Why did God place a forbidden tree in Eden — and was it really just about knowing right from wrong?

In this episode, Dr. Mark Chavalas as he examines Genesis 2:16–25 through the lens of the ancient Near East. You’ll discover how the phrase “good and evil” may have carried legal and judicial implications, and why the true issue at the heart of Eden may not have been just moral naivety—but moral autonomy and rebellion against God’s authority.We also dive into questions like, What does it mean to take the place of God in judging right and wrong? What was the real rebellion in Eden? And how does the creation of woman reveal a radical vision of equality in the ancient world?🔥 In This Episode: ➡️ Was “good and evil” a legal concept in the ancient world?➡️ Did Adam and Eve already know right from wrong?➡️ What’s the real meaning of “helper” — and is it subordinate?➡️ Why does Adam naming the animals matter?➡️ How nakedness and shame set the stage for Genesis 3📚 Why This Episode Matters:Understanding the tree, the command, and the creation of woman through ancient eyes reshapes how we see sin, authority, and human identity in Scripture. This isn't just a story about fruit — it's about rebellion, representation, and relationship.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:What’s your take on the Tree of Knowledge? Was it about wisdom… or about power?🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share if this helped you think deeper about Genesis.#RethinkingGenesis #TreeOfKnowledge #AncientNearEast #GenesisExplained #BiblePodcast #BiblicalStudies #BuriedBiblePodcast