Read Genesis 2:4-25  The LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Genesis 2:7

Marketing specialists know that an image of naked babies—cooing or playing or smiling—will capture most people’s hearts. Wide eyes and chubby tummies catch our attention, appealing to happy thoughts of a world full of innocence and wonder.

Today’s passage paints a similar picture, one of freshness, beauty, and discovery. God had just created the earth, bathing it with freshwater streams and preparing it to produce life. Finally, God shaped some dirt into a being who would bear His own likeness (Gen. 1:26; 5:1–2). He exhaled His own breath into this sculpture, filling it with life, personality, and spirit (v. 7).

God placed the newly created man in a garden and surrounded him with beautiful things to explore, create, and enjoy (v. 8–9). This human would be God’s image-bearer on the earth, imitating His creative work and tender care (v. 15).

Just as a parent would instruct a child to be safe on a playground, the Father warned Adam about dangerous temptations (vv. 16–17). But for the most part, his existence was unfettered and free. He had no need to worry, to fear, to doubt, or to hide. God was with him, solving his problems and providing for his needs.

God noticed Adam’s need for a companion and allowed him to discover it, too (v. 18). He took Adam through the educational exercise of examining the animals one by one, noticing their differences and naming them accordingly (vv. 19–20). By the end, it was obvious that Adam’s mate was missing.

God used Adam as a participant in His act of creating woman (vv. 22–23). Far from being threatened, Adam delighted in the woman God had made as a perfect partner for him. They worked together in the garden, untouched by shame.

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