Genesis 3:9
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The man could not hide himself from God. "Jehovah God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" Not that He was ignorant of his hiding-place, but to bring him to a confession of his sin. And when Adam said that he had hidden himself through fear of his nakedness, and thus sought to hide the sin behind its consequences, his disobedience behind the feeling of shame; this is not to be regarded as a sign of peculiar obduracy, but easily admits of a psychological explanation, viz., that at the time he actually thought more of his nakedness and shame than of his transgression of the divine command, and his consciousness of the effects of his sin was keener than his sense of the sin itself. To awaken the latter God said, "Who told thee that thou wast naked?" and asked him whether he had broken His command. He could not deny that he had, but sought to excuse himself by saying, that the woman whom God gave to be with him had given him of the tree. When the woman was questioned, she pleaded as her excuse, that the serpent had beguiled her (or rather deceived her, ἐξαπάτησεν, Co2 11:3). In offering these excuses, neither of them denied the fact. But the fault in both was, that they did not at once smite upon their breasts. "It is so still; the sinner first of all endeavours to throw the blame upon others as tempters, and then upon circumstances which God has ordained."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord God called unto Adam,.... The Jerusalem Targum is, the Word of the Lord God, the second Person in the Trinity; and this is the voice he is said to have heard before: and said unto him, where art thou? which is said, not as ignorant of the place where he was, nor of what he had done, nor of the circumstances he was in, or of the answers he would make; but rather it shows all the reverse, that he knew where he was, what he had done, and in what condition he was, and therefore it was in vain to seek to hide himself: or as pitying his case, saying, "alas for thee" (u), as some render the words, into what a miserable plight hast thou brought thyself, by listening to the tempter, and disobeying thy God! thou that wast the favourite of heaven, the chief of the creatures, the inhabitant of Eden, possessed of all desirable bliss and happiness, but now in the most wretched and forlorn condition imaginable; or as upbraiding him with his sin and folly; that he who had been so highly favoured by him, as to be made after his image and likeness, to have all creatures at his command, and the most delightful spot in all the globe to dwell in, and a grant to eat of what fruit he would, save one, and who was indulged with intercourse with his God, and with the holy angels, should act such an ungrateful part as to rebel against him, break his laws, and trample upon his legislative authority, and bid, as it were, defiance to him: or else as the Saviour, looking up his straying sheep, and lost creature, man: or rather as a summons to appear before him, the Judge of all, and answer for his conduct; it was in vain for him to secrete himself, he must and should appear; the force of which words he felt, and therefore was obliged to surrender himself, as appears from what follows. (u) "hei tibi", Oleaster.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here the arraignment of these deserters before the righteous Judge of heaven and earth, who, though he is not tied to observe formalities, yet proceeds against them with all possible fairness, that he may be justified when he speaks. Observe here, I. The startling question with which God pursued Adam and arrested him: Where art thou? Not as if God did not know where he was; but thus he would enter the process against him. "Come, where is this foolish man?" Some make it a bemoaning question: "Poor Adam, what has become of thee?" "Alas for thee!" (so some read it) "How art thou fallen, Lucifer, son of the morning! Thou that wast my friend and favourite, whom I had done so much for, and would have done so much more for; hast thou now forsaken me, and ruined thyself? Has it come to this?" It is rather an upbraiding question, in order to his conviction and humiliation: Where art thou? Not, In what place? but, In what condition? "Is this all thou hast gotten by eating forbidden fruit? Thou that wouldest vie with me, dost thou now fly from me?" Note, 1. Those who by sin have gone astray from God should seriously consider where they are; they are afar off from all good, in the midst of their enemies, in bondage to Satan, and in the high road to utter ruin. This enquiry after Adam may be looked upon as a gracious pursuit, in kindness to him, and in order to his recovery. If God had not called to him, to reclaim him, his condition would have been as desperate as that of fallen angels; this lost sheep would have wandered endlessly, if the good Shepherd had not sought after him, to bring him back, and, in order to that, reminded him where he was, where he should not be, and where he could not be either happy or easy. Note, 2. If sinners will but consider where they are, they will not rest till they return to God. II. The trembling answer which Adam gave to this question: I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, Gen 3:10. He does not own his guilt, and yet in effect confesses it by owning his shame and fear; but it is the common fault and folly of those that have done an ill thing, when they are questioned about it, to acknowledge no more than what is so manifest that they cannot deny it. Adam was afraid, because he was naked; not only unarmed, and therefore afraid to contend with God, but unclothed, and therefore afraid so much as to appear before him. We have reason to be afraid of approaching to God if we be not clothed and fenced with the righteousness of Christ, for nothing but this will be armour of proof and cover the shame of our nakedness. Let us therefore put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and then draw near with humble boldness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:9-10 Where are you? The true intent of this rhetorical question is revealed in the man’s answer (3:10). The real question was, why are you hiding? (cp. 4:9-10). • 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).
