“What is this that you have done?” (13). The rebellious actions of the first humans brought a darkness into the world that was not God’s intention. Because they wanted to be like God, rather than serve Him, they soon faced the consequences: work and child-bearing poisoned by trouble, broken relationships, and, worst of all, separation from intimacy with God (8, 14-19). However, rather than turning away from this mess, God came looking for them. “Where are you?” (9), God asked.

“And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them” (21). God did not leave us alone with our rebellion and cursed world. His first action was to cover us, giving us mercy and hope for the future.