The tree of knowledge had been made a test of their obedience and their love to God. The Lord had seen fit to lay upon them but one prohibition as to the use of all that was in the garden; but if they should disregard His will in this particular, they would incur the guilt of transgression. Satan was not to follow them with continual temptations; he could have access to them only at the forbidden tree. Should they attempt to investigate its nature, they would be exposed to his wiles. They were admonished to give careful heed to the warning which God had sent them and to be content with the instruction which He had seen fit to impart.

Kundskabens træ var blevet gjort til en prøve på deres lydighed og kærlighed til Gud. Herren havde fundet det passende kun at give dem eet forbud med hensyn til brugen af alt, hvad der var i haven; men hvis de tilsidesatte hans vilje på dette særlige område, ville de pådrage sig skyld på grund af deres overtrædelse. Satan skulle ikke bestandig forfølge dem med sine fristelser. Han kunne kun komme i nærheden af dem ved det forbudne træ. Hvis de forsøgte at undersøge det ville de blive udsat for hans list. De fik formaning om at give nøje agt på den advarsel, Gud havde sendt dem, og være tilfredse med den undervisning, han havde fundet det passende at give dem.