Genesis 2:18-25

God Creates Earth And Heaven

Maybe it’s just me, but when I read these verses, I find them quite humorous. Whether it’s God having a sense of humor or God wanting the man to realize that there is no partner better for him than his wife, God parades all the animals in front of Adam to find him a suitable helper. (As an aside, don’t read too much into the word helper as it relates to the husband and wife relationship. The word “helper” is used to define God as well in the Old Testament.) Adam names the animals but finds no suitable helper or partner. So, a woman is formed out of Adam, and the two are a team. 

Being a team with your spouse is essential for a successful marriage. I share an old Jewish teaching about this passage at every wedding I perform. The teaching reminds husbands and wives that the woman was formed from the rib of man. God did not form the woman from the foot, so that the man was above the woman. God did not form the woman from the head, so that the woman was above the man. God took Adam’s rib to show that the two should walk side by side in life, working together, instead of one being in control of the other.

It is God’s design for husbands and wives to walk side by side as one. In this sin-filled world, that design is sometimes corrupted, and marriages fall apart or have power imbalances. In your marriage, live up to the standard that God set with Adam and Eve. Walk side-by-side as you live life together. If you are single, remember that this is God’s will for marriages if you do become married. And if you are single and will remain unmarried, consider how you can encourage married couples you know to live in this way. Husband and wife were created to be a team, one flesh walking side-by-side.