Adam was given a holy duty to work the ground. In Hebrew, we see that Adam himself was created from the very ground he was now commissioned to work.
In Hebrew, the word “ground” is אֲדָמָה (adamah) and the name of the first human is אָדָם (adam) because he was taken from the ground. (You can hear the connection adam/adamah).
There are several different words in Hebrew that communicate the idea of worship. One interesting word that appears in Genesis, when God commands Adam to work the ground in Garden of Eden, is the Hebrew word עֲבודָה (avodah). This word is often translated as “work”, but it also can be understood as “service”. In fact, it was used to describe the work Israel’s priests.
So, was it work or worship? Well… both. Serving God is work, but there is a reason that it also means “service”. When God tasked Adam with working the ground in the Garden of Eden, it was not yet something affected by sin and death. Adam’s work of taking care of God’s creation was both his job and his worship.
That’s very interesting you’ve explained this way; because as the ancient peoples were predominantly agricultural society’s that lived of the produce if the land, then the giving of the tithe, returning the first portion from the fruits of the land and the service that comes out of this to raise our families becomes worship and honour before God Himself.
That would perhaps explain why God rejected Cains offering. To offer his labour or work for his sin is unacceptable as our own work can never remove sin, the animal, on the other hand, grew due to no work by man only by Gods handiwork, plus only its blood can be a sin-covering. Our own works, no matter how much can never redeem us. Aresome I love this Nicholas Sunol, I respect your opinion, but I find contentious in your phrases ''... : '' As you explained this was before sin; after the original sin Adam’s (our work) was intensified (Gen 17-19). In the same way when Cain slew Abel it ...''
The issue of the third Temple is a matter of both work and worship. There are some who think the Mosque on the Mount will somehow disappear. For me the Mosque is sacrosanct .. “love your neighbour” and preserve your alliances.
Shalom. Thank you for this explanation. Yeshua said, " in as much as you do it unto the least of these my brothers you do it unto me" I believe my helping Israel and the Jewish people is a form of worship also. I agree. Those who bless Israel will be blessed. Also, the so-called "Palestinians" are not native to the land of Israel. They were originally brought in by Great Britain, after they kicked out the Jews. Their home countries will not allow them to repatriate, using them as a buffer against Israel.
Having worked in the health field most od my life, I have considered my work an act of worship to my God. I understood that all we do is to be seen as doing for Heavenly Father! Thanks for all the wonderful teaching...blessings, strength and peace to all who help provide this service Angela, thank you so much for your comment. Good to hear from you! We are glad that you are finding our articles enlightening. You’ve already started your path into Scripture, but there’s so much more that awaits you! Consider enrolling in our immersive online courses: The Story of Our Hebrew Fathers: Abraham and Isaac or Jewish Insights Into Scripture I. We guarantee that they will deepen your understanding of Scripture and enrich your faith experience.
I actually chose my present profession of counseling and psychology for the very purpose of ministry, and for the expansion of the work that I already do as my active worship, or service, to the LORD.
Be blessed, Remi! And thank you for your service. We are very happy that you’ve joined our discussion forum. Would you believe that these articles are only a taste of what Israel Bible Center has to offer? We also provide comprehensive teaching on a variety of biblical, historical, and cultural topics. You might begin with The Story of Our Hebrew Fathers: Abraham and Isaac or The Jewish Apostle Paul I: His World. You’ll be amazed at the Jewish world that awaits you. Don’t delay another minute: enroll now!
Our daily activities we do to help God's other people is our Worship unto God.
Shalom Nkrumah! Blessings to you.
It's very inspiring to learn that we are worshiping God as we work. This would incentivize us to work not just for salary or income but for the praise and glory of God. Wonderful insight. Shalom. Doesn't the Bible say something like "Whatever you do, do for God's glory." It sure does. (1 Cor. 10:31)
I think that the first Christian monks in Europe - towards the end of the Roman Empire and the start of the Middle Ages - had a Latin saying "laborare est orare", meaning "to work is to pray". Is this similar to what you are saying? Prayer is vital, but I think that working, building, toiling and sweating are forms of worship/service to God. It is a fulfillment of God's command to humankind. We are glad that you are finding our articles enlightening. You’ve already started your path into Scripture, but there’s so much more that awaits you! Consider enrolling in our immersive online courses: Exodus and The New Testament or Revelation in a Jewish Context II : Discovery. We guarantee that they will deepen your understanding of Scripture and enrich your faith experience.
at the creation of man God does not say human beings are "not dead". how do you think Adam's assignment of working the ground was not influenced by "death". I don't quite follow your question. Can you reword it?
Though I can not afford the Studies I Thank You for the above lesson and the comments that followed. I Love all things that told from the Bible, and of Israel. Thank you Dr. Eli God Bless you and your Staff and Israel with all her People Much Love To Everyone Bless you, too! Thank you for the kind words, Timi.
Load more commentsAs you explained this was before sin; after the original sin Adam’s (our work) was intensified (Gen 17-19). In the same way when Cain slew Abel it was because of the offerings of the fruits of their labour (work) that brought disrepute and dishonour to fall upon Cain and consequently suffer the curse of the land that was imposed upon him (Gen 4:10-15).
Then the work we do, the service we provide, and the returning of the first fruits in our lives back to the Father through these areas is “Worship” and “Praise” before and unto God Himself.
Shalom,
Nicholas Sunol.
It seems I have never encountered any congruous thoughts as you are trying to portray ... ? It is lucid, so clear in Genesis 3: 17-19 Adam started work only after the fall (banishment from Eden) and begat sons ... thereon.
Dr Eli might intervene over the question, bvksh.
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People are blind to the existence of the underground, and the womb of the Mount is empty !!
avodah ..
a little ectopic. Apologies
Thank you for this excellent piece. The etymology and scriptural history are always so helpful to our understanding.
I get it now.
No wonder the epistle says, whatever you do, do it as unto God but not unto man.
God bless you more.
Shalom!
God bless you all!
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