Designed for Relationship
From the very beginning, the Word of God reveals a profound truth about the requirements of man: that we are in fact designed to be in relationship with one another. In Genesis 2:18, God declares, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him.” This statement and the word translated here as “good” emphasizes the nature and value of relationships in our lives. The Hebrew word used here for “good” is “tov” ( ), and it refers to something that is functioning correctly and at an optimal level. This not only means that relationships with other human beings are beneficial, but they help us to be more productive or fruitful.
Understanding this truth should lead us to ask two important questions:
Let’s first take a look at the first question of what is so important about relationships. In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon provides four powerful reasons why it is not good to be alone. He writes:
“9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NKJV
In this passage, Solomon emphasizes the practical and spiritual benefits of being in a relationship. The Hebrew word translated here as “better” is “tov,” the same word used in Genesis 2:18, when God said that it is not “good” for man to be alone. Here Solomon gives us four reasons why it is better to be in relationship with others.
The Benefits of Relationships
So now that we understand the value of relationships, what is the best kind of relationship for a person to be in? Is it a family relationship? Is it a friendship? Well according to the Scriptures, the most profound and fulfilling relationships are covenant relationships. These kinds of relationships are not built on emotions or trendy ideas.
The Hebrew Concept of Covenant
The Hebrew word for covenant is “brit”, and it refers to a sacred, spiritual contract that binds two individuals together in a way that cannot be broken without also causing brokenness in those who made the covenant. Also, when a covenant is established, there is generally a sign or symbol of the covenant that is given so that everyone, especially those involved will be reminded of the covenant.
The Making of a Covenant
In the Old Testament, covenants were often made through solemn and symbolic rituals that signified the seriousness of the commitment. These rituals typically involved the shedding of blood, representing the life-and-death nature of the agreement. For instance, when God made a covenant with Abram (later Abraham), He instructed Abram to sacrifice animals and lay them in two halves. God then passed between the pieces in the form of a smoking firepot and a blazing torch, symbolizing His presence and His binding commitment to the covenant (Genesis 15:9-17).
The cutting of the animals and the passing between them was a way of saying, “May this happen to me if I break this covenant.” This ritual highlighted the gravity of the covenant and the unbreakable nature of the commitment. Later God instructed Abram to circumcise himself and the members of his household as a sign of his covenant with YAHWEH.
The Covenant with Noah
One of the earliest covenants in the Bible is the covenant God made with Noah. After the flood, which destroyed much of humanity, God established a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again. The sign of this covenant was the rainbow, a symbol that would remind God and humanity that He would never destroy the earth again with a flood. (Genesis 9:8-17).
From the very beginning, the Word of God reveals a profound truth about the requirements of man: that we are in fact designed to be in relationship with one another. In Genesis 2:18, God declares, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him.” This statement and the word translated here as “good” emphasizes the nature and value of relationships in our lives. The Hebrew word used here for “good” is “tov” ( ), and it refers to something that is functioning correctly and at an optimal level. This not only means that relationships with other human beings are beneficial, but they help us to be more productive or fruitful.
Understanding this truth should lead us to ask two important questions:
- What is so important about relationships that it is not good alone or without connection to another person?
- If it is better for man to be in a relationship than to be alone, then what kind of relationship is best for us?
Let’s first take a look at the first question of what is so important about relationships. In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon provides four powerful reasons why it is not good to be alone. He writes:
“9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NKJV
In this passage, Solomon emphasizes the practical and spiritual benefits of being in a relationship. The Hebrew word translated here as “better” is “tov,” the same word used in Genesis 2:18, when God said that it is not “good” for man to be alone. Here Solomon gives us four reasons why it is better to be in relationship with others.
The Benefits of Relationships
- It’s More Rewarding (Eccl. 4:9): The very first thing that God told mankind to do was to be fruitful (Gen.1:28). This word does not only or even specifically refer to having children. At its core, the word “fruitful” (parah) means to be productive. With that in mind, the primary idea intended in Ecclesiastes 4:9 is that two individuals are more productive than one, and the ROI (Return on Investment) on their work is significantly greater.
- It Provides Support and Encouragement (Eccl. 4:10): Relationships provide emotional and physical support, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and hope. If you fall or are down and have no one to support you it is harder to get up.
- It’s More Productive (Eccl. 4:11): Ecclesiastes 4:11 says if two lie down together, they will keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? The Hebrew word translated here as “warm” is “yacham” and it also means to conceive. The very first thing that God told mankind to do was to be fruitful (Gen.1:28). However, this word does not only refer to having children. At its core, the Hebrew word translated as “fruitful” (parah) means to be productive. It refers to the idea of a seed being conceived through intercourse and being fully materialized in this world. By the way, the word intercourse does not just refer to sex, but also to communication or an interchange of thoughts and ideas between two or more individuals. This in turn leads to production or “re”-production of a seed into a more edible or beneficial form. Thus, two individuals are more productive than one.
