Genesis 2
As we discussed last week, Moses wrote Genesis more as a theological history designed to answer the “who” and the “why” than a scientific textbook concerning the “how” and the “when.” (Take a look at last week’s message and leader notes for more information about the background of Genesis.)
Genesis 2:4-7
Verse 4 might seem a little redundant at first, but Moses intentionally inverts the order of “heaven and earth” to mark a transition in the story. Having first taken a big-picture view that explained God’s role in creating the cosmos and our planet in particular, Moses now changes gears to zoom into the moment that we as people were born. To do so, he rewinds the story back to before plant life appeared, and we see God make a surprising departure from His previous means of creating. Up until this point, we see Him creating from a distance, speaking things into existence. But now He takes a more hands-on approach. Moses uses the Hebrew word yatsar, which means to shape or mold with care—it was often used to describe the work of an artist. God created us as His image-bearers, a phrase referring to a common practice from kings in the ancient world. As their kingdoms grew, these ancient kings would worry that those farthest removed from the castle might forget or never know their king. So, these kings would have statues, images of themselves, built and scattered throughout the land. But here in Genesis, God, the one true King, is making it known that He went a different route, choosing instead to give us the honor of serving as His living, breathing images of Himself.
Genesis 2:8-9
Eden is described in a breathtaking way. It contained many beautiful trees filled with all that Adam could want. It’s important to remember this because so often the two trees mentioned at the end of verse 9—the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil—are depicted as being side by side. But Moses makes it clear they’re in the middle of this lush paradise surrounded by so much more. He describes rivers that flowed out of the garden. We know for certain where two of the rivers mentioned (the Tigris and Euphrates) are located in the Babylonia region, but the other two and the location of Eden itself are unknown despite any number of guesses and theories.
Genesis 2:15-17
Moses describes God as putting Adam somewhere in verse 8, but in verse 15, Moses uses a different word for “put” that conveys rest, safety, dedication and worship. Adam was tasked with working and taking care of paradise, not as a way to distract or occupy him, but as an act of worship. Work wasn’t designed to be drudgery; it was meant to be a gift! But along with that gift, God also gave the first command recorded in Scripture (at least chronologically because Adam would have a hard time living into the “be fruitful and multiply” mandate alone!). He sets up a daily choice for Adam: trust God’s provision or disobey Him and face death. It begs the question: why even give the choice? Because that’s what love demands. God loved us too much not to give us the choice to love Him back.
Genesis 2:18-25
For the first time in surveying the created world, God notes that something isn’t good. It’s the fact that Adam is all alone. Even in perfection and in a perfect relationship with God, Adam is lacking something: human connection. Having made us in His image (and God Himself is in community—Father, Son, Holy Spirit), God knows that human beings cannot fulfill their destiny except through mutual assistance.
In looking at creation at that moment, no suitable helper was found. God has the perfect solution in mind—the perfect complement to man: woman. The word “helper” does not imply servitude or inferiority. It means one who comes alongside in the task of doing God’s will. It’s the same word God uses in reference to Himself numerous times throughout Scriptures, and Jesus uses the Greek equivalent to refer to the Holy Spirit later in the New Testament. God is saying that creation is NOT good without women… in a very real sense, creation is hanging in the balance, awaiting their arrival!
God forms woman out of man. He could have created an exact copy of Adam, but chooses instead to create a compliment for him. When Adam awakes he is overjoyed, reacting with a song (verse 23). As the chapter closes, God goes on to create the unspoiled institution of marriage, giving them the opportunity to share life at the deepest, most intimate level.
KEY POINTS:
We were hand-crafted in the image of God.
We were made to worship the Creator and care for the creation.
We are given the ability to choose.
We thrive in meaningful relationships.