Genesis 3:9
God Arraigns Adam and Eve
8Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the breeze of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.9But the LORD God called out to the man, “Where are you?”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Missional Encounter
By Jackie Pullinger6.8K47:42MissionsGEN 3:9EXO 19:16EXO 33:18ROM 2:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the encounter with God on Mount Sinai. The people were afraid of approaching God because of His power and might. However, God revealed Himself to Moses as a kind, compassionate, and merciful God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of showing kindness to others, especially the poor and hungry, as it reflects the character of God. The sermon concludes with a call to make a spiritual move in the heart in preparation for a physical move to Wanchai.
(Hebrews - Part 9): What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
By A.W. Tozer5.2K27:26ExpositionalGEN 3:9PSA 8:4PSA 139:1ISA 53:6JHN 3:16ROM 5:8EPH 2:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the wickedness of mankind and how our daily conduct is evidence of our guilt. He argues that anyone who doubts the fall of man and the iniquity of the human race only needs to look at the news or observe people's behavior to be convinced. The preacher also reflects on the love and mercy of God, despite humanity's unworthiness. He highlights a news report about the Chicago Aircraft crash, where teenagers acted irreverently and people stole from the dead bodies, as an example of the iniquity that exists in every person. The sermon concludes by stating that history serves as an indictment of mankind's sinful nature.
The Voice of God's Love
By A.W. Tozer4.9K38:11God's LoveGEN 3:9GEN 3:17JER 31:3MAT 18:12LUK 15:8ROM 8:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of revelation and how it relates to our understanding of the human condition. He acknowledges that we already know that the creation is subject to vanity and decay, as stated in the book of Ecclesiastes. The speaker then reflects on the lives of great geniuses like Albert Einstein and Ludwig van Beethoven, who had incredible abilities but ultimately died and took their talents to the grave. He questions the reasonableness of a being capable of creating such remarkable creatures like humans, only to have them end up in the ground and leave their work unfinished. The speaker suggests that something has happened to the human race, and the Bible provides sacred revelation to explain this. It declares that the inhabitants of the world are lost, but not forsaken, and that there is a voice calling them to safety and home. The sermon ends with the question, "Adam, where art thou?", implying that humanity is lost and in need of redemption.
(Prophecy) Introduction to Prophecy
By Zac Poonen2.5K53:21GEN 3:9NUM 12:6MAT 4:4MAT 6:33MAT 7:15HEB 8:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the role of a prophet and the importance of being a seer, someone who sees and understands God's plans and purposes. The speaker emphasizes the need for purity of heart in order to truly see God and receive divine knowledge. The passage in Numbers 12 is highlighted, where God describes Moses as a prophet and reveals Himself to him in a vision. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of having Jesus as our example and role model, as He is the ultimate prophet who prophesied better than anyone else.
Help, I'm Stuck
By Carter Conlon2.3K26:31BondageGEN 3:9JHN 11:35JHN 14:16ROM 10:92CO 5:17EPH 3:19HEB 3:15In this sermon, the speaker shares a heartwarming story about his grandson playing a game called "Help, I'm stuck." He reflects on how this game mirrors his own prayer life, where he often cries out to God for help when feeling stuck or unsure. The speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing that God is always there for us, even when others may not be, and that we can find comfort and assurance in His presence. He relates this to Jesus' promise of preparing a place for us in His Father's house and encourages listeners to trust in God's faithfulness.
