Introduction to Genesis 2: Metaphorically Speaking
The woman, in Genesis 1: 27-28, is seen in the creation account in her natural state. There, the woman and the man are presented as being alongside one another, both created equal in the image of God, the same mandate delivered to both by God, and equally crowned with the glory of all creation with the power of choice. This is unlike Genesis 2 where the two are cast into two distinct roles to their natural state in the previous chapter.
The reader, starting at Genesis chapter 2 :7 is led onto a new path to tread. A new path showing us ways to learn other than reading and comprehending simple words on a page by entering the enclosed Garden of Eden, also called Paradise or, the Garden of God. We are shown figures that require a metaphorical interpretation. What does this mean?
In Genesis 1 the creation of the natural world including the couples natural state are presented. Then there is the spiritual interpretation of it which can only be interpreted following the death of Christ. What is it God wants us to spiritually comprehend behind the natural creation?
The OT prophets caught glimpses of their meaning but looked through an opaque mirror, so to speak.. Finally, the Apostle Paul brought the understanding in the letters to the churches particularly the letters to the Corinthians and the Ephesians, and explained, they are ‘spiritually discerned’.
This does not mean they are isolated themes as they are present in both books of the bible. They are understood by the natural, ‘the things that are made’ as I show in my writings here in this series. Both the OT and the NT bring these metaphorical figures in Genesis 2 to final understanding. They show us what the representation teaches the church. Paul writes he wants us to understand and to comprehend with all the saints what is the the fullness of God’s love for the world. Paul testifies to the early church he was given to know these mysteries that together make up the unfathomable riches of Christ (E/n [i] ). Their fulfilment is finally fully realised in the book of Revelation.
Two separate states of the couple, the man first and then the woman, are presented in chapter two of Genesis. First the natural: the firs man is formed of clay, and his spiritual counterpart, the second man, is discernible. At the close of the chapter the first man, the natural man, the first Adam, is put into a deep sleep. Only then is the first natural woman’s spiritual counterpart brought forth. Where Adam was formed, she is builded. He is of clay. She is of a different superior substance, that of the natural sleeping clay man’s flesh and bone. That unveiling could only take place in the fulness of time, after the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Finally, these mysteries are also made known by faithful disciples, such as you and I, as we obey the Great Commission and go into all the world, to teach, preach and baptise believers. Be it to our family, friend, neighbour or to people of unknown tongues in far off distant lands, as faithful obedient disciples of Jesus. This preaching the good news, of Christ crucified, began with a woman, Mary Magdalene, the first disciple. Ever since, women and men have been preaching and teaching the wonder of Gods plan, speaking to people of the grace of God revealed in Jesus death and resurrection.
I encourage to sign up and watch for the series as I post them (in editing process at the moment). I believe my slant on Genesis early chapters will change your thinking and hence your life.
[i] Paul wrote: To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, (KJV) Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; (Eph 3: 8 KJV).
Love and hugs
Patricia
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