Topical Bible: Curse: Denounced: Against the Ground

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of a curse against the ground is introduced early in the Scriptures, specifically in the Book of Genesis. This curse is a direct consequence of the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The ground, which was initially created to be fertile and abundant, becomes subject to a divine curse as a result of human sin.

Genesis 3:17-19 :
"To Adam He said, 'Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.'"

This passage highlights the transformation of the ground from a source of effortless sustenance to one of labor and hardship. The curse signifies a fundamental change in the relationship between humanity and creation, where the ground now requires toil and effort to produce food. The introduction of "thorns and thistles" symbolizes the obstacles and challenges that humanity will face in cultivating the earth.

The curse against the ground is not only a physical reality but also carries spiritual implications. It serves as a reminder of the broken relationship between God and humanity due to sin. The ground, once a symbol of God's provision and blessing, becomes a testament to the consequences of disobedience.

Genesis 5:29 :
"He named him Noah, saying, 'He will comfort us in the labor and toil of our hands caused by the ground that the LORD has cursed.'"

This verse reflects the hope for relief from the curse through Noah, whose name means "rest" or "comfort." It underscores the ongoing impact of the curse on human life and the longing for redemption and restoration.

The curse against the ground is further emphasized in the narrative of Cain and Abel. After Cain murders his brother Abel, God pronounces an additional curse upon Cain, intensifying the curse on the ground.

Genesis 4:11-12 :
"Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its produce for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth."

Here, the curse on the ground is compounded by Cain's actions, illustrating the deepening consequences of sin. The ground, which was already cursed, becomes even more resistant to Cain's efforts, symbolizing the increasing alienation from God's original design for creation.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the curse against the ground serves as a backdrop for the unfolding account of redemption. It highlights the need for a Savior who would ultimately reverse the effects of the curse and restore the relationship between God, humanity, and creation.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 3:17,18
And to Adam he said, Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it: cursed is the ground for your sake; in sorrow shall you eat of it all the days of your life;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... by that means will appease the anger of God against us, and ... more than that yesterday,
without knowing of the curse and oath thou hadst denounced, while I ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the philistines.htm

The Protevangelium.
... the absence of any such mention may be explained on the ground that it ... tempter,"then
we have also thereby proved that the curse denounced against the tempter ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the protevangelium.htm

The Scriptures a Safeguard.
... The fearful judgments denounced against the worship of the beast ... which has been so
terrible a curse to the ... the Bible is full of warnings against false teachers ...
/.../37 the scriptures a safeguard.htm

The Scriptures a Safeguard
... The fearful judgments denounced against the worship of the beast ... which has been so
terrible a curse to the ... the Bible is full of warnings against false teachers ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 37 the scriptures a.htm

Sin in the Heart the Source of Error in the Head
... that no excuse can be urged upon the ground of moral ... A heavy woe is denounced against
any and every one who ... of God utters a deep and bitter curse against her. ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/sin in the heart the.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... 38. Conversely a curse denounced on disobedient children ... A twofold ground for this
Commandment.1. Man is the image of God.2. He is our ... Remedy against fornication ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... obtained pardon, and averted the punishment denounced against him (1 ... with ashes,
lay on the ground, and (as ... The curse of God, though concealed, was fixed on ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

Natural Evil, or Suffering, and Especially the Suffering of ...
... posterity became liable to the punishment denounced against himself. ... of such a
constitution, on the ground that he ... covenant, and bring down the curse of "death ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter ii natural evil or.htm

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
... in the Epistle to the Romans, that Abraham had no ground of glorying ... to the observers
of ceremonies, and the curse denounced only against the transgressors ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of justification by.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... abhorrence, and the severest judgments were denounced against him. ... yet every one
of them doth curse me" (15 ... refusal to render him assistance against Darius, and ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm