This is a continuation of a series of blog posts on biblical manhood and womanhood. In this edition, I want to begin to sketch out some of what the Bible has to say about men and women. Here we will begin to explore the implications of the structure of Genesis 2, and in future posts we will see how Jesus and Paul both employ these truths in their own teaching.
In Genesis 2, the order in which God created Adam and Eve is significant. God created Adam first. God made Adam and gave him divinely assigned roles in the garden before he created Eve. This order is significant because of what it implies about the purpose of each one. God made Adam and gave him a job and then created Eve as Adam’s helper. That ordering is not presented as mere happenstance. The narrative presents the ordering as a consequence of the end or goal for which each individual was created. Eve was created for Adam not Adam for Eve.
Adam was created first and then Eve was created as Adam’s helper. Adam was created first and then Eve was created from Adam’s side. She is not from the dust like Adam is, she is from Adam. This too is significant. Eve is made from Adam’s side, and this is a function of the nature of Eve’s purpose. In Genesis 2:19 the text pays special attention to the creation of the animals from the ground. Just like Adam was formed from the dirt, the other creatures were formed from the dirt and were unique creations that were not fit for him. But this one that God took from Adam’s side. She is uniquely fit for him. She shares in Adams flesh and bone. She is equal in dignity and value in a way that the animals are not. She shares in Adam’s flesh. Therefore, she shares in Adam’s image bearing. She is, like Adam, more than biological machine. She is, like Adam, everlasting spirit.
The significance of this detail is confirmed when we read the poem that Adam composes for his new bride. He is elated with her. He is joyful. “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh! She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” (Gen. 1:23) Adam’s discourse is strong evidence that we are on the right track in our interpretation. Adam doesn’t miss the point. God has made a helper fit for him. She is fit for him because she is his crowning glory. She is fit for him because she is his complement. Notice that this is complement with an ‘e’ not compliment with an ‘i’. A complement is a thing that completes or brings to perfection. A compliment is merely a polite praise.
Adam was made for a purpose. He must work and keep the garden. Eve was made for a purpose. She is Adam’s helper made as his corresponding complement. These creational realities are a part of who we are as created beings. They are a part of the fabric of the universe as God created it. The foundations that Genesis builds are truly foundational to the whole created cosmos. We cannot destroy the foundations and then start building the house on rubble.
Next week, we will look at Adam’s unique role as representative of the human race. What does that truth add to the creational picture we have begun here?
Working with you for your joy in Christ,
Pastor Charles
