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Genesis 2 – The First Covenant
We don’t see what is really going on until later. The hint begins when we notice a word which is only used twice in Genesis, in both these scenes. Upon further example the stories have an interesting connection or two. That common word is deep sleep/yashen.
• (HCSB) Genesis 2:21 – So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to come over the man, and he slept. God took one of his ribs and closed the flesh at that place.
• (HCSB) Genesis 15:12 – As the sun was setting, a deep sleep fell on Abram, and suddenly great terror and darkness descended on him.
Just so we are clear, the connection I’m making is not Eve suddenly appearing, and Abram having a sudden great terror and darkness come upon him! The connection is they slept deeply.
Both scenes involve a cutting. Adam was cut by God to make Eve from his side rib. Abraham cut the animals in half (except the birds) as part of the ritual of making a “covenant” (15:18). Covenant in Hebrew literally means “a cutting.” So…is that what is going on in both but only stated in one? Yes. What we can now see is that marriage is much more than a contract or ceremony. It is a covenant (Malachi 2:14). It is the first covenant made by God with man and woman. Unfortunately, many don’t see it in their marriage.
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