1 January | Youth
«But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.» Genesis 2:17
Have you ever heard of the most dangerous tree in the world? It is known as the “tree of death” or manchineel and grows mainly on the beaches of Central America. Its scientific name is Hippomane mancinella, which derives from the Greek words hippo, which means “horse,” and mane, related to “mania” or “madness.” This name was given by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus after observing that horses went crazy when eating the fearsome fruit.
Scientists have discovered that the milky sap of this tree contains phorbol, a dangerous chemical component capable of causing skin burns. If during a rainstorm someone seeks refuge under its branches, they may get serious skin rashes due to contact with the sap diluted in the water.
However, the tree's real threat lies in its rounded, fragrant and tasty fruit, which looks more like a small apple. Ingesting it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat and even death. As it is a lethal poison, the natives used this substance on the tip of arrows to capture their prey.
The Bible presents another “tree of death,” called the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which stood in the middle of the garden of Eden. Its fruit was also “desirable,” and “pleasant to the eyes” (Gen 3:6) and had the capacity to lead humans to eternal death. This does not mean that it had poison or anything like that –and much less that it was an apple! It was a proof of obedience to God.
Eve separated from Adam and went towards the tree of death. After engaging in dialogue with the serpent, she “took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate” (Gen 3:6). The fruit seemed pleasant and life-giving to her. Little did she know, however, that that moment of pleasure would open the doors to pain, suffering and separation.
Even today Satan offers “beautiful” and “sweet” fruits, promising a higher dimension of existence. This temptation usually comes wrapped in entertainment and ideas that delight the senses and fascinate the mind. Therefore, never talk to the tempter, as Eve did. In the face of sin, always prefers to flee, as Joseph did (Gen 39:11, 12).