She Reads Truth: Women In The Bible, Part 1Sample

Eve: Who We Are

What words come to mind when you hear the name Eve? Apple? Sin? Adam? First? Flawed? Fall?

If you have not read today’s scripture, please do that now. Ask God to help you put your preconceived notions of Eve aside and give you new eyes for this magnificent part of the creation story.

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Amazing, isn’t it? Our God, the One who speaks the world into existence and who flings stars and planets and galaxies into the sky with a word, He scoops up ordinary dust in His almighty hands and forms humanity.

Matthew Henry notes in his commentary that the word “formed” is used in Genesis 2:7, whereas the words “created” or “made” are used for the rest of God’s creation. The difference, Henry says, is that “formed” indicates a slower, more gradual work, a “work with great accuracy and exactness.”

This is the way we were created, friends - with care and intention, with the very hands and breath of God.

What else can we learn from this passage about how Eve, the first woman, was made?

She was made in God’s image (1:26). She was given God’s blessing and favor (1:28). She was created for community, to correspond to Adam that they might complement one another (2:18). She was made from Adam’s rib (2:21-23) - “not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled on 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.” (Matthew Henry Commentary)

Eve was created for harmony, not shame (2:24-25). She was free, along with Adam, to roam and work within God’s perfect creation, to live fully within her purpose and design. She was beautiful and complete, “very good” according to the words of the Creator Himself (1:31).

Though we are tempted to fast forward to the next chapter of the story, let’s sit here in the garden with Eve today. Though we know the mistake she will make - the same one that we ourselves have made - let’s dwell on the care and lovingkindness of the One who formed us. Let’s celebrate the purpose and honor bestowed on us from the moment we were created in God’s image. And let’s give thanks for the great love lavished on us who have been once again - and forever! - made new in Christ Jesus.

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