By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return. Genesis 3:19
To the Jewish mind sweat represents man’s efforts. Hard work is honorable, but reliance on our works instead of trusting God is not. This idea, while introduced in Genesis, is also communicated through the priesthood. God ordained strict clothing rules for the priests to make their garments of linen - the result of which was to keep them from sweating. Coming before Holy God was possible by His work alone and no hint, even symbolically, of man’s effort could stand.
Before the fall, Adam was tasked with caring for the earth, the animals and everything in the garden. He had a job even though it was God who provided what they needed. But once Adam rebelled, everything changed. The world now experienced chaos from His beautiful order and the ground became cursed. Since he has been separated from God, man would now try to live by his own efforts. Sadly, it will never be enough.
I think it’s important to note that God did not curse Adam. Nor does it appear He cursed the ground. He showed Adam the consequences of his sinful action and what it meant. It was an observational truth.
This is a great reminder to me that relying on my own efforts is futile and is a direct result of my rebellion. I bring nothing to God and rely solely on His work on the cross. Striving to succeed by my own sweat is an abomination to Him. When I submit to the loving order that God ordained, my work is creative and fruitful as it aligns with His design. I recognize He has given me joyful and meaningful work but my provision is from His hand alone. Our life here still has many hardships as we toil to overcome the chaos that’s been introduced. It was never meant to be that way. Thankfully, we know there will be a day that we enter rest, not from activity, but from the futility of our own sweat.
Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. Revelation 7:15-16
