Made for Each Other- A Helper Fit for Adam

As his helper, she would do what no one else could

“… I will make him a helper fit for him.” Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. (Genesis 2:18b–22)

You’ve seen those couples who look like they were made for each other. It may sound shallow, but be honest—you know exactly what I’m talking about! Scripture does not give us any indication of the appearance of Adam and Eve, but there is no doubt they were made for each other!

The idea conveyed in Genesis 2:18–22 is that God intends to create an indispensable companion for the man.1 Her contributions would be essential. As his helper, she would do what no one else could. She would not only join in taking care of creation and raising children, but these two would experience the mutual support of companionship.

The animals are presented to the first man Adam for him to name, but none of them pass the implicit test in the helper fit for him department. So God provides what is missing, or who is missing. God did not make the woman out of dust like man and the animals, but from the very body of the man.

An often-quoted description by the seventeenth-century theologian Matthew Henry communicates the spirit of the text:

Not made out of his head to top him,

not out of his feet to be trampled upon by him,

but out of his side to be equal with him,

under his arm to be protected,

and near his heart to be beloved.

Henry’s description, though sweet and flowery, is also a glimpse into the ideal of marriage as a relationship marked by harmony and intimacy.2

Respond

Adam and Eve were made for each other. In what ways are you and your husband made for each other?

Prayer for the Journey

Lord, you created me to be in relationship with you and with others. Help the relationship I have with my husband to be one of harmony and intimacy. I know these things do not come naturally, so help me to be willing to do my part. Amen.