When a building is constructed, the builders start with the foundation. It is essential to get the foundation laid correctly, so it can support everything else. In the same way, the opening chapters of Genesis lay the foundation for the rest of the Bible. Here we discover the relationship between God, the world, and humanity, before sin entered the world.

Genesis 2 goes into more detail in describing the creation of humanity. In an intimate picture, God “formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (v. 7). This tender picture reminds us that humans exist because of the careful work and craftsmanship of God. God also created a place for the man to live, the Garden of Eden. This garden did not take care of itself. Man was given the job of cultivating and maintaining it (v. 15).

God also gave a command. Humans could freely eat from any tree in the garden, except for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (v. 17). This command may seem mysterious to us, but it serves an important role. The command implies a choice. Humans can obey God, but they can also reject His command. This dynamic makes a real relationship between humans and God possible.

This chapter also teaches that humans were not meant to be alone. God looked around at His creation and saw that something was “not good” (v. 18). Adam needed a companion. After the formation of the woman, Adam speaks for the first time in the Bible. It is a poem joyfully celebrating the creation of the woman (v. 23). Adam and Eve serve as a model for the marriage relationship (v. 24). God intentionally created us to be in relationship with Him, to have meaningful work to do, and to be in relationships with one another. Praise God today for these precious gifts.

Go Deeper

Why is it important that God gave Adam and Eve a choice? What else do we learn about the way God viewed us as His creation?

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