding? (cp. 4:9-10 ^h).

• I was afraid because I was naked: Modesty was not the issue. The shame brought on by rebellion drove Adam and his wife to hide. Possibly they also feared punishment (see study note on 3:8).