04 Building Fellowship as Husband & Wife
By Zac Poonen2.1K59:07GEN 3:9JOB 1:5PSA 133:1PRO 15:4PRO 18:21EPH 4:32COL 4:6JAS 3:21PE 3:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's order in earthly families as a foundation for building the church. It contrasts the focus on family in the New Testament with the lack of emphasis in the Old Testament, highlighting the significance of relationships within the family unit. The message encourages acknowledging mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and fostering fellowship between spouses and children, with a focus on speaking graciously and building a home filled with love and unity.
Accepted by God
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:02:53AcceptedGEN 3:9EXO 20:1PSA 51:6MAT 6:33JHN 1:17ROM 5:20HEB 8:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a passionate and persistent prayer life. He uses two parables from the Bible to illustrate this point. The first parable is about a persistent widow who keeps knocking on the door of a neighbor until she receives what she needs. The preacher encourages believers to have the same level of passion and persistence in their prayers to God. The second parable is about the value of seeking God's face above all else, recognizing that the things of this world are temporary and insignificant compared to the beauty and glory of God. The preacher urges listeners to count everything in this world as rubbish and to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
Introduction to Prophecy
By Zac Poonen1.6K54:12ProphecyGEN 3:9NUM 12:6JOL 2:28MAT 4:4MAT 7:15MAT 7:22In this sermon, the preacher discusses the potential consequences of allowing certain types of music into our lives. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of the long-term effects, as even a small deviation from our goals can lead us astray. The preacher then references Numbers 12, where God describes Moses as a prophet who sees and knows Him because of his pure heart. This highlights the importance of purity in our relationship with God. The sermon also touches on the power of prophecy and the undiluted word of God to bring about transformation in people's lives.
The Power of the Gospel
By Alistair Begg1.2K58:12GospelGEN 3:9MAT 6:33MRK 1:1ROM 1:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel of God rather than putting on a flashy show for the congregation. He compares fireworks, which provide temporary entertainment with no lasting value, to many people's experience of coming out of church. The preacher highlights the power of the gospel of God and the need to proclaim it with boldness and truthfulness. He shares the story of a Galilean carpenter, the incarnate son of God, who came to manifest the immense love of God and reveal the dire condition of humanity. The sermon encourages listeners to humbly acknowledge their need for salvation and embrace the truth of the gospel.
Obtaining Pardon From God
By Erlo Stegen1.1K1:09:25PardonGEN 3:9PSA 90:8PSA 91:1PRO 28:13ISA 30:1ISA 30:9EPH 5:11In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a woman who had a dream of seeing people in hell, which led to her brother's conversion and becoming a pastor. The brother's church saw a large number of children attending Sunday school. The speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to the Lord and not hiding from Him. They also highlight the idea that sin is like a chain, with one sin leading to another. The sermon references the story of Adam and Eve hiding from God and the words of Jesus in John 3:20 about those who do evil hating the light.
God's Eternal Purpose, His Will, His Council, His Work
By Stephen Kaung1.1K1:07:09GEN 3:9EXO 14:21EXO 16:3EPH 1:9EPH 1:19In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about an elderly lady he met in India who had a unique ministry. Instead of preaching the gospel, she felt led by God to prepare houses in a resort area and serve as a place of rest for God's servants during the summer. The speaker then transitions to discussing the importance of having a deep relationship with God, rather than just knowing about His acts. He uses the example of the Israelites who witnessed God's miracles but quickly forgot and doubted His provision. The speaker emphasizes the need to have a meaningful life and shares how the elderly lady in the story found purpose and transformation through understanding the eternal purpose of God.
Revival in Our World
By Stephen Olford96831:24RevivalGEN 3:92KI 10:30PSA 119:105PRO 29:18JER 20:9JHN 15:7JAS 5:16In this sermon, the preacher addresses the theme of revival in our world today. He highlights the current state of society, characterized by exploitation, division, immorality, and insecurity. The preacher emphasizes the need for unity and honesty in personal, social, spiritual, national, and international relationships. He shares a personal story about his church's journey towards accepting integration and experiencing revival through preaching and prayer. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God has made us all one in Christ Jesus.
