Adam's Rib

Genesis 2:4-25

What strikes me about this passage is God's care for man. He recognizes our needs and fulfills them. In this instance, God sees what Adam needs and makes a woman for him. Adam may have felt a lacking- but I'm confident that having not seen a woman, he didn't really know what it was that he needed- but God knew- just like He knows what my needs are- better than I do. And not only does He know them- he's willing to answer when I don't know what to ask.

More things that puzzle me:

Does the chronology seem off here compared to chapter one? Trees on the 3rd day, man on the 6th according to chapter 1- but here it sounds like man was before the trees. Maybe chapter 2 is just telling the story out of chronology- but I don't understand why.

So God makes the animals and brings them to Adam to name them. This is kind of a funny scenario. Like trying to get a baby to say something funny for your own amusement (did you hear that? He said "penguin") - the puzzling part comes in the realization that there's no suitable helper amongst the animals. How did God not know that? Maybe he did know- but Adam didn't?

God tells them not to eat of the tree or they will die. While it's not an idle threat (the later result is mortality), it seems like it's somewhat veiled. No bolt of lightning come down and strikes Adam down after he bites into the fruit. Does that mean that God's promises (or warnings) to us are less than direct or straightforward? How do we know what's literal regarding what's to come and what is hidden? Does it matter? Or is it enough to know that He'll reward His children and it will be worth it?

And finally, there's some foreshadowing at the end of this chapter regarding nakedness. They were nekkid and it didn't bother anybody- they felt no shame. We know what's coming- they eat the fruit- and become embarassed, or shameful regarding their lack of clothing. I've heard this described as a loss of innocence, and in a sense I can see that- but why would a man and woman (who are told in chapter one to populate the earth) who seem to be the equivalent of man and wife (in fact the idea of cleaving to your spouse is based on the fact that Eve comes from the rib according to this chapter) be full of shame about being naked? Shouldn't that be a celebration for them- not an embarassment. As I'm writing, I'm struck that perhaps the shame is in God seeing them naked, which makes a little more sense. Any thoughts?

Those of you who haven't hit delete or quit reading long ago, feel free to add in your thoughts!
Chip