MPV Commentary

The Making of Woman, and Institution of Marriage.

18. It was not good for Adam to be alone. Despite being surrounded by abundance and delight, he felt a deep sense of incompleteness that could not be satisfied. To make him aware of his needs,

19. God brought the animals before Adam, but not all of them - only those in his immediate vicinity, to serve as companions.

20. Whatever name Adam gave each living creature became its name. His perception and intelligence were supernaturally enhanced to understand the characteristics, habits, and uses of each species presented to him.

21. However, for Adam there was no suitable companion found among these creatures. This unique scene served to demonstrate that none of the animals he saw were on an equal footing with himself. While each pair consisted of two individuals of the same nature, form, and habits, Adam alone lacked a partner. Furthermore, as he named them, he prepared for social interaction with his future companion.

22. God put Adam into a deep sleep, likely an ecstatic or trance-like state similar to that experienced by prophets during visions and revelations from the Lord. The entire scene was probably visible to Adam's mental eye, prompting his joyful exclamation.

23. One of Adam's ribs was taken while he slept. Eve was not created from Adam's head to surpass him nor from his feet to be trampled on, but from his side to be equal to him and dear to his heart.

24. The term "woman" in Hebrew means "man-ess," emphasizing her equality with Adam. The human pair differed from all other pairs because of Eve's unique formation, making them one flesh. This passage is cited by Jesus as the divine institution of marriage (Matthew 19:4-5; Ephesians 5:28). In this context, Adam appears as a creature formed in God's image, demonstrating his knowledge through naming the animals, his righteousness in approving the marriage relationship, and his holiness through his principles and feelings.