Genesis 3:18

Those who attempt to impose a sequential, earthly timeline on the divine chronology of our creation overlook the fact that it does not strictly follow such a linear order. Its complex and multifaceted structure focuses more on themes, symbols, and spiritual teachings that transcend our earthly perceptions of time.

Eternity is timeless; therefore, although the narrative begins with the creation of the world and then progresses through the history of humanity, from Adam and Eve to the patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the focus is not merely to recount a chronology of events but to present spiritual, moral, and theological principles.

In its verses, the text repeats and expands stories from different angles, suggesting an emphasis on the theological and spiritual significance of events rather than a strict chronological account. From this perspective, the narrative uses time and certain events within it to guide us, communicating our beginnings but, more importantly, our ultimate end.

Thus, as the transformation of our environments is reflected, we must assume that it is original sin, with its "thorns and thistles," that is responsible for our obstacles and difficulties, not the Creator. However, despite our distance and hardness, He grants us His mercy to support us in our earthly challenges.

He warns us that our internal dilemmas are greater than the external problems we so magnify and beg Him to remove, even though they are our own delusional creations. Nonetheless, He, who gave us a variety of fruits in this world, reiterates that by "eating the plants of the field," it is we who degrade our sustenance.

He gave us everything and continues to recommend what is useful and healthy, but we keep distancing ourselves from Him to the point of feeding on what He prohibits. Therefore, He eternally reminds us of the need to strive more for what nourishes our lives.

The word "קוֹץ" (kotz, "thorn"), with a numerical value of 196 (Kuf = 100, Vav = 6, Tzadi = 90), as opposed to "דַ רְ דַ ר " (dardar, "thistle"), with a value of 408 (Dalet = 4, Resh = 200, Dalet = 4, Resh = 200), reiterates that disobedience brings pain and therefore severe judgment, even though we are always granted His mercy.

The repetition of the letter "ר" (Resh) in "דַ רְ דַ ר " emphasizes the difficulty and challenge that we as human beings must face in the earthly environments to which we also belong as dust. Therefore, all the tests, however continuous they may seem, are part of those cycles of growth where the difficulty depends on our desire to strive, our will to improve, and the goal of spiritual growth and correction that we set for ourselves.

And although life is full of those challenges that we color as difficulties, "thorns and thistles," they are not punishments but opportunities to learn and grow. Therefore, the inner struggle to overcome these challenges is part of the process of correction (Tikkun), which invites us to transform our painful experiences into life lessons that lead us to greater understanding and harmony with creation.

The call to "eat the plants of the field" should be interpreted as an invitation to seek sustenance not only in the material but also in the spiritual, recognizing that effort and hard work are necessary to achieve a full and meaningful life. Therefore, continuing to face our difficulties as victims only deprives us of the opportunity to be catalysts for our spiritual growth.