Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. (Gen 2:19-20 NKJ)

Adam was given dominion over creation (Gen 1:26; 28) giving a name was a sign that you had dominion over man or beast. So when Jacob wrestled with the angel, Jacob asked his name, and the angel refused, but the angel gave Jacob a new name. “So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” and He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.”  Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there. (Gen 32:27-29 NKJ)

Notice in the Genesis text that Adam’s wife has no name, that’s because she was his equal partner, notice that he didn’t name her woman but called her woman.  She was taken from his rib and had all the traits and attributes he didn’t have. They could have lived happily ever after, but they decided to rebel against God and as a result God removed them from the garden. As soon as they were out of the garden and living in disobedience to God, look what happens. Adam named his wife Eve because she would become the mother of all the living. (Gen 3:20 NIV)

Listen to what the text is saying. Created order man and woman are equal. Outside of God’s system man takes dominion over woman.  The Patriarchal system is born in rebellion, not in creation. To deny a woman absolute equality in ministry, marriage, employment and life and think that man has dominion over her is born in rebellion and not in creation.  So if you’re a minister, the next time you officiate a wedding, don’t ask, “who gives this woman to be married to this man,” because she is not property and the father is not transferring ownership to the husband.  Marriage is a union of equals.

“Your Kingdom come! Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.”