Genesis 3:14 - Scofield Reference Notes

Bible Comments

And the Lord God said

The Adamic Covenant conditions the life of fallen man -- conditions which must remain till, in the kingdom age, "the creation also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the sons of God" (Romans 8:21). The elements of the Adamic Covenant are:

(1) The serpent, Satan's tool, is cursed (Genesis 3:14), and becomes God's illustration in nature of the effects of sin -- from the most beautiful and subtle of creatures to a loathsome reptile! The deepest mystery of the atonement is intimated here. Christ, "made sin for us," in bearing our judgment, is typified by the brazen serpent; (Numbers 21:5-9); (John 3:14); (2 Corinthians 5:21). Brass speaks of judgment -- in the brazen altar, of God's judgment, and in the laver, of self-judgment.

(2) The first promise of a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15). Here begins the "Highway of the Seed," Abel, Seth, Noah (Genesis 6:8-10); Shem (Genesis 9:26); (Genesis 9:27); Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4); Isaac (Genesis 17:19-21) Jacob (Genesis 28:10-14); Judah (Genesis 49:10); David (2 Samuel 7:5-17) Immanuel-Christ; (Isaiah 7:9-14); (Matthew 1:1); (Matthew 1:20-23); (1 John 3:8); (John 12:31).

(3) The changed state of the woman (Genesis 3:16). In three particulars:

(a) Multiplied conception;

(b) motherhood linked with sorrow;

(c) the headship of the man (cf) (Genesis 1:26); (Genesis 1:27) The entrance of sin, which is disorder, makes necessary a headship, and it is vested in man; (1 Timothy 2:11-14); (Ephesians 5:22-25); (1 Corinthians 11:7-9).

(4) The earth cursed (Genesis 3:17) for man's sake. It is better for fallen man to battle with a reluctant earth than to live without toil.

(5) The inevitable sorrow of life (Genesis 3:17).

(6) The light occupation of Eden (Genesis 2:15) changed to burdensome labour (Genesis 3:18); (Genesis 3:19).

(7) Physical death (Genesis 3:19); (Romans 5:12-21);

See "Death (spiritual)" (Genesis 2:17).

( See Scofield) - (Ephesians 2:5).

See for the other covenants:

EDENIC

( See Scofield) - (Genesis 1:28).

NOAHIC

( See Scofield) - (Genesis 9:1)

ABRAHAMIC

( See Scofield) - (Genesis 15:18).

MOSAIC

( See Scofield) - (Exodus 19:25)

PALESTINIAN

( See Scofield) - (Deuteronomy 30:3).

DAVIDIC

( See Scofield) - (2 Samuel 7:16).

NEW

( See Scofield) - (Hebrews 8:8).

Genesis 3:14

14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: