And out of the ground The animals also(LXX adds ἔτι; so also Sam.) are "formed," or "moulded," out of the ground, like man: see Genesis 2:7. They are brought into man's presence to see whether they could be the needed help to him. Only the beasts of the field and the birds are mentioned in this account.

to see what he would call them The names which man will give them will determine their use and position in reference to man's own nature. Their names would reflect the impression produced on the man's mind. A "name," in the estimation of the Hebrew, conveyed the idea of personality and character. It was more than a mere label. The animals, in this account, are created after man, and in definite relation to him; an entirely different representation from that in ch. 1.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising