The first words YHVH says about her are in Genesis:
“I will make a helper suitable for him.”
But what does helper actually mean?
In the ancient Hebrew text it is: “ezer kenegdo”. This is a powerful word used through out the Old Testament. The translation into english is less than desirable, but the compliment in that word is high and holy.
“Helper” could mean: secondary; subservient; there to assist; when needed. But ezer means so much more than that. The translation is a word that means:
“the necessary kind of strength or help that one cannot do for themselves.”
This is the kind of ‘help’ and ‘strength’ you need in times when it feels you have none left. Help that saves, help that strengthens, help you cannot do without. It isn’t a word that means nice or helpful. It is a word that means essential.
The word is used 21 times in the Old Testament, 16 of those times are when God uses it to describe Himself.
“Our being has longed for YHVH; Our help (ezer) and our shield is He.” Psalms 33:20
‘But I am poor and needy; Hasten to me, O Elohim! You are my help (ezer) and my deliverer, O YHVH, do not delay.” Psalms 70:5
“Blessed are you, O Yisrael! Who is like you, a people saved by YHVH, the shield of your help (ezer), and He who is the sword of your excellency! And your enemies are subdued for you, and you tread down their high places.” Deuteronomy 33:9
The same word YHVH spoke about women, is the word He uses to describe Himself. He made her to strengthen, rescue, to stand with, just like YHVH does. That is a permission word, it’s an invatation, a “call for help” word. It was not good for man to be alone, so YHVH created an ezer.
Help that saves.
Help that strengthens.
Help you cannot do without.
A gift to man.
