The importance of the role of women in God’s Word cannot
be overestimated.
-Cindy Colley
The
rise and fall of nations can often be traced by studying the rise and fall of
womanhood. Why you might ask? The moral fiber of a nation is determined
primarily by women. A nation can maintain a moral strength no greater than the
homes that make it up, and the home usually rises no higher than the ideals of
the woman in it. Equipped with this knowledge, we realize that a heavy
responsibility has been placed upon our shoulders-one we cannot afford to take
lightly. With this in mind, I have embarked upon a study of women of the Bible.
I hope to gain wisdom from a prayerful and careful examination of their
troubles and trials along with their victories and virtues. Here is where I
hope to share with you the valuable lessons I learn-lessons that can be applied
to our daily lives. If we so allow, many of these women will inspire us to
greater faith and a closer relationship with God.
The
mother of all living. The first woman. The first to sin. Eve is described in
many ways, but did you know that Eve was actually named three times? First in
Genesis 2:23, she was called woman by Adam. Then both Eve and her husband are
called Adam (Gen. 5:2). This speaks volumes to the marriage relationship. God’s
design for the husband-wife relationship is to be one, an unbreakable union.
God made them one flesh and he game them one name. Finally, Adam gave the name
Eve, because she was the mother of all living (Gen. 3:20); a name describing
her role and function in life.
Eve
was the first tempted by Satan to sin. Sometimes I believe we are too quick to
blame Eve for man’s fall, but we would do well to remember that Eve’s adversary
is still ours today and we often fall to the same deception. We should also
take note that by giving in to temptation, Eve allowed Satan to use her. “She
took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with
her; and he did eat” (Gen. 3:6). Satan might never have been able to succeed in
getting Adam to sin, had he not used Eve. 1 Timothy 2:14, tells us unlike Eve,
Adam was not deceived. Adam took of the fruit simply because his wife did.
Perhaps Eve was deceived into thinking God simply didn’t mean what he said.
Much in the same way that some in the church today say, “Yes, it says that but
that only applied to that time period.” Regardless, Adam’s actions are a
testament to the great influence we have on our husbands. Eve allowed herself
to become a stumbling block. She was created to be a helper and instead became
a hinderer.
If
you were to only read through Genesis 3, it would seem there was no happy
ending for Eve, but if you read the next chapter you will find evidence that
Eve once again allowed God to rule her life. Although Adam and Eve were
forgiven, they still had to suffer the consequences of their sin. Fellowship
with God was restored, but they were not restored to their position in Eden.
Eve could have spent her life grieving past mistakes, but she didn’t. She
focused on the present blessings God had bestowed upon her (Gen. 4:1, 25) and
the hope we have in the future.
Sources: Women of the Genesis. Cindy Colley.
Women of the Old Testament. Peggy Hall