Genesis 3:21: God’s Gift of Fur
At Westerman’s Fur Products, we craft our fur mittens, hats, and wild fur accessories with a deep appreciation for nature’s bounty—coyote, raccoon, beaver, and fox. For us, fur isn’t just about warmth or style; it’s a connection to a purpose rooted in Scripture. Genesis 3:21 offers a powerful glimpse into God’s design: He clothed Adam and Eve in fur or leather, setting a precedent for humanity’s use of animals. Beyond that, managing wildlife—like the furbearers we rely on—echoes our calling to tend the Garden. Let’s unpack this timeless truth and what it means for us today.
The First Garments: Fur from God’s Hand
Genesis 3:21 says, “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them” (NIV). After the Fall, Adam and Eve recognized their nakedness, and God stepped in. He didn’t just weave plant fibers or wave a miraculous hand—He used animal skins. This wasn’t a random choice. By providing fur or leather, God showed that animals are part of His provision for human needs, including clothing. Think about it: fur is durable, warm, and perfectly suited to protect against the harsh world outside Eden.
Tending the Garden: A Call to Manage Creation
God’s gift of fur in Genesis 3:21 pairs with an earlier command. In Genesis 2:15, God placed Adam in the Garden “to work it and take care of it” (NIV). Even after the Fall, this responsibility didn’t vanish—it adapted. Tending creation means stewarding its resources wisely, including wildlife like fox, raccoon, and beaver.
Without management, these furbearers can overrun their habitats. Coyotes might decimate livestock or prey populations. Beaver could flood landscapes unchecked. Raccoons and foxes, if overabundant, face starvation or disease. Regulated trapping—sustainable and humane—mirrors God’s order. It’s not exploitation; it’s stewardship, ensuring balance as we use what He provides.
Fur as Provision, Not Punishment
Some might see Genesis 3:21 as a grim necessity tied to sin, but look closer: it’s an act of mercy. God didn’t leave Adam and Eve shivering in fig leaves—He gave them something better. Fur clothing was a practical, loving solution for a fallen world. Simply pick up a faux-fur garment and you can tell how manmade fur products can’t compare with God’s handiwork.
A Biblical Balance
Scripture doesn’t shy away from humanity’s role over creation. Genesis 1:28 calls us to “subdue” and “have dominion” over the earth—not to abuse it, but to guide it responsibly. Managing furbearers fits this mandate. At Westerman’s Fur Products, we source our furs from trappers who follow strict, ethical guidelines, ensuring healthy populations of forbearing wildlife. It’s a partnership with creation, not a plunder.
Wearing Fur with Purpose
Genesis 3:21 isn’t just a historical footnote—it’s a foundation. God intended for us to use animals for clothing, and tending wildlife is part of our calling to care for His world. When you wear a fox fur hat or beaver fur mittens from Westerman’s Fur Products, you’re not just staying warm—you’re honoring a design that stretches back to Eden’s gate.
Questions about our faith-inspired approach? Reach out—we’d love to share more about how we see God’s hand in every stitch!
