JAN 19

Genesis 2:18-23
Memorise Genesis 2:23
“she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man”

Up to this point, Adam was still alone. All the other animals would have come in pairs, male and female. However for man, God deliberately created Adam first before creating Eve later in the day, whilst noting that it is not good for man to be alone. God promised to make for Adam a helper that would be meet (suitable) for him.

To help Adam realise this need for a helper, God gave Adam the task of naming the animals. One by one the living creatures were brought before Adam, and he gave them their names. Through it all, Adam saw no creature that was able to serve as a companion for him. He realised that unlike the other animals that came in pairs of male and female, he was all alone. He would also realise that none of them were like him and able to have fellowship with him. There was none that he could communicate with and none to help him in his tasks, or develop any meaningful relationship with. Clearly, “for Adam there was not found an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:20).

It was at this moment that God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep, sort of like a patient undergoing general anaesthesia before an operation. God then took a rib out of Adam’s side, and from that He made woman. She was then presented to Adam, who joyfully exclaimed, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man” (Genesis 2:23). In this manner, God made a companion for Adam. She was not taken from his head, as that might suggest she was superior to him and ought to rule over him, nor from his feet as that might suggest she was to be trampled under his foot. Instead she was taken out of his side to demonstrate their mutual compatibility and equality, that she would work alongside him and help him in all he did.

Indeed God in His perfect wisdom made both man and woman, that one would complement the other. There are distinct differences between the genders, and they are there not to cause strife and rivalry. The differences ensure that, as a race, we have the diversity and yet unity to be all as one, the creation of God, made in His likeness, to fulfil His purposes and to live for His glory.

Thought: Whether male or female, we are all made in God’s image, created for His glory!

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for making me, and help me to fulfil my purpose to the best of my ability!