MPV Commentary

The First Sabbath.

2. God rested on the seventh day, setting an example for us to cease from labor of every kind. This was not a repose from exhaustion with labor, but rather a deliberate cessation from work.

3. On this day, God blessed and sanctified the seventh day, distinguishing it above the other six days as a day devoted to sacred purposes. The institution of the Sabbath is as old as creation itself, giving rise to the weekly division of time that prevailed in the earliest ages. This wise and beneficent law provides a regular interval of rest for humanity's physical nature, preventing premature decay. Moreover, it secures an appointed season for religious worship, which was necessary even in a state of primeval innocence.

4. The following are the generations of the heavens and the earth, providing a history or account of their production. Moses obtained this information not from human sources, as man did not exist to witness creation, nor from reason alone, as though it could reveal how the worlds were made. Only the Creator Himself could give this information, and therefore we understand through faith that the worlds were framed by God's word (Hebrews 11:3).

5-6. The earth produced vegetation, including plants with seeds in them.

7. Here, the sacred writer provides additional details about the first human pair. Man was formed from the dust of the ground, a substance consisting of the same elements as the soil and limestone found in the earth's crust. From this humble material, God created an admirable structure in the human body (Psalm 139:14).

The breath of life was breathed into him, signifying not only physical but also spiritual life. If the body is so remarkable, how much more the soul with all its varied faculties.

God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, indicating that man's life originated in a different way from his body – being implanted directly by God (Ecclesiastes 12:7). This is similar to Christ breathing on His disciples (John 20:22).

8. Eden was likely an extensive region in Mesopotamia, distinguished for its natural beauty and the richness of its produce. The name "Eden" signifies "pleasantness." God planted a garden eastward, an extensive park or paradise, where He placed the man to be trained under His paternal care.

9. The tree of life was so called because it symbolized immortal life. Its prominent position made it an object of daily observation and interest, keeping man habitually in mind of God and futurity.

10-14. (omitted for brevity)

15. God put the man into the garden of Eden to dress it, not only providing a pleasant employment but also placing him on his probation as he worshipped God and offered sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise.

17. The prohibition against eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil was given without reason, but death would be the punishment for disobedience. This positive command was the simplest and easiest trial to which their fidelity could be exposed.