When Adam Met Eve Series

But for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. Genesis 2:18–22

God formed woman as a suitable helper or a “companion who corresponds.” The word suitable means corresponding, complementary. She matches him. Woman provides what is lacking in man. The word “companion” or “helper” has been misunderstood. Some people have read “helper” as servant or slave, such as in the movie and novel, “The Help.” They believe a woman has an inferior role to help a man. You know: bring him his slippers, get him a coffee, or bring him his supper. Sorry guys, that’s not the biblical model.

It surprises people to learn that the word “helper” is often used of God. He is Israel’s helper. In the Psalms, the writer takes comfort in God’s help.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Far from being the inferior one, the helper, biblically is often the stronger one who does what the other party cannot. Man needs woman to carry out the biblical mission to multiply; tough to do alone. Together they are to rule the earth.

God forms woman from man’s side, then brings her to Adam. The picture that comes to my mind is of a father who walks his daughter down the aisle and presents her to her groom. The ancient commentator Chrysostom in an often repeated comment wrote, “Let us remember that God did not take the woman from man’s feet to be trampled upon and enslaved; nor from his head that she should dominate him, but from his side, to be his companion; from beneath his arm to receive his protection; and from near his heart to have his love and affection.”

Can you imagine how Adam felt the moment he first saw Eve?! I will never forget seeing my wife walk down that aisle. I had never seen her dress. (Wedding Photo) She dazzled me; tears filled my eyes; love swelled my heart; she took my breath away; my mind was exploding. For Adam it must have been much more. He writes the first poem uttering the first recorded words in human history. In essence he gives the first wedding vows to Eve. He is promising himself to her. Adam says;

“This one at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one will be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” Genesis 2:23 (NET);

For those couples who are together today, after the service we are going to give you the opportunity to renew your vows. Talk with each other to see if you would like to renew your vows today right after the service.

Woman was made out of man and now in marriage she becomes one flesh with him again. God then establishes marriage in the amazingly profound verse 24. Genesis 2:24, is so foundational that it is quoted five times in the rest of the Bible. Famous psychologist, Dr. Ed Wheat, describes this verse as the most concise and comprehensive counseling session ever presented on marriage.