The Lectionary’s Old Testament reading for this week takes us to the beginning of the Bible, right near the start of Genesis. As we take a look at this brief passage, let’s see what the Lord can teach us.
Our passage takes place towards the end of the 6th day of creation, as man, Adam, has been created, along with the animals. As God was observing His creation, He saw that man was alone, and knew that man needed a companion (vs. 18). He said that it was not good for man to be alone. Man needed a companion, a helper, and an equal. God made us for fellowship with Himself and with other people. Though there are often times we desire to spend some time alone, by ourselves, and that is good, we were never created to be a perpetual hermit. God can meet our need for a deep personal relationship.
Before God made His special companion for Adam, He brought each of the animals that He had created to Adam so that he could give each their name (vs 19-20). Adam had a job that God had given him to do, and that was to take care of the Garden of Eden (vs. 15). As we see here, this also included caring for the animals, and giving them each a name. This was an act of discerning something about the creature so as to appropriately identify it. There was, however, no kinship with any animal, since none was a fitting companion for Adam.
As the sixth day was drawing to a close, God put Adam into a deep sleep, so as to take a rib from his side, and create a woman for him (vs. 21-22). God could have made the woman from the dust as He did the man. Instead He made Eve from the side of Adam. This symbolizes a special union of the couple’s hearts and lives.
Adam was delighted in his newly created companion (vs. 23). She had her source in him. She was made of bone from his bone, and flesh from his flesh. God gave marriage as a gift to Adam and Eve (vs. 24). They were created perfect for each other. Marriage was instituted by God, and He treats marriage seriously. The man is to leave his parents, and in a public act, promises himself to his wife. They are joined together by taking responsibility for each other’s welfare, and by loving the mate above all others.
Throughout the Scriptures we read a number of comments and thoughts on marriage. Let me just mention a few of them for consideration. One is that commitment is necessary in a marriage. In Genesis 24:58-60 we read how young Rebekah was asked by Abraham’s servant whether she was willing to come back with him and become Isaac’s wife. Rebekah committed to go with him, leaving her family, probably to rarely, if ever, see them again. She made that commitment.
Marriage should be a time of rejoicing. The prophet Jeremiah, when prophesying about the restoration of Jerusalem, said that the sound of rejoicing, the sound of bride and bridegroom, would again be heard in the city (Jeremiah 33:10-11). God meant this to be a happy time. Though there are often times when children must be raised in a single parent household, God said that the best, the ideal, place for children to be raised in is within a marriage (Malachi 2:14-15).
Scripture also says that unfaithfulness breaks the bond of trust, which is the foundation for all relationships (Matthew 5:32). He intended that marriage should be permanent, but sin and the Fall have destroyed that (Matthew 19:6). It is based on a promise, a commitment of love, not just on feelings, which can come and go. God said that marriage is good and honorable (Hebrews 13:4).
God knew the need that Adam had for a companion and helpmate, and His creation of Eve and marriage was His final act of creation at the close of the sixth day.
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