Genesis 3:7 commentary
THOMAS SCOTT COMMENTARY
Verse 7. Satan’s promise soon began to be accomplished. The eyes of Adam and Eve were opened to see the snare, when they were already caught in it: they saw also misery before them with horror and dismay, and their new discoveries were their torment. Their bodily nakedness had not previously excited the sensation of shame: but being stripped of the robe of innocence, and despoiled of the image of God, the defense of His protection, and the honour of His presence, they perceived that they were indeed made naked to their shame; and their outward nakedness appeared an indication of the exposed and shameful condition to which they were reduced. Their vain attempt to cover themselves by fig-leaves plaited together, represents the fruitless pains and worthless expedients which men employ to conceal their real character, and hide their sins from each other, and even from themselves. For all men are naturally more ashamed of being detected in sin, than of committing it; and more desirous of keeping up a good opinion of themselves, than of obtaining pardon from God; though they can hide nothing from Him, and can neither elude his justice, nor recover His favour, by any of their own contrivances.
THOMAS HAWEIS COMMENTARY
Verse 7: They wanted to see more, and now they are gratified; but oh what a sight! How preferable had blindness been to such a discovery!
1. They saw their own nakedness; not only of their bodies, but of their souls. The robe of innocence was rent; the image of God was defaced; their minds now a scene of disturbance; their happiness departed: their misery come upon them: all was lost, and dark despair, and dread of deserved punishment overwhelmed them. 1. How dreadful a thing is sin! It smiles in the face, but it leaves behind the poison of a serpent: oh that we felt its evil more, and, from the fear of its consequences, kept from the jaws of the destroyer! 2. How shameful! It must cover us with confusion, either in time or eternity. Happy they who by real repentance have taken shame to themselves here before God and man, and through the blood of Jesus, have their iniquity pardoned and their sin covered.
2. They sought to conceal it, and the methods they took, showed how improved they were in wisdom. Strange folly, to think that fig leaves could hide their shame: it was a poor covering respecting themselves: it was useless respecting God. How like are we! (1.) We think all is well, if we can hide our shame from each other, and save our credit among men. But shall not the day come, when it shall be laid open before an assembled world? (2.) How apt are we to fly to excuses instead of humbling our souls under conscious guilt! Frank acknowledgment is in some sort reparation; while every subterfuge is an aggravation of the crime.
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