The Lord Will

Genesis 2:16

β€œAnd the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:”

KJV

Read in Genesis 2

Meaning

The moral command is framed first by generosity. Human freedom in the garden is extensive rather than narrowly restricted.

Read carefully

Reading the Eden command only as prohibition reverses the order of the text. Permission and provision are stated before the boundary.

Reflection

Limits are easier to understand rightly when remembered inside the larger field of gifts already given.