Aggada -- Translations into English; Bible. Old Testament -- Legends; Jewish legends; Midrash -- Translations into English
These three sinners were not the only ones to have punishment dealt out
to them. The earth fared no better, for it had been guilty of various
misdemeanors. In the first place, it had not entirely heeded the
command of God given on the third day, to bring forth "tree of fruit."
What God had desired was a tree the wood of which was to be as pleasant
to the taste as the fruit thereof. The earth, however, produced a tree
bearing fruit, the tree itself not being edible.[88] Again, the earth
did not do its whole duty in connection with the sin of Adam. God had
appointed the sun and the earth witnesses to testify against Adam in
case he committed a trespass. The sun, accordingly, had grown dark the
instant Adam became guilty of disobedience, but the earth, not knowing
how to take notice of Adam's fall, disregarded it altogether.[89] The
earth also had to suffer a tenfold punishment: independent before, she
was hereafter to wait to be watered by the rain from above; sometimes
the fruits of the earth fail; the grain she brings forth is stricken
with blasting and mildew; she must produce all sorts of noxious vermin;
thenceforth she was to be divided into valleys and mountains; she must
grow barren trees, bearing no fruit; thorns and thistles sprout from
her; much is sown in the earth, but little is harvested; in time to
come the earth will have to disclose her blood, and shall no more cover
her slain; and, finally, she shall, one day, "wax old like a
garment."[90]
When Adam heard the words, "Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth,"
concerning the ground, a sweat broke out on his face, and he said:
"What! Shall I and my cattle eat from the same manger?" The Lord had
mercy upon him, and spoke, "In view of the sweat of thy face, thou
shalt eat bread."[91]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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