In 2 Corinthians 2:11 we are warned that Satan is looking for ways of getting the advantage over us, and that we are not to be ignorant of his plans. There was just one thing that God had commanded Adam not to do. Satan hoped to twist this one “negative command” into a weapon to be used against both God and mankind.
Satan knew that God had given Adam and Eve dominion over all of creation on earth (Gen. 1:2626And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26)). Having been cast out of his lofty position in heaven because of his sin, he was in search of a realm over which he could rule in darkness and corruption. He had envied God’s position; now he coveted man’s God-given position and set out to take it for himself. His scheme was to enter the Garden as a creature under their dominion instead of as a mighty fallen angel. Eve, having never experienced fear, would feel confident in her ability to deal with a serpent that had been put under their authority. Satan knew that if she and her husband walked into his trap, his goal would be won! He would be in control, and they would be his slaves. He would have dominion over creation, and it would fall just as he had. Eve didn’t realize that we become slaves to that which we obey (Rom. 6:1616Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:16)).
Hoping that the lovely, forbidden fruit would catch her eye, Satan drew her into conversation and planted a doubt in her mind. Then, using the same temptation that he had not been able to resist himself (Isa. 14:13-1413For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (Isaiah 14:13‑14)), he added, “ ... and ye will be as God” (Gen. 3:55For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (Genesis 3:5) JND). “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat” (Gen. 3:5-65For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. (Genesis 3:5‑6)). Eve failed to trust in the Lord with all her heart, but leaned on her own understanding. She failed to acknowledge Him in all her ways so that He would direct her paths. Instead she was wise in her own eyes, and did not fear the Lord nor depart from evil. (See Prov. 3:5-75Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. (Proverbs 3:5‑7).) What eternal consequences have been the results of her choice! If we learn from Eve’s experience, it will make a great difference in our lives.
Whether young or older, married or single, mothers or not, may the Lord help each of us to live as women of God, seeking the sense of His approval, not leaning on our own understanding! Let’s remember that this same enemy has schemes targeting each of us as well. Even in the decisions that seem small at the moment, if God softly says, “No,” it’s for our own good, blessing and safety. Instead of reasoning, let’s trust His love, choose to obey, and enjoy ongoing fellowship with our God instead of being distracted and lured into Satan’s trap by some form of forbidden, beautiful fruit.