Men aren't superior to women or in charge. God created woman as an equal to man.
God created man and woman on the same day with equal identity. That is, both were made in the image of God (Gen. 1:24-31) and both were given the mandate by God to "be fruitful and multiply and subdue the earth" (Gen. 1:28). God also formed woman from man's side ( Hebrew sela = side ; Gen. 2:21-22) as a helper comparable to him (Gen.2:18). The Hebrew word ezer = helper (Gen. 2:18) is a noble word used often in the Bible of God Himself (for example, Ex. 18:4, Deut. 33:7, Ps. 46:1). ãShe was to be a companion just like the man - with intelligence, personality, ethical and moral sensitivity, and spiritualityä (The Nelson Study Bible). The man and his wife were to become one flesh (Gen. 2:24).In conclusion, we may summarize the woman's role in the following way: woman was created as an equal to man and as his helper. There is also total equality of man and woman in the body of Christ (Gal. 3:26-28). However in the economy of God, the woman is voluntarily to submit to the man in accordance with the authority which God created (Eph. 5:17-24, I Peter 3:1-6, I Tim. 2:11-15). This is like the submission demonstrated by the Son to the Father and the Spirit to the Son and the Father in the Trinity (I Cor. 11:2-3,Ê John 14:25-28; 8:29, Eph. 5:1) - a mutual submission between equals. This attitude of submission is very precious to God (I Peter 3:4), honorable before men (I Peter 3:6-7), and will be greatly rewarded at the Judgment-Seat of Christ (Prov. 31:30-31, I Tim. 3:13). Link
Always a beautiful post from this beautiful woman! Hi Victoria! :)
I heard Dennis Prager, who does teach bible study, once say that a definition of one of the descriptions of Eve in Genesis is that God made Adam 'a hel-pmate who opposes him.'
The really does describe almost every woman in my life. There is lots of wisdom in The Bible! :-)
That is all well traveled ground Victoria. I believe exegesis on the elements of "the curse" are much more pressing for alleviating the ills discussed on this thread.
Victoria, your post 685 has some outstanding commentary and valid verses. Profoundly written by the author, thanks for the post.
One thing where I must differ vs. your interpretation (and this is probably just semantics) is that the man is indeed required by God to BE in charge to provide for and protect the woman.
The two are indeed equal but with different responsibilities, the man to lead gently (take charge) while the woman is to submit as unto Christ. And yet, the man and woman are to prefer one another, all believers are to treat others as better than themselves, honoring one another.
When you consider that once adopted into God's family by faith we are co-heirs with Christ, that doesn't mean we are earthworms, we are the apple of God's eye--and yet we can all exhibit meekness and humility.
"Whatsoever ye do unto the least of these, ye do it unto Me"
Amen.