Repeated phrase:
1. "I will make a companion for him who corresponds to him" v.18, and "but for Adam no companion who corresponded to him was found v.20."
A companion/helper-"usage of the Hebrew term does not suggest a subordinate role, a connotation which English “helper” can have. In the Bible God is frequently described as the “helper,” the one who does for us what we cannot do for ourselves, the one who meets our needs. In this context the word seems to express the idea of an “indispensable companion.” The woman would supply what the man was lacking in the design of creation and logically it would follow that the man would supply what she was lacking, although that is not stated here (NET)."
Corresponds to him-"literally means “according to the opposite of him.” Translations such as “suitable [for]”, “matching,” “corresponding to” all capture the idea...The man’s form and nature are matched by the woman’s as she reflects him and complements him. Together they correspond. In short, this prepositional phrase indicates that she has everything that God had invested in him. (NET)"
What does it mean in v.20, "So the man named all the animals, the birds of the air, and the living creatures of the field, but for Adam no companion who corresponded to him was found?" What does having a companion has to do with naming the animals? I think naming is part of the job that God gave mankind to ruling over all the creatures. Therefore, as we discussed before God blessed mankind and commanded mankind to multiple and be fruitful to rule over the animals. More hands make the load lighter. But here I see that not only Adam needed a "hand" to share the workload he also needed someone to share the creative/authoritative kind of work (naming).
2. "he took part of the man’s side and closed up the place with flesh " v.21, "Then the LORD God made a woman from the part he had taken out of the man" v.22, " This one at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh...for she was taken out of man" v.23, "they become a new family (flesh)" v.24 and "both naked, but they were not ashamed" v.25.
There is no other way to make a more suitable companion or a corresponding companion than this. Eve was made from Adam flesh. They could not have a closer relationship and therefore, there was nothing to be ashamed of when they were naked.
"they become a new family (flesh)"- "The retention of the word “flesh” in the translation often leads to improper or incomplete interpretations. The Hebrew word refers to more than just a sexual union. When they unite in marriage, the man and woman bring into being a new family unit....[In v.23] the man declares that the woman is bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh. To be one’s “bone and flesh” is to be related by blood to someone...The expression “one flesh” seems to indicate that they become, as it were, “kin,” at least legally (a new family unit is created) or metaphorically. In this first marriage in human history, the woman was literally formed from the man’s bone and flesh. Even though later marriages do not involve such a divine surgical operation, the first marriage sets the pattern for how later marriages are understood and explains why marriage supersedes the parent-child relationship. (NET)"
Reflection: These heavenly match was done 100% from God. God sensed that Adam needed a companion from the beginning, v.18-20. Adam did not even asked God, but God put him to sleep and made Eve v.21. After God made Eve, He brought her to the man v.22. When Adam spoke the first time, it is almost like an exclamation, "This one at last is bone of my bones..."
We can be sure that God knows our needs. He cares and He provides those that He thinks is good for us. From the beginning He has been our Provider. What He gave is good, like Eve is the bone of Adam's bone. However, Adam listened to Eve and not God (chapter 3). Let us not be like that and love the gift that God gave us and not loving God.
Our husbands are the perfect companions best fit to us. We are corresponding to each other. That is the gift that God has given us. On the other hand, we also need to be the perfect companion to our husbands. What does your husband need to help his need? How can you help him to do what God wants him to do?
Marriage is designed by God to fulfill His purpose. How does your marriage help others to know Christ? How do you do as a team? This is not the first time I read this passage, do I do better in these areas from the last time I read this?
Audrey
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