“He placed there [the man whom He had formed]” – just as it says: “And it is there to this day” (II Chronicles 5:9).21Referring to the Ark in the Temple. The word “there,” appearing in both verses, is used as a verbal analogy to teach that Adam’s placement in the Garden of Eden was intended to be permanent. Rabbi Levi said: Provided that he remain in his present form.22Provided that he remains “the man whom He had formed,” i.e. without sin.
Rabbi Yitzḥak bar Maryon said: It is written: “These are the outgrowths of the heavens [when they were created]” (Genesis 2:4) – their Creator praises them, who can disparage them? Their Creator lauds them, who can find fault with them? Rather, they are beautiful and praiseworthy,23As long as they are as they were created, they will remain that way. [as it is written:] “These are the outgrowths of the heavens.”24This is another interpretation of “the man whom He had formed” – God was speaking the praises of His creation.