It’s a story we all know, but the details, the serpent's strategy, are often overlooked.
The Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating collection of Biblical stories and elaborations from the 8th or 9th century, sheds some light on this pivotal moment. It paints a picture of the serpent as a cunning strategist, carefully plotting his approach.
The serpent, according to this text, actually had an internal debate. He considered going directly to Adam. But, he reasoned, "If I go and speak to Adam, I know that he will not listen to me, for a man is always hard (to be persuaded)." There's even a proof text cited: "For a man is churlish and evil in his doings" (1 Sam. 25:3). Ouch!
Instead, he decides, "…behold I will speak to Eve, for I know that she will listen to me; for women listen to all creatures, as it is said, "She is simple and knoweth nothing" (Prov. 9:18)." Now, that’s a pretty harsh assessment, isn't it? We have to remember that this is an ancient text, reflecting potentially biased views of the time. It's fascinating to see how these ancient storytellers perceived the dynamics between Adam and Eve.
So, the serpent approaches Eve and asks, "Is it (true that) you also have been commanded concerning the fruit of the tree?" Eve confirms the prohibition, quoting Genesis 3:8: "Of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden."
And this is where the serpent sees his opening. "This precept is nought else except the evil eye," he slyly suggests. In other words, the only reason God forbade the fruit is because He's jealous! The serpent continues, "for in the hour when ye eat thereof, ye will be like Him, a God." for a second. He’s offering them divinity.
He elaborates, painting a picture of unimaginable power: "Just as He creates worlds and destroys worlds, so will ye be able to create worlds and to destroy worlds. Just as He slays and brings to life, so also will ye be able to kill and to bring to life." The temptation is no longer about a piece of fruit, but about ultimate control. The serpent finishes with, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened" (Gen. 3:5). He's framing God's command as a deliberate attempt to keep them ignorant and powerless.
It's a masterclass in manipulation, really. The serpent doesn't just offer a forbidden fruit; he offers godhood, wrapped in a narrative of divine jealousy and hidden potential. He appeals to their desire for knowledge, power, and autonomy.
Reading this account in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer makes you think, doesn't it? It’s not just about a simple act of disobedience. It’s about the seductive allure of power, the questioning of authority, and the eternal human desire to know more, to be more. And, perhaps, a cautionary tale about who we listen to and the stories we choose to believe.