Although she is the mother of us all, we know very little about this "first lady," Eve.  She was the final creative act of the first week on earth, the complementary companion for Adam, the first man.  She resembled Adam enough for companionship, yet she was very different in a complementary way.  her strengths blended with his so that together they were something neither could be separately.  In fact, Genesis 1 shows us that it took both Adam and Eve to accurately reflect the image of God.

But all did not end well in the Garden of Eden.  Through attacking Eve's contentment, Satan was able to incite rebellion in mankind and sin entered into the world.  Eve led her husband into direct violation of God's revealed will to them, and as a result, mankind was banished from paradise.  As we look at Eve this week, we will see a very human portrait of falling into sin, and the process of picking up the pieces of faith.  Through her, we will see our faith in a fresh way.

 Eve was created to fill a unique and special role in creation.  Not only was she to minister with Adam in his assignments in the garden, but she was also given specific ministries to Adam.  She was his "help-mate."  She was designed to assist and to complete him.  We will see in the days ahead that some of her responsibilities changed after the fall.  Today we want to briefly view Eve's purposes in the Garden before the fall, and look at life in Eden.

Questions (Print and Study or just pick up your bible, a pen, and a few sheets of paper and step into the Bible Study Lesson)

  In Genesis 1 we have an overview look at mankind in the Garden, and then in chapter 2 we see more of the details.  Read Genesis 1:26-28 and write three things you learn about God's purposes for mankind.

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In verse 26 we see that God created mankind first of all to be like Him, to reflect His image in creation.  (Note that God is mentioned in the plural, probably a reference to the whole of the Trinity's involvement in creation.)  The second purpose we see listed here is to rule over creation.  Man is positioned as the pinnacle of creation, and is given authority over all the earth.  In verse 27 we see that it takes both male and female to fulfill God's purposes.  Then in verse 28 we see the third purpose:  They are to reproduce--to be fruitful and multiply (raise children who will also reflect God's image), and "fill" the earth.  The task of ruling over creation was too great for them to do alone.

   Not only does God have a purpose for Adam and Eve, He also has a plan and purpose for the rest of creation.  Look at Genesis 1:28-31 and write down everything you learn there about God's purpose for the rest of creation.

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God instructs Adam and Eve that the earth is to be "subdued." The Hebrew word has the idea of being conquered and brought into subjection.  In other words, the earth is to serve mankind.  In verses 29 and 30 we see that all the plants are to be food for man and the animals.  This does not mean man must be a vegetarians, for in Genesis 9:3, Noah is commanded to eat animals as well.  What tremendous commentary verse 31 holds, revealing that the plan was "good" in God's sight!

  In Genesis 2 we see further specifics being given to God's unique purpose for mankind and also for Eve herself.  Look at Genesis 2:18-22.  Write out in your own words God's purpose for Eve listed there.

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Adam was not complete by himself.  What an amazing statement it is here that even in perfection of Eden before the fall there could be something that was "not good".  What a contrast with the continuous refrain of creation up to this point; seven times in chapter 1 we read "and God saw that it was good" (1:4, 1:10, 1:12, 1:18, 1:21, 1:25, 1:31).  But it was not good for man to be alone.  He was created with need.  He was created incomplete so that God could complete him with Eve.  She was to be "a helper suitable for him."

  Looking at Genesis 2:22-24, what principles about the marriage relationship do you see in Adam and Eve?

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Some practical principles about relationships we find here are: a) that God brought Eve to Adam (it wasn't his job to find a mate); b) that, unlike the animals, she corresponded to him ("bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh"); c) that their relationship necessitated him "leaving" father and mother (obviously looking forward to future generations since Adam had no father and mother); d) marriage requires "cleaving" (the Hebrew word implies pursuit and attachment, "to be joined by commitment"); e) marriage should result in oneness ("one flesh" points to the physical body, but in principle would include all that a person is---mind, emotions, will, etc.); and f) marriage results in nakedness without same (again, this would go beyond just the physical side.)

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