Further Thought: Consider the connection between “the tree of life”
and “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” This relation already is
suggested through the fact that they are both located “in the midst of the
Garden” (Gen. 2:9). But there is more between the two trees than just a
geographical relation. It is because humans have taken the fruit of the tree of
the knowledge of good and evil, because they disobeyed God, that they lost
access to the tree of life and could not live forever, at least in this condition.
This connection underlies a profound principle. Moral and spiritual choices
have an impact on biological life, as Solomon instructed his son: “Do not
forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and
long life and peace they will add to you” (Prov. 3:1, 2, NKJV). This connec-
tion reappears in the future heavenly Jerusalem, where only the tree of life
is present “in the middle of its street” (Rev. 22:2, NKJV).
“When God created Eve, He designed that she should possess neither
inferiority nor superiority to the man, but that in all things she should
be his equal. The holy pair were to have no interest independent of each
other; and yet each had an individuality in thinking and acting. But after
Eve’s sin, as she was first in the transgression, the Lord told her that Adam
should rule over her. She was to be in subjection to her husband, and this
was a part of the curse. In many cases the curse has made the lot of woman
very grievous and her life a burden. The superiority which God has given
man he has abused in many respects by exercising arbitrary power. Infinite
wisdom devised the plan of redemption, which places the race on a second
probation by giving them another trial.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for
the Church, vol. 3, p. 484.
Discussion Questions:
 God confronted Adam in Eden and asked him questions in
order not only to establish his guilt but also to lead him to repen-
tance. This motif reappears with Cain (Gen. 4:9, 10), the Flood
(Gen. 6:5–8), the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:5), and Sodom and
Gomorrah (Gen. 18:21). How is the idea of an investigative judg-
ment revealed in these incidents?
 Why did Eve think that eating from the tree of the knowledge
of good and evil would give her wisdom? How could we avoid,
in our context, making a similar mistake; that is, openly defying
God’s Word in hope of something “better” than what God has
offered us?