Bible Survey - #2 - Genesis 2

Man and Wife

When a man and a woman make their life-long commitment to each other as husband and wife, the minister says these words: “I now pronounce you man and wife.” This expression, “man and wife,” goes back to the very first marriage, where Adam is called “the man,” and Eve is called “his wife.”

God created marriage. According to his direction, a “man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife.” The Lord created us male and female, and he determined in the beginning of time that it was not good for the man to be alone. His kind provision for Adam was expressed in His creation of the woman, who was a helpmate for him; one who was like him in some ways, and yet different from him in other ways, with the two forming a wonderful partnership of love and service.

Throughout the ages of human history, God has provided men and women as special lifelong partners for one and other. Together they are to pursue what is good and right and honoring to Him. It has been God's good pleasure that marriage would be the building block of all human society. But marriage has this higher purpose; it is a living illustration of the special love of a Promise-Keeping Savior for His faithful and obedient people.

It was not good that man should be alone.

God made a helper like, but not like, him.

Now man and wife are two that God made one,

And Jesus and His bride are seen through them.