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1. The first man, created in the likeness and image of God ( Genesis 1:26). The name means “of
the ground” for God formed him of the dust of the ground and breathed into him the breath of life
(Genesis 2:7).
2. A town on the east side of Jordan some twelve miles from Zartan in Manasseh. It was located
about thirty-six miles north of Jericho (Joshua 15:35-36).
As we look at what the Bible has to say about Adam the man, we discover that since he is
the father of the human race, his importance is unimaginable. Yet in light of that fact, the scriptures
have relatively little to say about him in comparison to other men of lesser importance. However,
while curiosity may cause us to want to know more about him, God has told us all we really need
to know.
While we can read of God creating him and specific details of that event, it is not until
Genesis 2:19 that we are told his name - Adam. God also tells us that Adam was allowed the
privilege of naming all the creatures God had made (Genesis 2:19-20). God realized that all the
animals would not be able to make him happy, for he would want human companionship. So God
caused a deep sleep to fall on him and made him a wife. She was called woman because she was
taken out of man (Genesis 2:21-23).
In chapter three his name is mentioned in verses 3:8,9,17,20 and 21. This chapter records
the temptation of Satan, Eve’s transgression, but also the fact that she gave the forbidden fruit to
Adam and he sinned. Because God told Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil (Genesis 2:17), and since God designated him as head of the family (Ephesians 5:23), God
assigned the sin to Adam and not to Eve ( Romans 5:12).
Chapter four records his name in verses 4:1 and 25. This is his family chapter and records
the birth of his children and the difficulties they confronted. One important fact should not be passed
over, apparently Adam and Eve had taught their children about God for both Cain and Abel brought
gifts to God. Where else could they have learned such acts?
Then in chapter five, the record of his personal life concludes. His name is mentioned in
Genesis 5:1-5. We are briefly told of his origin and demise and how long he live. Nothing further
is said of him in Genesis. All other references will recall his presence and remind us that he lived
and walked on this earth.
In the Books of the Law, he is mentioned as the one from whom all men descended
(Deuteronomy 32:8). In the record of genealogy recorded in the first verse of the Chronicles, his
name begins the book ( 1 Chronicles 1:1). One final mention in the Old Testament is found in the
book of Job. Job talked about Adam’s attempt to hide his transgression (Job 31:33). Evidently he
was aware of the aprons Adam and Eve made in an effort to obscure their disobedience to God
(Genesis 3:7). We can no more hide our sins from God than they could.
In the New Testament Luke mentioned Adam. He does so as he traces the genealogy of
Christ and he goes all the way back to Adam, the son of God (Luke 3:38). Then in Romans, the
transgression of Adam is mentioned again and the resulting death in sin (Romans 5:14). He is
compared to Christ, showing how we died in Adam but are made alive in Christ (1 Corinthians
15:22). He is also called the “first Adam” that we may distinguish him from the “second Adam”
who is Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:45). Another reference is found in the writings of Paul as he
wrote to the younger preacher Timothy. He reminds us of the “fall in sin” which is of course so vital
in our understanding of God’s grace, that we must never forget. He said that Adam was made first,
then though he was not deceived as was Eve, yet he transgressed God’s law (1 Timothy 2:13-14).
The final reference is found in the Book of Jude. He is simply a reference point in the descendants
of Enoch (Jude 14).
All of us ultimately trace our lineage to Adam and our sinful and depraved condition. Thank
God for His provisions for Adam and Eve in supplying them with coats of skins (Genesis 3:21) and
for the gracious provisions He made for us through our Savior, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7). May
our love for Christ move us to live for His glory, always!
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