Keep Your Devotion to Jesus
By Sandeep Poonen94020:04GEN 3:9MAT 25:1ACT 2:422CO 11:3EPH 4:3PHP 2:11JN 1:31JN 1:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of true fellowship with God and warns against the dangers of stopping short of genuine fellowship by mistaking it for mere friendship or community. It stresses the need for a deep, personal devotion to Jesus above all else, highlighting that fellowship with one another is rooted in individual fellowship with God. The speaker cautions against losing sight of this core relationship with Jesus amidst the activities and responsibilities within the church, emphasizing the priority of knowing and drawing closer to God.
Follow-Up
By John Advocaat92558:47Follow-UpGEN 3:9EXO 33:11PSA 105:4LAM 3:25JHN 4:23In this sermon, the speaker discusses the process of follow-up in teaching the word of God. He outlines five steps: telling them why, showing them how, getting them started, keeping them going, and encouraging them to pass it on to others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and incorporating specific verses into the lives of those being taught. He also highlights the significance of spending time together, engaging in activities like Bible study, prayer, and recreation. The sermon concludes with the encouragement to share the teachings with others, multiplying the ministry.
Something Is Wrong - Part 04 of 05
By Richard Owen Roberts8731:12:37Church ProblemsGEN 3:9MAT 17:5ROM 10:171CO 2:10HEB 3:15JAS 1:19REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of coming into possession of a new phase of life through testing and obedience. He encourages the audience to interpret their challenges and trials as opportunities for growth rather than attributing them to the devil. The preacher acknowledges the difficulty of teaching in a series due to the inconsistency of the audience, but expresses a desire to delve deeper into subjects like prayer. He highlights the significance of confession as a platform for God's blessings and guidance in one's life.
Bringing a Congregation to Life
By Ernest C. Reisinger8451:24:27GEN 3:9MAT 6:332TI 2:24REV 3:1In this sermon, Pastor Champions reflects on the decline of his church from 880 members to 300, and expresses his desire for revival. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and asks for God's guidance and intervention. He contrasts the true work of God with artificial excitement created by manipulators and gimmicks. Pastor Champions highlights the qualities of faithful ministers, such as seriousness about the work and Word of God, faith in the power of the Spirit, and patience in waiting for the fruit of their labor.
Beginning Sources
By Don Courville5851:32:07GEN 3:9EXO 3:11EPH 2:6JAS 4:71PE 5:6This sermon emphasizes how God often uses ordinary, broken individuals like Moses to accomplish extraordinary things, highlighting the importance of recognizing our emptiness and need for God's purpose in our lives. It also discusses the consequences of rejecting God's authority and falling under the enemy's influence, leading to destruction. The message touches on the battle with sin, self-righteousness, and bitterness, urging humility, obedience, and a deeper understanding of our position in Christ for victory.
Whare Art Thou
By Peter Orasuk55425:25MissionsGEN 3:9GEN 3:13MAT 7:13LUK 16:191PE 2:24In this sermon, the preacher discusses two questions that God asks in the Bible: "Where are you?" and "What is this?" These questions represent God's dealings with humanity throughout history. The preacher explains that there are two roads in life, a broad road that leads to destruction and a narrow road that leads to life. The sermon also includes a story of a soldier who found himself in a dangerous situation and was saved by heeding a warning. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding these questions and their relevance to every individual's life.
Old Testament Survey - Part 6
By Dick Woodward50227:27GEN 3:6GEN 3:9PSA 32:5PRO 3:5ISA 30:21JHN 10:27ROM 12:2HEB 4:13JAS 4:171JN 1:9This sermon delves into Genesis chapter 3, exploring the crisis of sin and the beginning of communication between God and man. It emphasizes the importance of aligning with God's will, understanding the consequences of disobedience, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with God to find one's true purpose and direction.
