The Ancient Witnesses

110 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

her to violate the most holy place of the garden by eating the fruit of knowledge.” 43 In my mind’s eye I pictured the angels of heaven feeding on God’s light just as the man and woman enjoyed the fruit of paradise. In disobeying God’s command to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the man and woman turned away from the light just as the rebellious angels had done. The tragedy of this “double Fall” echoed in my thoughts as Ephrem’s magnificent hymn echoed in my memory. “We thank our God in Christ Jesus,” Mentor continued, “because after the tragedy of the Fall, Good News is announced: the curse pronounced upon the serpent includes these words,” Mentor read from the lectern Bible, I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel. 44 “The woman’s offspring is Christ,” added Joseph, “God promised to make Him triumph over the serpent!” Mentor nodded, and called on Justin Martyr who had saluted. “Some may ask,” said the apologist, “why didn’t God simply forbid there to be a serpent, instead of saying ‘I will put enmity between him and the woman, and between his seed and her seed?’” 45

43 This interpretation follows a pattern seen by some in 2 Chron. 26:16-21.

44 Gen. 3:15.

45 Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho the Jew , 102 (ANF 1, 250).