Maybe, like the cookies, that tree was for later. Maybe as they matured, but not yet. Or, maybe, it had certain medicinal uses but was not to be used for recreation.
So the problem wasn't merely that they took from the tree, but they did it prematurely (God hadn't yet given them the green light) and they did it in alliance with the dragon.
If the tree is symbolic, then again, the problem is that they got ahead of God and they did it in alliance with Lucifer making him the source of the knowledge, in effect, and giving him authority in the Garden. If God had the tree of "knowledge" right there in the Garden, I have to assume it is because he intended, as they grew and matured, to share it with them. But when Lucifer was able to usurp God's fatherly apprenticeship he went to Plan B.
As others said, its likely that had they immediately sought God and asked forgiveness, the damage could have been repaired without having to leave the garden. Its the fact that they hid their alliance with the dragon that required a more dramatic remedy.
I think a lot of us are living Plan B (or C or D). God is a master of Plan B. But God's Plan A would have been better had we trusted him sooner.
Indeed. They "hid their alliance with the dragon" by "covering their 'nakedness'." Thus the idea of "guilt" first comes into the picture....
And of course, the "more dramatic remedy" could only be provided by the Incarnation of the Son of God....
Excellent insight, dear brother in Christ. Thank you!
Thank you so much for those engaging insights, dear marron!