The LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand, and also take of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever—”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 22. Behold Adam, and so forth This was spoken by way of reproaching him with his pride, in affecting a knowledge that might make him like to God. Challoner.—“These are the words of God, not insulting over man, but deterring others from an imitation of his pride.” Saint Augustine de Gen. xi. 39.—For ever. The sentence is left imperfect: ( Calmet.) but by driving man from Paradise, God sufficiently shewed how he would prevent from eating of the tree of life, ( Bible.) which Adam had not yet found. As he was now condemned to be miserable on earth, God, in mercy, prevented him from tasting of that fruit, which would have rendered his misery perpetual. Menochius.—He would suffer him to die, that, by death, he might come, after a life of 930 years, spent in sorrow and repentance, to the enjoyment of himself. Bible.—Lest perhaps. God does not exercise his absolute power, or destroy free-will, but makes use of ordinary means and precautions, to effect his designs. Saint Augustine Worthington.