The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18
In our culture, the word helper conjures images of an assistant or aid. That is unfortunate and I believe has led to some misunderstandings of how each of us, male and female, are made in the image of God.
Ezer, the Hebrew word correctly translated help, also has a connotation of saving or rescue. There is no hint of inferiority and in fact, God Himself is called an Ezer multiple times. It also shows up in a military context as someone coming to another’s rescue.
You who fear Him, trust in the Lord - He is their help and shield, Psalm 115:11
God gave Adam a fellow warrior, a partner in ruling over and subduing the earth. They are suitable for one another and together are made in His image. It is not good for us to be alone and we find companionship in marriage, friendship and the body of Christ. Ecclesiastes attests to the value of such relationship.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. 4:12
I have been made in God’s image. As an ezer, I will bring all the unique ways God created me to the fight in restoring His Kingdom. He will use us together to help rescue order from chaos in the lives of our fellow image bearers. We need each other.
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