New Creation - Easter Morning
By Michael Flowers42924:57EasterGEN 3:9EXO 20:8MAT 28:1JHN 20:2In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Mary Magdalene and the empty tomb of Jesus. He highlights the initial confusion and despair felt by Jesus' followers, including Mary, as they discovered the empty tomb. Peter and John rush to the tomb upon hearing the news, symbolizing the frantic movement in the midst of darkness that can be seen in our own lives. The speaker emphasizes the paradox of rejoicing in the resurrection of Christ while still living in a world filled with pain and darkness. He concludes by discussing the encounter between Mary and Jesus, where Jesus appears in a different form and instructs Mary not to cling to him.
Why Does Revival Come to an End?
By Erlo Stegen18751:56RevivalGEN 3:9ISA 59:1ZEC 4:6MAT 6:33JHN 7:38ACT 1:8JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker shares four examples of how God works through individuals when they are filled with the Holy Spirit. The first example is of a preacher who lost his authority and effectiveness in leading people to Christ. After three months of prayer and confession, he experienced a renewal and was able to preach with authority again. The second example is of a girl who was convicted of her sin and sought forgiveness, leading to a transformation in her life. The speaker then poses a personal question to the audience, asking if the rivers of living water are flowing from their lives. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the first point of sin that kills revival, using the story of Israel's defeat at the hands of the town of Ai as an example.
The Four Questions of God Part One - Two Questions From the Old Testament
By John Follette1God's PursuitSpiritual GrowthGEN 3:9PSA 139:23John Follette emphasizes that God is a seeking God, continually pursuing humanity since the fall of Adam. He explains that true self-awareness and spiritual growth come from allowing God to reveal our hidden selves, rather than relying on surface experiences or achievements. Follette highlights the importance of confession and understanding our position before God, as exemplified in the story of Adam's sin and God's question, 'Where art thou?' He encourages believers to embrace their unique callings and to recognize that every aspect of life can be sacred when done for God's glory. Ultimately, Follette reminds us that spiritual maturity is a lifelong process of surrendering to God's transformative work in our lives.
"Where Art Thou?"
By D.L. Moody1God's PursuitSpiritual ReflectionGEN 3:9MAT 11:28LUK 15:20JAS 4:8D.L. Moody's sermon 'Where Art Thou?' emphasizes God's relentless pursuit of humanity after the fall, illustrating His grace and mercy as He seeks out the lost. Moody challenges listeners to reflect on their spiritual state, urging professed Christians, backsliders, and the ungodly to consider their relationship with God. He highlights the importance of living a life that reflects one's faith and warns against the dangers of complacency and neglecting one's spiritual duties. The sermon calls for a personal examination of one's faith and a return to communion with God, emphasizing that true joy and peace are found only in Him. Ultimately, Moody encourages all to respond to God's call and return to Him, regardless of their past.
The Freedom of Obedience
By Erlo Stegen0ObedienceTrue FreedomGEN 3:9Erlo Stegen emphasizes that true freedom is found in obedience to God, contrasting it with the false freedom that comes from disobedience. He illustrates this through the story of Saul, who justified his disobedience by offering sacrifices, reminding us that obedience is more valuable than sacrifice. Stegen encourages believers to listen to God's voice and align their lives with His commands, as this leads to joy, peace, and blessings. He warns against the shame and hiding that comes from sin, urging individuals to choose obedience as a path to true freedom and a deeper relationship with God. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to love and obey God wholeheartedly.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The man could not hide himself from God. "Jehovah God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" Not that He was ignorant of his hiding-place, but to bring him to a confession of his sin. And when Adam said that he had hidden himself through fear of his nakedness, and thus sought to hide the sin behind its consequences, his disobedience behind the feeling of shame; this is not to be regarded as a sign of peculiar obduracy, but easily admits of a psychological explanation, viz., that at the time he actually thought more of his nakedness and shame than of his transgression of the divine command, and his consciousness of the effects of his sin was keener than his sense of the sin itself. To awaken the latter God said, "Who told thee that thou wast naked?" and asked him whether he had broken His command. He could not deny that he had, but sought to excuse himself by saying, that the woman whom God gave to be with him had given him of the tree. When the woman was questioned, she pleaded as her excuse, that the serpent had beguiled her (or rather deceived her, ἐξαπάτησεν, Co2 11:3). In offering these excuses, neither of them denied the fact. But the fault in both was, that they did not at once smite upon their breasts. "It is so still; the sinner first of all endeavours to throw the blame upon others as tempters, and then upon circumstances which God has ordained."