Lesson #4 5/14/00

Ø 2:18b Solution for the need!

"I will make him a helper suitable for him."

- Key word; 'etzer rz<[e which describes the female role.

With this term etzer there is no inference of superiority or inferiority of one over the other! NONE!

Ø God created the male role and the female role not so they would be in competition with one another, but to compliment one another, so that the whole, the relationship, ultimately husband and wife, would be best for both of them, would honor God, and give them the best opportunity and ability to do the will of God!

Ø What about this term etzer?

- What does it mean? What is implied by it? Is it demeaning? Check Gen. 49:25; Ex 18:4 for its next use.

- How can it be demeaning when it is used to describe a characteristic of God? A position He assumes in relation to man. (Psalms 33:20; 70:5; 115:9,10,11; 121:1,2)

- To be a helper? Doing what?

- When was this?? [important]

Ø 2:18b says as helper she is also to be "suitable for him."

That she alone, was Adam's equal, the only one with whom he can find companionship on his own level.

Why? Because they are both made in the image and likeness of God.

Summary Observations

1. Men and women relate as follows: (from 2:18)

#1 She was taken from him.

#2 She was for him.

#3 Being from him stresses equality.

#4 Being for him emphasizes a distinction, an inequality, submission aspect [her choice].

Feminism perverts this!

2. These 2 chapters of Gen. give us the foundation of manhood and womanhood.

3. The original oneness of Adam and Eve defines what marriage is from God's vpt!

4. Four basic principles of Marriage from Gen. 2

#1 - Marriage originated with a basic need; Companionship.

- This was true for Adam; it is also true for any man today.

#2 - Marriage originated with God. Gen. 2:21-22

#3 - What is marriage? It is in God's eyes a return to this state of ONENESS.

#4 - Marriage demands new priorities (2:24)

Ø Since Marriage originated with God it ought to honor God and be directed by Him.