Genesis 3:8 - Divine presence seeks man.

The Voice of Hashem in the Garden

The verse describes Adam and Chava hearing "the voice of Hashem walking in the garden" (קוֹל יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים מִתְהַלֵּךְ בַּגָּן). Rashi explains that this refers to the Divine Presence (Shechinah) moving through Gan Eden with a sound like footsteps, coming to administer justice (Rashi on Bereishit 3:8). The Midrash Tanchuma (Bereishit 8) elaborates that Hashem appeared in the guise of a king visiting his garden, demonstrating His closeness to humanity even after their sin.

The Time of Divine Encounter

The phrase "in the breeze of the day" (לְרוּחַ הַיּוֹם) is interpreted by Ramban as referring to the afternoon, when the day begins to cool (Ramban on Bereishit 3:8). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 38b) notes that this was the very day of creation, showing how quickly Adam and Chava transgressed. The Sforno adds that this timing reflects Hashem's mercy—He waited until the heat of judgment cooled before confronting them.

The Hiding of Adam and Chava

Their hiding "amongst the trees of the garden" (בְּתוֹךְ עֵץ הַגָּן) is addressed by several commentators:

• Rashi: They hid among the trees because they became ashamed of their nakedness after eating from the Eitz HaDa'as (Rashi on Bereishit 3:8).
• Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:2): Their hiding symbolizes the loss of intellectual clarity—they could no longer perceive Divine truth as before.
• Malbim: Their attempt to hide was futile, teaching that one cannot conceal sins from Hashem (Malbim on Bereishit 3:8).

Theological Implications

The Midrash Rabbah (Bereishit 19:8) emphasizes that Hashem's "walking" represents His constant supervision of creation. The Or HaChaim notes that the verse uses both names Hashem (mercy) and Elokim (justice), showing that Divine judgment was tempered with compassion even after their sin (Or HaChaim on Bereishit 3:8).