Pechstein chose the archetype of biblical temptation, Adam and Eve, to illustrate the sixth petition. Temptation in biblical understanding leads to separation, disharmony, and ultimately to death. Here, the rapport between man and woman is marked by greed, lust, fear, fighting, and flight. The original unity and harmony is shattered. Love gave way to the need for power and possession which appears here in all its naked ugliness. Man and woman are ensnared in evil symbolized by a giant snake. The idol in the upper left corner points to the real roots of temptation. As in Genesis, temptation begets rejection of the true God, the just relationship with him and human beings among themselves.
Temptation implies a decision of mind and heart. Which master will we serve? Where lies our treasure, "for where your treasure is, there will your heart be..." (Matthew 6:21). We pray, "Deliver us from evil " (seventh petition) because temptation frequently amounts to a battle in our heart between the Spirit by whom we walk (Galatians 5:25), and the Evil One, who "throws himself across" (dia-bolos) God's plan and work of salvation. There is a certain usefulness in temptation. It teaches us to know ourselves, urges us to vigilance, and is a constant reminder that God is faithful. Finally, this petition asks for perseverance to the end.
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