(It's been a minute since I sat and wrote. After the death of my father, the pandemic and a scary divisive election and other things, I think I just tucked my head and self- preserved. The way you do in a dust storm. You don't stand straight and look around and take notes, you tuck your head, hold tight and keep moving forward, and self protect. Now four years later, I am looking up again and ready to write again. Enjoy. )
My Dearest Gigi,
I came across something beautiful in scripture last week and I immediately thought of you.
In the book of Genesis, when God created the first woman, He called her a ‘helper.” In fact the first phrase for women in the Bible is not what I imagined. He did not call her beautiful, which, we as women are often measured. What did he say?
“The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.””Genesis 2:18 NIV
In English, that word sounds simple, even small. I think I have always struggled with this part of the Bible. And its with the very beginning!! But I believe God and believe he has a plan for you and me.
When I read of the original Hebrew word God uses to describe woman, I cried. I cried for joy, that God cares enough to bring me this light, and I cried for sadness for walking in darkness for way too long.
The original Hebrew word God used to describe women is “Ezer.” Ezer does not mean assistant, or someone who follows quietly in the background. It’s does not mean servant, or submissive. “Ezer” means strong help, protector, rescuer. It is the same word God used to describe Himself when he comes to the aid of His people.
This is kind of help someone cannot do for themselves. This is the kind of help that rescues another. Out of the 21 times “ezer” is used in the Old Testament, 16 refer to God as a mighty, saving help.
So when God called woman an “ezer,” He was not assigning her a lesser role, He was giving her a name of power, purpose and partnership. He was saying, “She is essential. She is strength standing beside strength.”
To be clear, God used two words when he spoke of woman. God said, “ ezer kenegdo.” With “kenegdo” literal translation meaning “according to the opposite.” We further translate to “matching,” or “corresponding to.” What this means for you, my daughter, is not a lesser role. But Strength next to Strength. The family is a powerful force. And a woman is essential.
“Ezer” belongs you. You were made in the image of a God who helps, who strengthens, who saves. You carry that legacy as a woman — strong, capable, wise and worthy. Never let the world define you as small. From the very beginning, you were called “ezer.”
I see that strength in you every day, and I am so proud of the woman you are becoming. I hope you take this and believe it. I also hope you share this with another woman who needs to hear it.
Love,
Mom
Verses Where God Is Called “Ezer” (16 times):
1. Exodus 18:4 – “My father’s God was my helper (ezer); he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh.” ⭐️
2. Deuteronomy 33:7 – “Oh, be his help (ezer) against his foes!” ⭐️
3. Deuteronomy 33:26 – “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help (ezer) you.” ⭐️
4. Deuteronomy 33:29 – “He is your shield and helper (ezer).” ⭐️
5. Psalm 20:2 – “May he send you help (ezer) from the sanctuary.” ⭐️
6. Psalm 33:20 – “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help (ezer).” ⭐️
7. Psalm 70:5 – “You are my help (ezer) and my deliverer.” ⭐️
8. Psalm 89:19 – “I have given help (ezer) to one who is mighty.” ⭐️
9. Psalm 115:9 – “He is their help (ezer) and shield.” ⭐️
10. Psalm 115:10 – “He is their help (ezer) and shield.” ⭐️
11. Psalm 115:11 – “He is their help (ezer) and shield.” ⭐️
12. Psalm 121:1–2 – “My help (ezer) comes from the Lord.” ⭐️
13. Psalm 124:8 – “Our help (ezer) is in the name of the Lord.” ⭐️
14. Psalm 146:5 – “Blessed is he whose help (ezer) is the God of Jacob.” ⭐️
15. Hosea 13:9 – “You are destroyed… where is your helper (ezer)?” ⭐️
16. Isaiah 30:5 – “Egypt’s help (ezer) is utterly useless.” (Used ironically to contrast God’s true help) ⭐️
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