In the book of Genesis, we read that in the beginning God created first a man (Adam) to exercise dominion over his creation and subsequently a woman (Eve) as the man's "suitable helper" (Genesis 2:18, 20). Then Genesis goes on to say: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). This verse sets forth the biblical pattern as it was instituted by God at the beginning: one man is united to one woman in matrimony, and the two form one new natural family.
This verse sets forth the biblical pattern as it was instituted by God at the beginning: one man is united to one woman in matrimony, and the two form one new natural family. “Become one flesh" not only refers to the establishment of one new family but also to the husband and wife's sexual union leading to the procreation of offspring. This, in turn, is in keeping with God's original command to the first human couple to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion" over all of creation (Genesis 1:28). God wanted Adam and Eve to have children and grandchildren and great grandchildren, etc. in order to populate the earth and to manage our wondrous planet.
God could have filled the earth with people without the family arrangement. But He chose the family unit because it would provide the biggest blessings to all. Parenthood provides countless opportunities to bless, love and nurture our children. (It should also mature the parents.) These tender relationships mirror God’s gracious relationship with us. God is our heavenly Father who loves, provides for, and develops His earthly children. It is through the family arrangement that we get a glimpse of God’s family relationship with His earthly children.
