Many Old Testament passages of Scripture have prophecies of Christ hidden within them. The following is one such passage.
Genesis 2:21-22 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and
he slept: and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made He a woman, and
brought her unto the man.
This is speaking of how God made Eve as a helpmate to Adam. Within it, though, is a prophecy of the Church being built for the Lord Jesus Christ. There are three words in these two verses, in particular, that reveal this truth below the surface of the information. They are (1) sleep = yashen, (2) rib = tesla, and (3) made = banah.
(1) “Sleep” sometimes refers to death. For example, when Lazarus died, Jesus spoke of him as sleeping. Our friend Lazarus sleeps; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said His disciples, Lord, if he sleeps, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that He had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. John 11:11-14. Adam’s sleep speaks of Jesus’ death on the cross. We will see that more plainly shortly.
(2) Tesla (rib) is more often, and more accurately, translated “side.” It is used for the “side” of man, of a hill, the side of rooms, the boards of temple walls, and the side of arks. John recorded in his Gospel (19:34) that one of the Roman soldiers threw his spear piercing the side of Jesus and out flowed blood and water. This typified Jesus shedding His blood for our sins. Paul exhorted the elders of the church of Ephesus to feed the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28).
For the life of the flesh is in the blood…for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul (Leviticus 17:11). The life is in the blood. So Jesus’ blood being poured out at the cross meant that His life was poured out for us. It was the atonement that makes us one with Him. It is significant that as Eve was taken out of the side of Adam so the Church is taken out of Jesus Christ. The many-membered Christ is in Him and comes forth out of Him. Whether you believe that Adam was a real man and Eve a real woman miraculously made from his rib is really immaterial, but it is most important for us to believe that the blood of Christ poured from His side mystically created the Bride of Christ, which is His helpmate.
(3) Banah (made) would be more accurately translated “builded.” This, again, refers directly to the building up of God’s people as a spiritual house. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. I Peter 2:5. Again through Paul: Therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy temple in the Lord: in whom you also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22.
God is not interested in us understanding how the human race was created or how the first woman was created, but He is interested in His people understanding how they are created by the blood that poured from His side. This is confirmed by Jesus Himself. This second chapter of Genesis was written by Moses and Jesus in John 5:46 said that Moses wrote of Him. When you read any of Moses’ writings you should look for revelations of the Lord and of His Christ.
Copyright © 2010 by Henry DuBose