Adam was the only man who was formed from the dust of the earth, according to the Scriptures.
Psalm 103:14 "For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust."
Nope.
Ecclesiastes 3:20 states: "All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return."
Ecclesiastes 12:7 states "And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it."
All of mankind is dust of the earth. From it we are formed and to it we return.
1 Corinthians 15:45 (WEB) So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” [Genesis 2:7]
Sure, our physical bodies return to dust, because we are made up of elements found on earth, but we are the offspring descendants of Adam.
We don't merely return to dust. We are dust.
Ecclesiastes 3:20 states: "All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return."
Ecclesiastes 12:7 states "And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it."
Not only are there other men formed from dust of the earth, but indeed, all of mankind is dust from the earth. And there are many passages about this in the old testament. That's why Adam is Adam, he represents us all. We are dust because he first was dust. We sin because he first sinned etc.
But this isn't about biology. It's about our nature as earthly mortal beings (as opposed to heavenly supernatural beings).
Job 10:9 "Remember that you have formed me like clay; and will you return me to the dust?"
Psalm 103:14 "For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust."
Genesis 18:27, Abraham says: "I am but dust and ashes."
Psalm 90:3: "You return man to dust, saying, 'Return, O sons of mortals'"
Isaiah 26:19: Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy!" (dust is of the earth)
The Book of Genesis does not say it is symbolic; rather, these are actual events recorded by inspiration from God.
"Deep sleep" does not assume visions, unless God reveals that this is so in His Word. Regarding Adam, God put him into a deep sleep for the purpose of removing a rib from his body. That is the context. This is not symbolic.
It is very much symbolic.
The instance of tardemah with Abraham in Genesis 15:12 is likely the closest parallel to Adam’s deep sleep in Genesis 2:21 for several reasons:
1. Shared Context in Genesis:
Both occurrences are in Genesis, linking them within the same overarching theological and literary framework.
Genesis often highlights God’s direct intervention in shaping foundational events, such as creation and covenant.
2. Divine Intervention:
In both cases, the deep sleep is explicitly caused by God, marking it as an extraordinary state with divine purpose.
In Genesis 2:21, the deep sleep allows God to create Eve from Adam's side, symbolizing human partnership and the establishment of marriage.
In Genesis 15:12, the deep sleep enables God to reveal the future of Abraham’s descendants and ratify a covenant, highlighting divine faithfulness.
3. Facilitation of God's Work:
Adam is placed in a state of passivity, enabling God’s creative act without interference.
Abraham, similarly, is rendered passive, emphasizing that the covenant depends entirely on God’s initiative and not human action.
4. Symbolic Significance:
Both instances transcend physical sleep, representing deeper spiritual or theological realities.
Adam’s deep sleep is tied to the creation of human unity and relationship.
Abraham’s deep sleep is tied to the formation of a covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people.
The parallels between Adam's and Abraham’s deep sleep are striking due to their shared context in Genesis and the divine intervention at the heart of each event. Both instances underscore God's sovereignty and the importance of His active role in creation and covenant-making. These connections suggest that tardemah in these cases carries profound theological weight beyond mere physical sleep.
A parallel could be drawn between the splitting of Adam in Genesis 2:21 and the splitting of the animals in Genesis 15:9-10, as both involve acts of division orchestrated by God to bring about significant outcomes in His relationship with humanity.
1. Divine Act of Splitting:
Adam: God puts Adam into a deep sleep and splits his side to form Eve. This act establishes the human relationship of partnership and unity in marriage.
Animals: God instructs Abraham to split the animals in preparation for the covenant. This act symbolizes the binding nature of the covenant and the solemnity of the relationship between God and Abraham’s descendants.
2. Creation of a Covenant or Relationship:
Adam and Eve: The splitting of Adam results in the creation of Eve, symbolizing the establishment of a covenantal relationship between man and woman.
Covenant with Abraham: The splitting of the animals solidifies the covenant between God and Abraham, signifying God’s commitment to His promises.
3. Symbolism of Unity and Restoration:
Adam and Eve: Although Adam is split, the union with Eve ("bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh") represents the restoration of unity, now expressed in relational harmony.
Split Animals: The divided animals serve as a visual reminder of the gravity of breaking the covenant. The walking between the pieces (by God’s presence) symbolizes a restoration of peace and unity through the fulfillment of God’s promises.
4. Sacred and Foundational Events:
Both the splitting of Adam and the splitting of the animals occur at pivotal moments in redemptive history:
Adam’s splitting inaugurates human relationships and community.
The animals’ splitting marks the formalization of God’s covenant with Abraham, establishing the foundation for the nation of Israel.
Conclusion:
The splitting in both cases involves God’s intervention to create or reinforce critical relationships—Adam and Eve’s union and God’s covenant with Abraham. These parallels underscore themes of division leading to unity, divine sovereignty, and the establishment of sacred bonds that shape humanity’s relationship with God and each other
And with the above said, indeed, the closest parallel to Genesis we have, is the deep sleep of Abraham. And that of course, is a prophetic sleep of revelation, not of modern medical anesthesia.
Genesis 2:22-23 (WEB)
21 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.
23 And Adam said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."
That's right. Bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh. Not merely a rib bone. But a side. Like the North side and South side of the tabernacle.
The Apostle Paul did not consider this Genesis account as symbolic.
1 Corinthians 11:8-9 (WEB) 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man; 9 for man was not created for the woman, but woman for the man.
Believe what you will. Add and pervert the Scriptures to your heart's content. Like I said, go your way, and may you humble yourself before God and repent before it's too late.
This has nothing to do with biology. It's about head coverings, but further it expresses mutual relatedness.
1 Corinthians 11:7-12 NIV
[7] A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. [8] For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; [9] neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. [10] It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels.
Id recommend reading the Bible in context.
