Take and Eat: Eve’s Offspring Will Win

Things would get worse for the serpent. In Genesis 3:15 we have the protoevangelium, or the first piece of the “good news,” which has come to be known as the gospel. God told the serpent, although ultimately speaking to Satan, that he “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.” With this curse, God highlighted not only condemnation, but also grace (not, however, for the serpent). There will be enmity between the serpent and the woman, and between their respective offspring. This is of incredible importance because Adam and Eve have just committed treason. And yet, despite their failure, God promised that there would be mercy shown from the divine judge because there would be offspring from the woman who would be faithful to God. What this looks like is shrouded in mystery, but it’s the first mention of the promised serpent crusher. This promised offspring from Eve will bruise the head of the serpent, even though the serpent will strike at his heel. There will be traded blows, but the war will be won by Eve’s offspring.

TK Dunn, “Take and Eat”, 83.