Genesis 2:18-25

This is the first week of the Narrative Lectionary for Fall 2019. Here we see original creation. Humanity is the interdependent relationship of plurality. We are not alone. We are created in and for community. We are one flesh. We were meant to be naked and unashamed with each other, fully present as helper and partner.

Downloadable Resources

click through these slides to watch the text unfold in pictures. Download this file and use whatever might be helpful for your preaching, teaching, and study.

Commentary

Genesis 2:18 says that it is not good that the Adam (literally the humanity) should be alone.

humanity needs a helper and partner.

helper is ezer in Hebrew. God is called our ezer. This is not a subservient role, but a necessary rescuer and come-alongside.

partner is neged in Hebrew. This word literally means “to face.” Once again, a partner is an equal participant. 

The animals are important, but they are not the same as humanity. The human is still alone in singularity and sameness.

The poem in Genesis 2:23 is interesting,

“This at last is bone of my bones

and flesh of my flesh;

this one shall be called Woman,

for out of Man this one was taken.”

The word “Man” is ish and “Woman” is ishah. Notice that it does not say from the Adam God made a woman. 

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This