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord God called unto Adam,.... The Jerusalem Targum is, the Word of the Lord God, the second Person in the Trinity; and this is the voice he is said to have heard before: and said unto him, where art thou? which is said, not as ignorant of the place where he was, nor of what he had done, nor of the circumstances he was in, or of the answers he would make; but rather it shows all the reverse, that he knew where he was, what he had done, and in what condition he was, and therefore it was in vain to seek to hide himself: or as pitying his case, saying, "alas for thee" (u), as some render the words, into what a miserable plight hast thou brought thyself, by listening to the tempter, and disobeying thy God! thou that wast the favourite of heaven, the chief of the creatures, the inhabitant of Eden, possessed of all desirable bliss and happiness, but now in the most wretched and forlorn condition imaginable; or as upbraiding him with his sin and folly; that he who had been so highly favoured by him, as to be made after his image and likeness, to have all creatures at his command, and the most delightful spot in all the globe to dwell in, and a grant to eat of what fruit he would, save one, and who was indulged with intercourse with his God, and with the holy angels, should act such an ungrateful part as to rebel against him, break his laws, and trample upon his legislative authority, and bid, as it were, defiance to him: or else as the Saviour, looking up his straying sheep, and lost creature, man: or rather as a summons to appear before him, the Judge of all, and answer for his conduct; it was in vain for him to secrete himself, he must and should appear; the force of which words he felt, and therefore was obliged to surrender himself, as appears from what follows. (u) "hei tibi", Oleaster.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here the arraignment of these deserters before the righteous Judge of heaven and earth, who, though he is not tied to observe formalities, yet proceeds against them with all possible fairness, that he may be justified when he speaks. Observe here, I. The startling question with which God pursued Adam and arrested him: Where art thou? Not as if God did not know where he was; but thus he would enter the process against him. "Come, where is this foolish man?" Some make it a bemoaning question: "Poor Adam, what has become of thee?" "Alas for thee!" (so some read it) "How art thou fallen, Lucifer, son of the morning! Thou that wast my friend and favourite, whom I had done so much for, and would have done so much more for; hast thou now forsaken me, and ruined thyself? Has it come to this?" It is rather an upbraiding question, in order to his conviction and humiliation: Where art thou? Not, In what place? but, In what condition? "Is this all thou hast gotten by eating forbidden fruit? Thou that wouldest vie with me, dost thou now fly from me?" Note, 1. Those who by sin have gone astray from God should seriously consider where they are; they are afar off from all good, in the midst of their enemies, in bondage to Satan, and in the high road to utter ruin. This enquiry after Adam may be looked upon as a gracious pursuit, in kindness to him, and in order to his recovery. If God had not called to him, to reclaim him, his condition would have been as desperate as that of fallen angels; this lost sheep would have wandered endlessly, if the good Shepherd had not sought after him, to bring him back, and, in order to that, reminded him where he was, where he should not be, and where he could not be either happy or easy. Note, 2. If sinners will but consider where they are, they will not rest till they return to God. II. The trembling answer which Adam gave to this question: I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, Gen 3:10. He does not own his guilt, and yet in effect confesses it by owning his shame and fear; but it is the common fault and folly of those that have done an ill thing, when they are questioned about it, to acknowledge no more than what is so manifest that they cannot deny it. Adam was afraid, because he was naked; not only unarmed, and therefore afraid to contend with God, but unclothed, and therefore afraid so much as to appear before him. We have reason to be afraid of approaching to God if we be not clothed and fenced with the righteousness of Christ, for nothing but this will be armour of proof and cover the shame of our nakedness. Let us therefore put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and then draw near with humble boldness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:9-10 Where are you? The true intent of this rhetorical question is revealed in the man’s answer (3:10). The real question was, why are you hiding? (cp. 4:9-10). • 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).