When God finished making everything He said it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Then in Genesis 2:18 He said it was “not good” that man should be alone.
This is an interesting statement. The typical take is that Adam would be lonely and unable to procreate. Certainly these things are part of the deal, but there might be more to it.
“Alone” means apart, separate, only, or alone. Hebrew words can have many meanings and the context lets you know, usually, which one fits best. “Alone” is probably the right one. But I like the idea of apart as well, especially considering what comes before and after.
Before this Adam was naming the animals. None was a suitable match for Adam. He was apart from the rest of living creation.
After this, in Genesis 2:21-23, God puts Adam to sleep, removes a rib, and makes woman. Adam sees her and says “This is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh.”
There is commonality between the two; they are both human and separate from the animals. Then in Genesis 2:24 God says the man and woman will cleave to each other and be “one flesh.” One flesh clearly means they are not apart anymore!
Male and female were both created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Male and female are clearly different, however. I say “clearly” because they clearly are, but as we know our society today doesn’t always see clearly.
It is quite easy to tell the difference between a male and female biologically. Not difficult at all if science means anything. There are also characteristics and thought patterns that are clearly different. Sure, there is overlap, but there is a male and a female way of thinking and feeling. To deny this is, again, to deny clear, provable, and scientific evidence. It’s weird to even have to qualify that.
Male and female are different. At the same time, both reveal aspects of God’s image. If all we knew was male humans, we would miss out on aspects of God’s image and the same is true if all we knew were female humans. People are finite; God their creator is infinite. In order to reveal all of who He is it took two separate kinds of humans to reveal it.
Unfortunately, much of the differences between male and female have also led to many misunderstanding, mockery, and even hate and violence. This is not a flaw in God’s creation from the start, but rather a result of The Fall (we’ll get there).
After God declares that it’s not good for man to be alone, Genesis 2:18 says that God will make a help meet for Adam. “Help meet” is the King James translation.
I have no idea what you think a “help meet” is or what you’ve been taught about it. But I recently heard a take on it that intrigued me. I want to look at it a little bit and will endeavor to do so. Consider this my long-winded introduction to my main point, which will be revealed in the next few days.
Enjoy.
anti-itch meditation 