The difference between animals and humans is further underscored by the fact that God assigned to humans the responsibility of stewardship “over” the animals (Genesis 1:26). Finally, that difference is also the focus in Genesis 2:18–24, where the way in which the narrative is structured shows that the naming of the animals is to be read in the context of finding a helper for Adam. The lesson is that no helper was found fit for (or corresponding to) Adam among the many animal species then existing – therefore, including, be it noted, whatever nonhuman hominids may or may not have existed at the
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