There are several different kinds of questions (multiple choice, yes or no etc.). For our purpose here, we will focus on the following: the general question seeking information and the rhetorical question that requires no reply, either because the answer is obvious or because the one asking already knows the answer. They are generally used to draw a contrast, persuade the audience, make the listener think or direct the reader’s attention to an important topic.
An example of the first question is a husband and wife (or any two people) dividing up a grocery list and telling each other to make sure their cell phones are on so that when they finish, they can call each other and find out where they are.
It would seem on the surface that God was asking Adam where he was (verse 9), but that was not the case. The question that God asked Adam was a rhetorical question.
Why were Adam and Eve hiding? Was it really because of their nakedness?
Did Adam and Eve think that God could not find them?
Did Adam and Eve ever walk with God in the Garden?
What time of day would those walks perhaps take place?
Did God know where Adam and Eve were hiding?
Why did God go looking for Adam and Eve?
What was Adam’s response to God’s questions? “Where are you?” “Who told you that you are naked?” “Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
What was Eve’s response to God’s question? “What is this that you have done?”
Why are God’s questions rhetorical questions?
How does verse 15 offer hope to Adam and Eve and us?
What does the question, “Where are you?” have to do with us?