- You are Exponentially stronger together (Eccl. 4:12): One Belgian Draft Horse alone can pull up to 8000 pounds. However, when you put two of these horses who are trained together, they don’t pull 16000 pounds. They can pull up to 32,000 pounds! They are significantly stronger when they work together. Can you imagine how much weight three can pull together? Similarly, the Scriptures tell us that with YAHWEH’S help one could chase 1,000, and two could chase 10,000 men. This is the idea conveyed by Ecclesiastes 4:12: That one could be overpowered (if he is alone) but two working together with YAHWEH’S help is an opponent that the enemy will avoid.
So now that we understand the value of relationships, what is the best kind of relationship for a person to be in? Is it a family relationship? Is it a friendship? Well according to the Scriptures, the most profound and fulfilling relationships are covenant relationships. These kinds of relationships are not built on emotions or trendy ideas.
The Hebrew Concept of Covenant
The Hebrew word for covenant is “brit”, and it refers to a sacred, spiritual contract that binds two individuals together in a way that cannot be broken without also causing brokenness in those who made the covenant. Also, when a covenant is established, there is generally a sign or symbol of the covenant that is given so that everyone, especially those involved will be reminded of the covenant.
The Making of a Covenant
In the Old Testament, covenants were often made through solemn and symbolic rituals that signified the seriousness of the commitment. These rituals typically involved the shedding of blood, representing the life-and-death nature of the agreement. For instance, when God made a covenant with Abram (later Abraham), He instructed Abram to sacrifice animals and lay them in two halves. God then passed between the pieces in the form of a smoking firepot and a blazing torch, symbolizing His presence and His binding commitment to the covenant (Genesis 15:9-17).
The cutting of the animals and the passing between them was a way of saying, “May this happen to me if I break this covenant.” This ritual highlighted the gravity of the covenant and the unbreakable nature of the commitment. Later God instructed Abram to circumcise himself and the members of his household as a sign of his covenant with YAHWEH.
The Covenant with Noah
One of the earliest covenants in the Bible is the covenant God made with Noah. After the flood, which destroyed much of humanity, God established a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again. The sign of this covenant was the rainbow, a symbol that would remind God and humanity that He would never destroy the earth again with a flood. (Genesis 9:8-17).
The Covenant Between David and Jonathan
The covenant between David and Jonathan is a powerful example of a covenant relationship between individuals. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, recognized that David was chosen by God to be the next king of Israel. Despite the potential conflict of interest, Jonathan loved David as his own soul and made a covenant with him, pledging loyalty and protection (1 Samuel 18:1-4).
The symbol of their covenant was Jonathan’s gift of his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt to David. This act signified Jonathan’s recognition of David’s future kingship and his willingness to relinquish his own claim to the throne.
The Marriage Covenant
Marriage is another profound example of the various covenant relationships mentioned in the Scripture. In Malachi 2:14-16, God refers to marriage as a covenant, emphasizing the sacredness of the marital bond. Marriage is much more than a legal contract that binds two individuals together as one. It is a covenant relationship that mirrors the type of relationship that God’s desires with His people.
Marriage as a Reflection of God’s Covenant with His People
Throughout the Bible, marriage is often used as a metaphor for God’s relationship with Israel and later with the Church. In the book of Hosea, God commands the prophet Hosea to marry a woman who would be unfaithful to him, symbolizing Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. Despite her infidelity, Hosea remains committed to his wife, reflecting God’s enduring love and faithfulness to His covenant people (Hosea 1-3).
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul compares the relationship between Christ and the Church to that of a husband and wife. Christ is the bridegroom, and the Church is His bride. Just as Christ loves the Church and gave Himself up for her, so too are husbands called to love their wives sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25-33).
Conclusion: A Call to Return to Covenant Relationships
In a time when families, communities, and even nations are often fractured by mistrust and broken relationships we are called to build families, businesses and communities based on our covenants with God and with one another. There is a pressing need for God’s people to move from being people who are only identified by our faith in God, to being seen as the people who are in covenant with God.
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About The Author:
Anderick Biddle is a best-selling author and marriage transformation coach. He and his wife Shirron help married couples build triumphant and joy-filled marriages that fulfill God’s vision and purpose for their marriage and family.
You can learn more about them and how you can join them at one of their amazing marriage retreats at https://www.marriagerenovators.com/
Anderick Biddle is a best-selling author and marriage transformation coach. He and his wife Shirron help married couples build triumphant and joy-filled marriages that fulfill God’s vision and purpose for their marriage and family.
You can learn more about them and how you can join them at one of their amazing marriage retreats at https://www.marriagerenovators.com/
