Genesis 3:15 & 16

In Genesis 3:15–16, we see the first promise of redemption in Scripture—the Proto-Evangelium. God declares enmity between the serpent and the woman, and between her seed and the serpent’s seed. He promises that the woman’s seed will crush the serpent’s head, even as the serpent strikes His heel. This points forward to Christ’s victory over Satan (Romans 16:20; Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 2:14).

Eve looked for this promised Redeemer, even mistaking Cain for the fulfillment (Genesis 4:1), but God’s plan would unfold in His time. The cherubim stationed at the entrance of Eden with a flaming sword (Genesis 3:24) parallel the imagery of the tabernacle and the Most Holy Place (Exodus 25:18–22), showing that God’s purpose has always been to restore His people to His presence.

This passage calls us to live in faith and expectation, trusting God’s promise of full restoration in Christ and looking forward to His return (Revelation 21:1–4).