" ... breathed into his nostrils the breath of life" (v. 7). Man was formed from the dust and did not become a living being until God breathed into him, thereby breathing his soul into him, transferring his characteristics into him. All other creatures had been created by spoken word. Only man was given God's characteristics. Therefore when God needed to create a help-meet for Adam, he wouldn't speak one into existence (not having his character) nor would he duplicate (from the dust) what he had already created. Instead he would divide his character between two by cutting one from the other, thereby creating one who would have the attributes that would complement (help, aide, assist) the other.

Man had the complete attributes of God, so God removed part of that completeness to form woman. Thus it is said of the marriage covenant that "a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" (v. 24).

We are not the same, nor are we meant to be the same. We are meant to work together in unity in order that the fullness of God is realized and activated.

Melissa Jones Going