It is noteworthy that God begins questioning after the fall. In Genesis 3 and 4 questions prompt Adam and Cain to take stock of their situation and to take responsibility. The questions represent God’s interest and intervention. They lift eyes and ears to the God who cares and calls to be circumspect in the face of danger.
Why do you spend money on what is not bread?
“Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’” (Gen. 3:9, NKJV)
There are a lot of questions in Genesis 3 and 4. One from Satan. The rest from God.
“Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” (3:1)
“Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” (3:11)
“Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted?” (4:6-7)
“Where is Abel your brother?” (4:9)
I’d like us to focus on one question in particular. It’s the first one recorded from the mouth of God and is addressed to Adam after his disobedience. “Where are you?” (3:9)
How are we to understand what God is asking? Tone would help us. For example, if we were late for a family event and our spouse were to call and say, “Where are you?,” we could tell from their tone whether they were worried or wondering or accusatory.
While the grammar of the original language can sometimes help with understanding emphasis, it doesn’t in God’s question to Adam, except that “you” is singular rather than plural.
So how can we determine what God is asking when He says “Where are you”?
We can rule out that God doesn’t know where Adam is. God is omniscient. Psalm 139 regales us with the glory of God whose knowledge is not limited by time or space. God does not discover. He does not grow in knowledge. Nothing is hidden from His sight, even the thoughts and intentions of our hearts.
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